Former foreign minister Bhekh Bahadur Thapa has said that the diplomatic processes in Nepal have taken a negative turn.

Former foreign minister Bhekh Bahadur Thapa (File photo)

Former foreign minister Bhekh Bahadur Thapa (File photo)
Speaking at an interaction on Sunday organized by Nepal Council of World Affairs (NCWA) Thapa said, “The flawed political process invited conflict in Nepal. But the diplomatic processes here have not only come to a standstill, but have taken a negative turn.”

Stating that the socio-economic conditions too were in a reverse gear, Thapa said, “We are not guided by the rule of law, which has been sidelined. Those with guns wield power and the intellectuals have been alienated.”

He said the sidelining of the professionals has reduced the diplomatic processes to a game of self interests. Greater national interests are being neglected, he added. Thapa also blamed the people who “talk big” of giving undue importance to the foreign diplomats in Kathmandu to curry favour from the latter, according to reports.

He also blamed the leaders of being stupid enough to sign almost all international conventions and treaties on table, not keeping in mind the obligations that comes along with them.

“Now our own rights are being imposed upon us by the foreigners,” Thapa added hinting at the presence of the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights’ (OHCHR) in Kathmandu.

He said that for the progress of any country, the first emphasis should be given to the humanitarian and social works rather than to politics and security.

Speaking at the same programme, former chairmen of the NCWA, Kasha Raj Jha, prof. Surya Lal Amatya and Dr Mohan Prashad Lohani also expressed concern about growing foreign interference in the country. They said Nepalis themselves have to resolve present crisis dogging the country.