Parliamentary oversight of security institutions
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.
Ambassador Thapa presents credentials to UN Secretary-General Guterres
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.
“Nepal’s map must be respected by neighbors, international community”
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.
Tatopani border point sees passenger movement after eight years
Passenger movement through the Tatopani border point in Sindhupalchowk district bordering China has resumed from today, after a hiatus of eight years.
Locals of Sindhupalchowk obtaining a permit from the Tatopani-based Immigration Office set out towards China crossing the 'Miteri Pul' (Friendship Bridge) at Liping, the local market leading up to the Miteri Pul after security clearance from Chinese security personnel.
The locals' team led by lawmaker Madhav Sapkota received a warm welcome from the Chinese people.
Sapkota, who reached the bordering point with people's representatives from the Tatopani area, officials from the Immigration Office this morning, said that the border point is fully open from today.
The border point that remained closed since the Gorkha Earthquake in 2015, however, saw movement of goods-carrying vehicles since May 1 this year.
The transit point has been opened for the people’s movement, said CDO of Sindhupalchowk, Ramesh Neupane, after raising the issue repeatedly in the Parliament and subsequent discussions from Nepali side with the China side.
