EDITOR'S NOTE

The joint visit of two United States assistant secretaries Karl Inderfurth and Julia Taft — members in the cabinet of lame duck Clinton administration might have greatly impressed many uninitiated Nepalis. But, to most of them who are well versed in the intricacies of international relations, this visit of such high dignitaries might not be able to generate required enthusiasm. Nepal has had very warm and friendly relations with the United States of America for a much longer period than all the countries in South Asia. The tactical avoidance of Nepal by a U.S. President during his visits to some countries of South Asia recently had deeply hurt the sensibilities of twenty million poor Nepalese people. Whatever congent reasons might be produced to defend the U.S. action and whoever might have played the villain, that it was neither just nor fair cannot be denied. There are some who put the whole blame on Nepalese statesmen and policy makers for not playing their hands well. It is also true that Nepal's policies towards the United States in the last few years have suffered from certain lacuna. But relegating Nepal to the back bench and treating her as an extension may prove to be counter productive in the long run. Be that as it may, the visits by the high U.S. dignitaries showing concern for the solution of the vexed Bhutanese refugee problem have been most welcome. How effective their efforts are going to be will have to be seen. However, political pundits are viewing the visits of the U.S. dignitaries also in a different light. If we recall Karl Inderfurth's statement widely publicized a few weeks back we will find him emphasizing "South Asia, not India, is the new buzzword in U.S." Even though the change of regime in the United States does not normally bring alone revolutionary changes in policies towards smaller nations since no one could ever dream of treating India as a small nation, time will only prove what will be the real buzzword in the U.S. in the coming days. Moreover, it is also surmised that Inderfurth's visit to Bhutan may hide something more than meets the eye. However, in the context of growing Indo-U.S. relationship, South Asia is apt to figure more prominently in U.S. policies. The Crux of the issue is whether the smaller nations of South Asia should rejoice or feel worried at the turn of events. As far Nepal is concerned, who is played more by her own statesmen and politicians than others. As long she cannot get rid of this bunch of corrupt politicians and is blessed by a set of honest and dedicated one, she may not be in a position to point fingers at others for all her ills. United States of America has all along been a good friend and well wisher of Nepal. The Nepalese people have always valued their relationship with the United States, and do trust that this visit of the two U.S. assistant secretaries will not only contribute to strengthening the relationship but also help to correct misguided nations.

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SAARC (Sough Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) has suddenly spurt into new once again. After the deep slumber of more than a year, it is high time that SAARC woke up and started functioning as it had never done before. Whether India was justified in postponing the Summit last year need not be debated any more. Now, that climate between Pakistan and India is improving, all the SAARC countries should seriously start working on the next Summit and hold it as early as possible. Since the summit provides opportunities to meet at the highest level, it has become the wonderful place to thresh out differences. Nihal Rodrigo, the Secretary General of SAARC is a very talented diplomat. And he has still not found ample openings to exercise his talents. It would be sheer waste, if SAARC fails to make use of his experiences and accomplishments. The poor countries of South Asia have paid a heavy price due to the imbroglio. It is time to start again, and start with a bang.

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