NATIONAL10 (Spotlight Weelky)]

‘It's The Right Of The Govt To Defend Its People'

— MARK DOWDLE

MARK DOWDLE, Defence Attache at the British Embassy in Kathmandu is leaving shortly after completing his assignment in Nepal. On the eve of his return, Dowdle shared his experiences in Nepal with SPOTLIGHT. Excerpts:

How have you enjoyed your three years in Nepal?

My family and I have thoroughly enjoyed the time that we have spent as guests in your country. I think, exemplified by the many important visitors such as HRH Prince Philip, HRH Princess Anne, the Defence and Foreign Secretaries as well as a number of senior military officers who have visited Nepal, our bilateral relationship is stronger than ever. So a fantastic and very rewarding stay; we will miss our many Nepali friends.

But what about the current situation?

I think that there is a broad feeling of disappointment that the current security situation has deteriorated, particularly in the light of the genuine and positive negotiating stance of Prime Minister Deuba's government. But it is the legitimate right ó and indeed duty ó of a democratically elected government to defend its people and to maintain the rule of law.

What do you think about the Nepalese government's call for retired Gurkhas, particularly ex-British Gurkhas, to provide assistance during the current conflict?

That really is a matter for His Majesty's Government and the individuals concerned. Of course, those Gurkhas who retire from the British Army remain Nepalis throughout and after their service and it is a matter for them.

How do you think the ex-servicemen have responded to your time in Nepal?

I think that that is really a question that you might like to ask them. There have been quite a few significant changes over the last couple of years and perhaps I could cite a few ó and that is against the backdrop of responsibility for almost 26,000 service pensioners and 11,500 welfare pensioners and their families. We have introduced an excellent medical scheme, which benefits all our pensioners and their families, there is a much enhanced service pension and increased welfare pensions. We continue to build about eight schools a year and provide education, scholarships, vocational and employment training for over 1300 people. We have built an outstanding Drug Rehabilitation Centre in Dharan and, at our four Key Area Welfare Centres (Bagmati, Kaski, Dharan and Butwal) provided or are about to provide additional facilities for our pensioners particularly residential accommodation. I could go on. But the main point is that our pensioners in Nepal get an excellent deal (who else has an index-linked pension ó as a private soldier equivalent — of over NCRs 8,600 each month after only 15 years work?). Our serving soldiers get broadly the same deal as their British equivalents. In short, our support to our serving and retired servicemen is constant and they get an excellent deal. So I think that the vast majority are content; in all walks of life there is always a vociferous minority that is not happy. But I think that the agenda of this minority inevitably revolves around self-interest. By the way, a team are to arrive shortly to examine whether there should be an uplift to the service pension and, with effect from 1 January the welfare pensioners will benefit from a 10 percent increase.

Why your interest in Maiti Nepal?

I met Mrs Koirala and visited Maiti Nepal early in my stay here. The plight of the young girls who have been rescued from the flesh trade is appalling. British Gurkhas Nepal has tried to help in providing infrastructure improvements and money. They will continue to do so.

And your thoughts on leaving Nepal?

Sadness and I will miss my many Nepali friends. Concern over the current and unnecessary conflict and I hope that there is an early resolution. My best wishes to all our ex-servicemen and their families and, last but not least, a keen sense of looking forward to my next visit!