On/Off the Record
By P.R. Pradhan
It has already been confirmed that Nepal cannot move forward with the existing political system and under the leadership of the present group of the political leaders. In the history of the 75 years of cordial diplomatic relations between Nepal and the USA, for the first time, the US government has warned the Nepal government on the issue of the MCC adoption. The American officials have warned for reviewing America’s relations with Nepal and list Nepal in the China influenced country. Moreover, the American officials have warned against lobbying with the countries under their influence and financial institutions for not cooperating with Nepal. The use of such harsh words from a friendly nation cannot be expected but it has happened.
On the other hand, the Chinese Foreign Ministry, indicated towards the American grant with a condition said that how could a “gift” be sent by an ultimatum!
Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hua Chunying said, “How could people accept such a “gift”? Is it a “gift or Pandora’s box? Is it afraid that just as the old Nepali saying goes, it looks delicious, but it’s actually a meat tough to chew!”
These are the indications that Nepal has fallen into a trap between the two superpower nations. Yes, we know, since the adoption of the multiparty democracy and later “loktantra” the political parties have already spoiled our all organs and the system essential to run the nation. More importantly, Nepal became a sole import-dependent nation and on foreign affairs also, due to the negligence or naivety of the political leaders, we are facing an economic and diplomatic crisis. The sensitive issue of foreign policy has become the issue of a violent street demonstration. The very political leaders who had approached the American government for the grant have mobilized their cadres in the streets chanting slogans defaming the friendly country. It means that our leaders are not concerned about the diplomatic consequences of such acts. They are performing double standards and spoiling our diplomatic relations with other countries just for the sake of power, their personal and party interests.
Due to the wrong handling of foreign policy, Nepal is facing such an odd situation. Moreover, diplomacy is also related to safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty. Is the Nepali sovereignty safe from all sides, perhaps, the political leaders have no time to think about it. In the global context, a new era of the cold war has existed. Small and weak countries have become the playground of foreign powers. Many poor countries are engaged in the civil war and become victims of foreign interference. In such a crucial period, Nepal is needed strong diplomacy so that we can protect its national sovereignty. Nepal’s security strength is very weak. In this regard, either Nepal should be declared a zone of peace or it should strengthen its national army and security forces to protect the nation, national territory and national integrity. Strengthening the national economy, introducing a patriotic political system, reinstating the permanent patriotic institution of monarchy, strengthening national security and strengthening foreign policy are the main pillars for safeguarding Nepal, a precious gift of our brave ancestors. How can we get back our illegally encroached territory in Kalapani, this should be the prime goal of every Nepalis. Whether Nepali territory is being encroached; whether efforts are on to split Nepal’s Tarai districts; whether efforts are on for deploying foreign army by the neighbouring countries, we have to remain alert and work to foil such possible plans of the enemies.
A sensitive, effective and balanced foreign policy is needed to save Nepal. The present way of dealing with the foreign policy would not benefit the nation, rather, it would harm us very badly. If the Maoists and the Unified Socialist parties were to adopt MCC with an “explanatory note”, why did they try to intensify dispute and brought down their cadres in the streets destroying public structures and pelting stones at the security forces? Why such a double standard was performed? Has the MCC become a grant project matching Nepali national interests now? After all, Nepal has been defeated!
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