Valley
British minister expresses concern about border obstructions
Expressing concern about the latest political situation and delay in formation of reconstruction authority to carry out reconstruction and rehabilitation of the quake-affected people, the United Kingdom has said the British support to Nepal will continue.Expressing concern about the latest political situation and delay in formation of reconstruction authority to carry out reconstruction and rehabilitation of the quake-affected people, the United Kingdom has said the British support to Nepal will continue.
During a telephone conversation between British Minister of State at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Hugo Swire, and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Kamal Thapa last week, Swire expressed his serious concerns about the impact of the border blockages on the supply and distribution of humanitarian assistance in Nepal, according to a press statement issued by the British Embassy in Kathmandu.
. Swire talked to Thapa on November over phone on November 19, a week after British Prime Minister David Cameron and his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi issued a joint statement, in which both had ‘stressed the importance of a lasting and inclusive constitutional settlement in Nepal that will address the remaining areas of concern and promote political stability and economic growth’.
Nepal’s political and diplomatic community had criticized the joint statement.
Expressing reservations about the joint statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had said that Nepal ‘strongly views that constitution making is an internal matter of Nepal, and Nepal is capable of handling its internal affairs on its own’.
Swire also urged the government of Nepal to provide the leadership required for the reconstruction process, added the press statement.
“With winter approaching, there is a risk of a second humanitarian crisis if the situation is not resolved shortly,” Swire said.
Similarly, the British minister also assured DPM Thapa of the UK’s continued support and friendship for the people of Nepal.
“The UK is clear the political situation in Nepal is ultimately for Nepal to resolve,” he said. The UK hopes peaceful dialogue and compromise will continue, to find an agreed position that meets the needs of all Nepali citizens, added the statement.