PM Oli leaving for Spain on June 28

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli is leaving for Spain on June 28.

Prime Minister Oli is leaving for Spain at the invitation of United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres.

A Cabinet meeting held on Monday approved Prime Minister Oli's visit to Spain.

He will return home on July 4.

Similarly, the meeting has decided to withdraw the Water Resources Bill. 

 

Government calls for safety of Nepalis based in Israel

Minister for Foreign Affairs Arzu Rana met with Israeli Ambassador to Nepal, Shmulik Arie Bass, on Monday to discuss the evolving situation resulting from the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran. During the meeting held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Minister Rana inquired about the condition of Nepali citizens currently in Israel amid the conflict. She expressed concern over the safety of Nepalis living there and requested the ambassador to ensure their protection.

Ambassador Bass assured the minister that Nepalis in Israel are currently safe and that the Israeli government is committed to the security of all foreign nationals, including Nepalis.

The Foreign Ministry has instructed Nepali embassies in Israel and Qatar to prioritize the safety and well-being of Nepali citizens residing in Israel and Iran. Minister Deuba also held telephone conversations with Nepali ambassadors in Tel Aviv and Doha, directing them to remain in close contact with Nepali nationals and provide regular updates on security advisories issued by the respective governments.

According to the ministry, around 5,500 Nepalis are currently in Israel and 12 in Iran. Given the escalating conflict, the Government of Nepal is “closely monitoring the developments and will take all necessary steps to ensure the safety and interests of Nepali nationals in the region”.

The ministry has also requested Nepalis in need of assistance to contact the Nepali embassies in Tel Aviv and Doha (Qatar). The Nepali Embassy in Pakistan concurrently looks after matters concerning Iran in the absence of an embassy in the Gulf nation. Nepal and Iran established diplomatic relations in 1964. However, Nepal closed its embassy in Tehran in 1981 following the Islamic Revolution.

Against this backdrop, coordination for Nepalis in Iran is facilitated through the Nepali Embassy in Qatar.

Meanwhile, Biratnagar Metropolitan City Mayor Nagesh Koirala, who had traveled to Israel to study cooperative practices, remains stranded due to the closure of international borders amid the conflict. Mayor Koirala is reportedly taking shelter in a bunker. He stated that he is currently safe in a city located 30 kilometers from the capital. He was scheduled to return to Nepal on June 20, but the escalating tensions and airport closures have made his return uncertain.

 

Court orders release of Rana on Rs 300, 000 bail

The Kathmandu District Court on Monday ordered the release of Rastriya Prajatantra Party General Secretary Dhawal Shumsher Rana on bail.

A single bench of Judge Shiva Prasad Khanal ordered the release of Rana on a bail amount of Rs 300, 000.

Earlier, Rana was released on a general date.

Police had arrested and started an investigation after the pro-monarchy demonstration at Tinkune on March 28 turned violent.

On June 13, seven people including Durga Prasain, who is said to be the "field commander" of the protest, were sent to judicial custody on charge of inciting criminal activities in the Capital City.

A single bench of Judge Dhruba Raj Karki of the Kathmandu District Court issued an order to send seven people including Prasain to judicial custody and release 32 others on bail. 

Foreign Minister Rana meets with Israeli Ambassador Bass

Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba held a meeting with Israeli Ambassador to Nepal Shmulik Arie Bass at her office on Monday and took updates about the Israel-Iran conflict and latest political developments there.

On the occasion, the Minister expressed her concerns over the situation of Nepali nationals in Israel, urging the government of Israel to ensure their safety.

The ambassador apprised the Minister that Nepalis in Israel are so far safe.. 

On Sunday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that Nepali nationals currently in Israel and Iran are safe. 

The Foreign Minister also spoke with the Nepali ambassadors to Israel in Tel Aviv and Qatar in Doha, requesting them to remain vigilant regarding the safety of Nepali citizens in their respective regions. 

Qatar is playing a facilitator's role in efforts to de-escalate the Israel-Iran conflict.

The Ministry stated that it is closely monitoring the situation, which has been unfolding over the past few days, and will take appropriate measures to ensure the safety of Nepali nationals when necessary.