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American Senator Chris Van Hollen, who is on a Nepal visit, expressed his concern over Nepal’s peace process.

During a meeting with CPN-UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli at UML’s Parliamentary Party Office in Singha Durbar on Sunday, Senator Hallen expressed his concern over how Nepal’s peace process will move ahead and reach its conclusion.

On the occasion, the two stressed on the need to strengthen the relationship between the two countries.

Senator Hollen said that they are happy and positive that Nepal is moving forward in the implementation of Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC).

UML Vice-Chairman Subash Chandra Nembang said that a discussion was held about the relationship between the two countries and the Senator expressed his concern over Nepal’s peace process.

In response, UML Chairman Oli said that the peace process will conclude in accordance with international commitments, Supreme Court’s decision and being victims-friendly, Nepal informed.

Hollen, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations, had arrived in Nepal on Friday.

National Center for Security Governance (NCSG), a Kathmandu-based top security think-tank, organized a roundtable discussion with lawmakers, senior politicians, security experts and representatives from civil society on “Parliamentary Oversight on National Security and Security Institutions.

At the outset of the program, Executive Director of NCSG Abhaya Raj Joshi highlighted the objective of the program stating that in a democratic set up there should be parliamentary oversight on security and defense related issues. He further added that there should be a regular interface between security institutions and lawmakers on security related issues.

Speaking at the program, former finance minister Surendra Pandey spoke on multiple aspects of security.

“We are facing multiple problems ranging from security to the international environment, the situation is even more serious than we understand.” 

Newly elected Chairman of State Affairs and Good Governance Committee of Parliament Ram Hari Khatiwada said he will work intensively to deal with the security related issues.

Chief Whip of Rastriya Swatantra Party Santosh Pariyar opined that there should be open debate and discussions on every issue except few that are related to the core security issues.

Senior retired officials of Nepal Army and Nepal Police spoke about the various dimensions of traditional and new security challenges.

They said that the country’s security institutions must be strengthened to deal with emerging security challenges. 

It is a part of NCSG’s regular engagement with stakeholders to discuss security issues.

Permanent Representative of Nepal to the United Nations Organization Lok Bahadur Thapa presented his Letters of Credence to United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres at a special ceremony held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York on Friday.

Ambassador Thapa held a courtesy meeting with Secretary-General Guterres following the presentation of his credentials.

On the occasion, the Secretary-General congratulated and welcomed Ambassador Thapa as the Permanent Representative of Nepal to the United Nations and assured him of all necessary support in discharging his duties and further enhancing Nepal-UN relations, reads a statement issued by the Permanent Mission of Nepal to the United Nations in New York.

Secretary-General Guterres appreciated the role that Nepal has been playing in the United Nations over the years.

While recalling his fond memories of his visits to Nepal in his earlier capacities, Guterres expressed his thankfulness to Nepal for the support and solidarity it extended for the realization of the objectives of the United Nations.

During the meeting, Ambassador Thapa conveyed to the Secretary-General the greetings and warm wishes from President Ram Chandra Paudel, Prime Minister Mr. Pushpa Kamal Dahal and Minister for Foreign Affairs NP Saud, the statement reads.

Thanking the United Nations for its cooperation to Nepal’s development as well as the peace process, Ambassador Thapa reiterated Nepal’s full support and firm commitment to the United Nations.

Ambassador Thapa also commended the Secretary-General’s efforts and initiatives in global peace and security, sustainable development, climate justice, and UN reform among others.

Outlining Nepal’s priorities in different areas including peacekeeping, climate change, and sustainable development, Ambassador Thapa expressed Nepal’s willingness to further deepen and strengthen its relations with the United Nations.

Ambassador Thapa arrived in New York to begin his tour of duty as the Permanent Representative of Nepal to the United Nations on 31 August 2023.

The government of Nepal said that it is firm and clear on its political and administrative map unanimously approved by the Parliament of Nepal in 2020.

Issuing a statement on Friday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said, “Nepal stands firm and clear on its political and administrative map unanimously approved by the Parliament of Nepal in 2020".

The spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs made the clarification in response to the media queries regarding the “2023 edition of the standard map of China” released on 28 August 2023.

“The Government of Nepal unequivocally believes that this map must be respected by our neighbors as well as the international community,” the statement reads.

Nepal remains committed to resolve the boundary matters through dialogues and diplomacy.