Nepali Congress Says Prolonged Ambassadorial Vacancies Are Hurting Nepal’s Foreign Policy

Dragon Media Correspondent

The Nepali Congress has said that prolonged vacancies in ambassadorial posts in several countries are negatively affecting Nepal’s diplomatic presence and the effectiveness of its foreign policy, and has urged the government to begin appointments without further delay.

A meeting of the party’s Central Committee concluded that leaving Nepal’s diplomatic missions abroad without adequate leadership and personnel for extended periods is inappropriate, party spokesperson Devaraj Chalise said.

He stressed that an ambassador is not an ordinary administrative post but a key diplomatic position representing the country abroad, adding that keeping such positions vacant for long periods reflects immaturity in the conduct of foreign policy.

“An ambassador is not a minor issue in a country’s foreign policy. When institutions representing the country remain without ambassadors, it shows immaturity in our foreign policy,” Chalise said.

He said shortages of leadership and personnel at diplomatic missions, consulates and related offices have created difficulties for Nepali citizens abroad in matters ranging from passport renewal to emergency assistance and repatriation of the bodies of deceased nationals.

The Nepali Congress said the state should not focus only on remittances generated by overseas employment, but must also take responsibility for the safety, services and problems faced by Nepali citizens living and working abroad.

The party also questioned the government over the removal of office-holders from various state bodies through ordinances and the subsequent appointment of new officials.

Although the government has claimed that previous officials were replaced in order to bring in more qualified individuals, the Nepali Congress alleged that recent appointments appear to have favoured people close to the ruling establishment.

The party said transparency, impartiality and a merit-based system should be fully observed in government appointments and that political proximity should not become the primary criterion.

The Nepali Congress also urged the government to act with greater accountability and responsibility on issues ranging from citizens’ daily problems and national disasters to social harmony, diplomatic representation and appointments to state institutions.