KP Oli, Ramesh Lekhak released on general date
Former Prime Minister and CPN-UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli and former Home Minister and Nepali Congress leader Ramesh Lekhak have been released on a general date on Thursday.
Kathmandu Police Chief SSP Ramesh Thapa said that they received a letter from the public prosecutor directing them to release the individuals and hand them over to the concerned party in accordance with the Supreme Court’s order.
Hearing the writ petition filed by Oli and the Lekhak’s family, the court ordered their release after the five-day remand, extended by the Kathmandu court last Monday, expired.
Police had arrested Oli and Lekhak on March 28 while implementing the report of the inquiry commission formed to investigate the Gen Z protest held on September 8 and 9.
A total of 77 people were killed-many of them protesters shot by police- during the protests, which also resulted in the destruction of government and private property worth billions of rupees.
Nepal welcomes US-Iran ceasefire agreement
Nepal has welcomed the recent announcement of a two-week ceasefire agreement reached between the United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran.
"Nepal views this development as a positive step towards the promotion of peace and stability in the region while reiterating its consistent position in favour of peaceful settlement of disputes," reads a statement released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday.
It marks a constructive step towards de-escalation of tensions in West Asia, providing an opportunity for dialogue, diplomacy and peaceful resolution of differences.
The Government has also expressed its concern over the humanitarian consequences of the conflict and underscores the importance of ensuring the safety and well-being of civilians.
"Nepal remains supportive of all efforts by the international community aimed at promoting lasting peace and stability in the region and beyond," adds the statement.
Govt eager to further strengthen relations with friendly countries: PM Shah
Prime Minister Balendra Shah has mentioned that the government was willing to further strengthen relations with friendly countries.
During a meeting today with heads of different diplomatic missions in Nepal and ambassadors at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers, Prime Minister Shah said that the government has given high importance to the relations with all countries and is committed to boost partnership based on mutual benefits and trust.
"Nepal has been adopting a balanced and practical foreign policy. Our foreign relations are aligned with the objectives of prosperity," he said. The Prime Minister also expressed gratitude towards all partners and friends for their continuous support and goodwill for Nepal's development endeavours and prosperity.
He emphasized that peace is a shared priority as ongoing conflicts in the world affect general people the most, expecting collective efforts on the shared priority.
Prime Minister Shah underlined that the government was committed to building an environment conducive for investment, to encouraging entrepreneurship and to supporting sustainable development. "A new government does not mean a break from continuity. We are firmly committed to maintaining political stability, keeping policy directives stable and predictable," the PM underscored.
He stressed that the government was willing to collaborate in different areas including development, trade, investment and climate adaptation activities as well as people-to-people relations, adding security and welfare of the Nepalis abroad are also a priority of the government.
MoFA briefs ministers on 'Foreign Affairs and Diplomatic Code of Conduct'
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) has made a presentation to all the ministers of the government led by Prime Minister Balendra Shah regarding the 'Foreign Affairs and Diplomatic Code of Conduct'.
Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Amrit Bahadur Rai gave a presentation at the program held today at the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers' office in Singha Durbar, said Deepa Dahal, the Press Expert to Prime Minister Shah.
Secretary Rai gave a detailed presentation on the international context, Nepal's international relations, the promotion of national interests, and Nepal's overall foreign policy.
He provided detailed information regarding the methods, limits and diplomatic decorum to be followed while conducting foreign policy.
In his presentation, Foreign Secretary Rai had given special emphasis to the priorities of Nepal's foreign policy, the balance of relationships and the technical aspects of diplomatic protocol.
In addition, during meetings with foreign officials, matters ranging from general etiquette to mandatory subjects of diplomatic protocol were presented among the ministers.
