Kathmandu, July 1: Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal has made it clear that government had not made agreement with anyone on uranium exploration in Mustang.
Minister Khanal said related government bodies had already refuted the news reports in the digital media.
The mine, however, is under preliminary study, he added in response to the queries raised by the National Assembly members.
Minister Khanal was responding to a question raised by NA member Bhuwan Bahadur Sunar.
The government is fully committed to the provisions made by the Constitution on use of natural resources. Agreement with any country would not be made in a way it goes against the foreign policy of non-alignment and principles of panchasheel, the Minister pledged.
He further reminded that preliminary study had verified the mines and further study would be carried out by the related agency, Department of Mines and Geology.
Similarly, replying to lawmaker Bishnu Bahadur Bishwokarma, the Minister made it clear that Nepal and India were yet to finalize border demarcation at Susta, Limpiyadhura, Lipulek and Kalapani area.
The bilateral mechanism, ‘Boundary Working Group’ and the subordinate groups would be given continuity. Nearly one-km-long levee was being built on Susta, to which, India had not shown any reservation.
In regards to the 132-m-long embankment, Indian government has been urged for coordination between the two country officials before forwarding construction, according to Minister Khanal. He shared before the Upper House that a joint team of the Armed Police Force of Nepal and the Border Security Force (SSB) of India had inspected Nepal-India border area at Susta Rural Municipality of Susta in Paschim Nawalparasi, Nepal and Rampurwa, Champaran on the Indian side.
Construction of an embankment of nearly one-km is underway on the Narayani River bank through the Irrigation and Water Resources Management Project, Bharatpur. It stretches on the land 250-m inside Nepal-India border and ending in Nepali territory.
Minister Khanal further clarified that the government is firm in resolving border-related issues through diplomatic dialogue and being based on historical treaties, agreements and maps that reflect the spirit of close relations between Nepal and India.
Although the bilateral technical committee between Nepal and India has finalized the demarcation of many areas between Nepal and India, it is true that the technical team of the two sides has not demarcated the Limpiyadhura, Lipulek, Kalapani and Susta areas.
He reiterated, “It is true and a fact in deed that these territories belong to Nepal. We have historical basis, evidence and maps. We want to resolve the differences through bilateral diplomatic dialogue with our claims.”
It is normal to have some differences and disputes between neighbours, he said, adding we want to resolve dispute through diplomatic channel along with historical facts and evidence. The Foreign Minister also shared to the lawmakers about his recent visit to China.
He stated that both countries held thorough discussions on entire gamut of Nepal-China bilateral relations during the visit. There is consensus between both sides on the issue of further reinforcing Nepal-China relations based on mutual friendship, goodwill and cooperation, according to him.
The government’s efforts to resolve problem are reflected well with easing Nepal’s tea exports after high-level discussions. Foreign Minister Khanal said he received information that an Indian helicopter had entered Nepali territory due to bad weather a few days ago. #nepal #rss
