KATHMANDU, Nov 26: The US, the second largest supplier of military assistance to the Nepal Army (NA), said on Wednesday that its ties with the army will see serious consequences if the army officials with poor human rights record, including Major General Toran Jung Bahadur Singh, are promoted before clearing them of the allegations through a credible investigation. [break]
“In the absence of a full and credible investigation clearing them of wrongdoing, the promotion of any individual implicated in human rights abuses could have consequences for our relationship [with the army]," said Nicole Chulick, spokesperson for the US Embassy.
“Gross human rights abuses were committed by the Maoists and the Nepal Army during the conflict. Those who committed the abuses must be held accountable. This is what the people of Nepal, especially the victims and their families, deserve,” she said.
"In all our interactions, we continue to urge the government of Nepal to develop a more effective system to investigate credible allegations of human rights abuses so that those responsible are held accountable. We have equal concerns about the lack of progress in addressing human rights abuses committed by the Maoists," she further added.
She further said any promotion of such officials is likely to affect US´ non-lethal military assistance proposed for 2010. The US, in its appropriations for 2010, has proposed to provide non-lethal support worth about $1million to the army. If the budget is approved by the senate, the material assistance will be first of its kind to the army since 2004.
The US warning has come amidst government´s preparation to promote Singh to the post of Lieutenant General any time soon, citing a number of Supreme Court precedents and insufficiency of laws to deal with the charge Singh faces. Though his promotion is pending since June, Singh is already the second man in the army after Chhatraman Singh Gurung was promoted to army chief in September.
Chulick further said the US law prohibits assisting foreign security forces or individuals implicated in gross human rights violations.
The US has also urged the government to develop a more effective system to credibly investigate allegations of human rights abuses so that those responsible are held accountable.
Tough terms for aid!
In the meantime, the US Senate is considering tough conditions for providing military assistance to Nepali security forces, including the Nepal Army.
The Appropriations Bill of the Fiscal Year 2010 says that US military assistance to Nepal will be available only if the armed forces, including the Nepal Army, cooperate full with investigation and prosecutions by civilian judicial authorities of violation of internationally recognized human rights.
It further says that Nepal´s security forces are required to work constructively to redefine their mission and implement reforms. Including establishment of a civilian ministry of defense to support budget transparency and accountability and facilitate the assimilation of former rebel combatants into them. They are also required to be consistent with the goals of reconciliation, peace and stability, says the bill. “But the language of the bill is subject to change,” said Chulick.
kiran@myrepublica.com