NATIONAL 4 - (Spotlight Weekly)

‘Pakistan Would Not Do Anything That Would Harm The Interest Of Nepal’

— Fauzia Nasreen

Ambassador of the Islamic Republic Of Pakistan to Nepal Ms Fauzia Nasreen spoke to KESHAB POUDEL and BHAGIRATH YOGI of SPOTLIGHT on the various aspects of relations regarding the two South Asian countries. Excerpts

How do you assess the relations between Nepal and Pakistan?

Relations between Nepal and Pakistan have been cordial and trouble-free. We have enjoyed very good cooperation. Some years ago, we had formed an institutionalized arrangement i.e. Joint Economic Commission to enhance cooperation in a number of fields. Unfortunately, it has not been held since 1995. We hope the next session of JEC would be convened at an early date. There is another mechanism of consultation between the two foreign ministers as well as proposal to form a Joint Business Council. There is also exchange of people between Pakistan and Nepal in connection with seminars and conferences and trainings and educational purposes. A fairly large numbers of students go to Pakistan to pursue their studies in professional colleges under the technical assistance program. Therefore, I would define bilateral relations between Nepal and Pakistan as cordial characterized by warmth at people to people level.

Despite her various constraints Pakistan has tried to help Nepal in her economic development. What do you think are the areas that should be exploited in a greater degree to strengthen Nepal-Pakistan relationship?

The basic umbrella agreement is the JEC, which identifies areas of cooperation in multi faceted fields. There is much scope and the two sides should meet to decide in a focused manner. For example, I understand that a few years back a Pakistani Company that had in collaboration with local partners to set up a terry towel— manufacturing unit, I believe it was a successful experience in introducing a new value added item in Nepal. There is vast potential for mutually beneficial relationship, which need to be exploited. Presently our bilateral trade on an average is to the tune of 5 to 6 million dollars, which is insignificant.

Pakistan could make very tangible contribution to the development of sports in Nepal. Why has neither government given any serious consideration on this matter?

I would disagree with you on this. Though there hasn't been any significant development in this regard, at modest level things have happened in this field. Recently we have sent one person from Nepal for training in squash. There have been exchanges of boxing, tennis, and cricket teams. I also saw a wrestling team some months back in Kathmandu. Presently there is a coach from Pakistan to train young Nepali cricketers.

Pakistani music like ghazals and Qawalis are very popular in Nepal. Do you think there should be greater interaction in this sphere?

I think we had very good cooperation in the past as far as cultural programs and exchanges are concerned. A good number of films were made as joint ventures. Regrettably in the last few years there hasn't been much activity. Given the kind of cultural affinities that are there between Pakistan and Nepal and the mutual interest the two peoples have in music, there is a vast scope in this sphere. Presently Ustad Ghulam Ali Khan is visiting Kathmandu. He has received a very warm response from the people of Nepal. If you remember he had sung four lyrics of the late King Mahindra, which are still popular in Nepal. This time he has recorded six more songs written by Nepali poets. We also have Urdu Chair at Thribhuvan University, which has been contributing towards promotion of Urdu literature and cultural relations. Though I am happy and satisfied with the pace, still there is scope for further improvement.

Do you think Pakistan and India becoming nuclear powers pose any threat to smaller nations in South Asia?

Well, let me put it this way, I think there is a recognition at the international level. President Clinton also mentioned about this, that given kind of complex problems in this region in the backdrop of Kashmir problem and unclear capabilities of the two sides, South Asia is a flash point. This is what generally the international community feels. Let me clarify Pakistan is a responsible country and we are cognizant of the responsibilities shouldered by us as a nuclear state. We have taken adequate measures to ensure effective command and control system. All I can say is that the smaller countries should feel reassured about Pakistan's responsibilities as a member of the international comity of nations. Nevertheless given the kind of conflict that is there in South Asia, there is an apprehension that conflicts like Kashmir could pose potential danger. I think this is something that the international community also recognizes.

What has been the response of Pakistani government to the international community's concern that India and Pakistan sign CTBT?

As far as signing of CTBT is concerned first of all let me explain that Pakistan has unilaterally imposed moratorium on further tests after conducting nuclear tests in 1998. So the commitment is there. However, to sign CTBT, the government wants to evolve a national consensus because whenever a decision is taken to sign the CTBT it would be backed by the entire nation.

How do you look at the sine die postponement of SAARC Summit?

That was an unfortunate development. It has retarded the process of development and progress in this region.

Do you think the SAARC has the potential of making significant contribution towards overall development of South Asia?

I think so because generally speaking the international trend is to work within the framework of regional cooperation. If this region can collectively enter into cooperative arrangements with other regional groupings and put up its case forcefully in international forums, we will benefit from it. In addition of course there is a tremendous potential within the region itself, which can be exploited to the mutual benefit of all the member countries.

How do you see the possibility of re-starting the SAARC summit by putting under sideline other differences?

Let me talk a little bit about the changed situation in the regional as well as international context. My view is that there is a requirement to take into consideration that SAARC should also discuss political issues because political, security and economic issues are interlinked. Perhaps SAARC can play a very important role in developing better understanding of perceptions among its members. This does not mean that Pakistan does not want to focus on economic cooperation, I think mutual confidence and trust would go a long way in furthering the economic agenda.

Is there any possibility to develop surface trade between Nepal and Pakistan?

I think you cannot rule out possibility completely. This is must something which be decided between India and Nepal. Probably Nepal could discuss this with India. It is something that has to be worked out with India.

How long do you think it might take for the two chief executives of Pakistan and India to meet face to face?

I can only talk about the position taken by my government. The chief executive of Pakistan has reiterated time and again that he is prepared to meet any Indian leader anywhere and at any time. It will be very difficult for me to comment on how Indian government would response to this offer.

There have been reports in certain section of media that Pakistani intelligence agency is using Nepalese territory against the third country. What do you say?

Well, there have been allegations and accusations in the past and there hasn't been any evidence to support such claims. I don't think we would do anything that would harm the interests of Nepal. Recently there was a South Asian News Conference in Islamabad. Some Nepali journalists who attended the meeting asked questions to the effect to the Chief Executive of Pakistan who categorically rejected these allegations.

‘Open Border Is Not A Problem At All’

— Hridayesh Tripathy

MP Hridayesh Tripathy is the chief-whip of Nepal Sadbhavana Party's Parliamentary Committee. A former minister, Tripathy is also a member of the House of Representatives Public Accounts Committee. He spoke to SPOTLIGHT on issues related to Nepal India relations. Excerpts:

How do you evaluate Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala's recent visit to India?

Well, Nepal-India relation is of nobody's making as it is a relation based on necessities of the citizens of the two countries through which the people get mutual benefits. As it is guided by nature, history, culture and religion, the high-level visit only served as a process to cement the existing relation. Though it was a visit undertaken without any preparation, Koirala's recent visit to India, I would say, has been fruitful in the sense that the it marked the end of the long gap of high level exchanges.

What is your party's stand on regulating the open border between Nepal and India?

We are taking it very seriously. The border regulation will have far-reaching consequences in the lives of common people inthe Terai. We have already opposed the PM's stand to regulate the open border between the two countries. I don't think that the open border is responsible for all the problems between the two neighbors. Our politicians say the regulation of border can cure all the ills. Prime Minister Koirala even said he would accept the proposal to fence the border. As a party based on Terai, we cannot support such proposals. We are seriously concerned about Prime Minister Koirala's remarks as he has never discussed the issue with the country's major political parties including us. PM should not have made a personal remark on such an issue like fencing the open border.

At a time when even some section of Indian officials have been demanding the regulation of the open border, what should Nepal do then?

We believe that open border is not a problem at all. The border between the two countries has remained open for several centuries. I don't think the Indian officials are concerned on whether to regulate the border or not but they are opposing the incidents of cross border terrorism. Indians are worried about the misuse of Nepalese territory against India's interest. The statement of Prime Minister Koirala is the reflection of his failure to contain the misuse of open border by some miscreants. We strongly object the plan of regulating the open border.

But the government of the two countries have already decided to implement the ID card system for its citizens travelling by air. How do you look at that?

We have already protested the move. We believe that such move will bar genuine Nepalese, who do not have citizenship certificates from visiting India by air. When about 4 million people in Terai are being denied the citizenship certificate, is it not tantamount to barring them from travelling abroad by air? It is a impractical decision to give validity to the documents like voters' identity card, passport or citizenship certificate. When the voters' identity card has not been distributed nationwide and when such a large number of people do not have citizenship certificate, what is the use of implementing such a system. It will only curb Nepalese citizens from visiting India. It is highly objectionable.

How do you assess the remarks by the main opposition party CPN-UML which said that the visit was a total failure?

Nepalese leftist and other movements are developed on anti-Indian feelings. Contrary to their philosophy, Nepal's communists have been leading the anti-Indian moves. As a former communist worker myself, I don't see any rationale behind the India-bashing from the communist parties. India-bashing reflects a bankruptcy of ideas and knowledge in our communist parties as they believe that anti-India sloganeering is the only effective way to convince the voters. Nationalism means to love one's country and defend the country but one cannot be a nationalist by denouncing another country. You can change your friend but you cannot change your neighbor. You have to live with the neighbor. It is undeniable that Nepal is surrounded by India on three sides, so we need to have better understanding with them. Our tendency to politicize the relation between the two countries and exploit the petty disputes for political gain will not serve the interest of our country. It is unfortunate to see such behavior from responsible political parties.

As Nepal's Terai region is geographically closer to India, do you foresee any joint efforts from Nepal and India to industrialize the region?

We have very close relation with India and no one has been able to break the relation. On the one hand we are talking about the need to enhance the close economic cooperation between the two countries, on the other hand we are talking about the need to regulate our border. This is not in tune. When Prime Minister Koirala himself is leading the crusade against open border, how can you talk about close economic cooperation. If you cannot lure the Indian industries when we have open border, how can it be possible to do so in case of closed border?

What are the hindrances for the economic development of Terai region?

Since Terai's economy is agro-based, as long as we don't provide adequate irrigation facilities, it is impossible to change the economy in the Terai. Just a decade ago, Nepal used to export rice to India and now we are importing it from them. As almost all Nepalese rivers flow to the south, we have to tap the water to irrigate our land. But we should develop good understanding with India to tap the potential. We have problems of soil erosion, floods, electricity and irrigation. The leaders of both the countries must work out a plan for mutual benefit. We have to rely on India. We can not deny the fact that large number of Nepalese are employed in Indian market. Of course, Nepal borders one of the poorest Indian states like Bihar and we have been facing many problems from its backwardness.