Kathmandu, November 2: Jigyan Kumar Thapa, who had been nominated as Nepal’s ambassador to Japan, has withdrawn his name from consideration. The Parliamentary Hearing Committee said that Thapa had sent a formal letter to the committee requesting the withdrawal of his nomination.
At a meeting of the Parliamentary Hearing Committee held on Monday, committee chairperson Bodh Narayan Shrestha informed members about Thapa’s decision to withdraw his name.
According to Shrestha, Thapa informed the committee that he had decided to withdraw his nomination as ambassador following questions raised about a possible conflict of interest. Chairperson Shrestha said that although Thapa had a good personal and professional profile, he had to take this decision because concerns over a conflict of interest had been raised.
Shrestha informed the committee that Thapa had said there was no legal barrier preventing him from becoming an ambassador, but he had decided to withdraw his nomination because of personal considerations. Committee members had raised questions because Thapa’s family members are currently permanent residents of Japan.
Earlier, reports had emerged that an understanding had been reached at the top level of the ruling Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) not to send Thapa to Japan as ambassador. It was reportedly agreed that he could be appointed ambassador to another country but would not be posted to Japan, following which he decided to withdraw his nomination.
Shrestha said Thapa had informed him that he would not appear before the committee in person but would submit a written application. According to Chairperson Shrestha, Thapa withdrew his name after taking into account the questions raised over a potential conflict of interest.
The parliamentary hearing of the proposed ambassadors was held on Asoj 28, 2083. Of the 13 nominees recommended for ambassadorial appointments, the Parliamentary Hearing Committee approved only 10 names that day.
Login to add a comment