Robert O. Blake Jr., US Assistant Secretary for South and Central Asia Affairs
Reposted from The Himalayan Times
US Assistant Secretary for South and Central Asia Affairs Robert O. Blake Jr today urged political leaders to demonstrate statesmanship and flexibility in order to finish residue job of drafting new constitution and concluding peace process.
“If Nepal’s political leaders can put aside their differences and work together, we are confident that all outstanding constitutional issues can be settled,” Blake said.
Blake was addressing a press conference at the end of his two-day visit, during which he called on Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai, Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Narayan Kaji Shrestha and top leaders of all political forces, interacted with Tibetan community in Nepal and business and civil society leaders.
He said it was up to Nepali leaders how fast the democracy to restore in the country. “We wish to see a stable, democratic, and prosperous Nepal in which the rights of all citizens are protected and the rule of law respected.”
Saying that transitional justice mechanisms are a key part of peace process, he said. “It is crucial that any Truth and Reconciliation Commission be credible and aligned with internationally recognised human rights standards.”
In his entire engagements, he said creating an attractive investment climate was critical for Nepal’s economic growth and development.
He referred to the negative effects of internal political problems, corruption and lack of dependable electricity has been affecting the investment environment.
The visiting US official urged the PM to treat the Tibetan refugee as per international norms, which PM assured. He further appealed to provide the long staying refugee community in order to facilitate their travel, job opportunity and documentation.
“Nepal’s commitment to the protection of Tibetan refugees, both those in the long-staying community and new arrivals transiting to India, has earned Nepal international respect,” he said.
He said the US has already resettled 60,000 Bhutanese refugees, but also emphasised Bhutan’s role to repatriate the refugees that remains from the third country resettlement programme.
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