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CPN-UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli has said that there should be a national consensus among major political parties on the fundamental issues of foreign policy and international relations.  

Speaking at a program organized by the Association of Former Nepali Ambassadors (AFNA) he said stability in the domestic polity is a prerequisite for the effective and smooth functioning of external relations.

The former prime minister further added that Nepal should present itself with a reliable and trustworthy policy and behavior while dealing with neighboring countries. The main opposition leader was of the view that Nepal should present all its issues in a frank and clear manner with neighboring countries. He said only an open and frank exchange of dialogue can bring about cordiality in bilateral relations.

 “If there was not internal political upheaval, the map row with India would have been already resolved,” said Oli who as a prime minister took the initiative to issue a new political map incorporating Kalapani, Lipulekh, and Limpiyadurha. In the bilateral talks with the Indian counterpart, I had presented all the issues in a free and frank manner, he said. 

The former Prime Minister Oli laid emphasis on the need of resolving problems by holding discussions if any problem surfaces in foreign relations. He shared, "Nepal should present itself with reliable and trustworthy policy and behavior before the neighboring countries. Dual characters should not be shown. We should not play any card on the issue of international relations."

The UML chair clarified that although any country may be small in population and geography, Nepal could hold discussions with all countries of the world without any hesitation as the sovereignty of each country is equal.

Oli further added that the government is not consulting with the main opposition party while taking vital decisions related to foreign policy. There is a tradition of soliciting the views of opposition parties before the prime minister's foreign visit but the current government has not reached out to us, he said. 

Lucky Sherpa, former Ambassador and general secretary of AFNA informed that their plan of holding a series of dialogues on foreign policy issues of Nepal.

“We plan to hold a series of dialogues with leaders of major political parties to forge a national consensus on key fundamental issues of foreign policy,” she said. She further added that matters related to foreign policy should not be politicized and there should be broader consultations and discussions before taking a decision on key foreign policy matters. 

National Assembly (NA) Chairman Ganesh Prasad Timilsina directed the government to respond to the House about the reason behind increasing the prices of petroleum products and daily essentials.  

In today's NA meeting, lawmakers of the main opposition party- CPN-UML- called on the government to make the people clear about the price hike and drew the attention of NA Chair Timilsina to issue directives to the government in this regard. 

Drawing the government's serious attention towards price hike, NA Chair Timilsina directed the concerned ministers to respond to this issue in the next meeting of the Upper House of the Federal Parliament. 

"Issues of public concern like price hike have been raised in the NA meeting. The NA members have raised this issue again in today's meeting. It is the responsibility of the government to answer the people over the issues raised through the House. I want to draw serious attention from the government towards it. I direct the concerned ministers to respond to this issue in the next meeting," he mentioned.

CPN-UML Chief Whip in the National Assembly Khimlal Bhattarai said that they would not allow the House to proceed with its business until the concerned ministers give clear answers.

Bhattarai demanded that the government bring a clear plan with a relief package in order to provide concessions to the people affected by the price hike. 

After UML's protest, NA Chair Timilsina announced postponement of today's meeting which had an agenda to hold discussions on different headings of the Appropriation Bill-2079. 

The next meeting of the NA has been scheduled at 1 pm on Wednesday.

Ambassador of Switzerland to Nepal Elisabeth von Capeller paid a courtesy call on Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Pampha Bhusal.

During the meeting held at the Ministry today, they discussed the various aspects of bilateral relations and cooperation. 

Recalling the Swiss government's significant support in Nepal's technical and vocational education, Minister Bhusal expected necessary technical and financial support of the Swiss government in the energy sector of Nepal in coming days. 

She further said that Nepal has been facing huge problems due to the impact of climate change. The Energy Minister pointed out the collaboration to mitigate the impacts of climate change, which has become the common problem of both countries. 

Minister Bhusal extended gratitude towards the Swiss government for its support in implementation of federalism and employment expansion. 

Similarly, Ambassador Capeller said there is a need of technical support rather than financial support in Nepal, assuring Swiss government's continuous technical support.

She shared, "We have knowledge and skill required for technical sectors like tunnels and turbines. We want to support Nepal."

The Swiss Ambassador further said the temperature of Switzerland is also increasing due to the impact of climate change. 

Joint Secretaries at the Energy Ministry, Madhu Prasad Bhetuwal and Baburam Bhandari and representatives of Foreign Ministry were present on the occasion.

The parliamentary committee directed the government to bring the Federal Education Act at the earliest.

The Education and Health Committee of the House of Representatives on Tuesday directed the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology to bring the act as soon as possible.

Saying that the education sector has been facing problems due to lack of the act, Committee President Jayapuri Gharti directed the government to bring the act promptly.