KATHMANDU, Sept 21: Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) parliamentary party leader Gyanendra Shahi has accused the government of violating its own criteria while recommending ambassadors.
Speaking at the House of Representatives meeting on Monday, Shahi questioned why the government had failed to implement the criteria set by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, suggesting that either “foreign pressure” or “billions of rupees in financial interests” could be behind the decisions.
According to the ministry’s criteria, individuals working for NGOs funded by international or foreign assistance are ineligible for ambassadorial appointments. The criteria also require a 10-year gap if a candidate previously held a salaried position appointed by a foreign government.
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Shahi cited several proposed ambassadors whom he said did not meet these requirements. He said Chiran Jung Thapa, proposed as ambassador to the United States, had worked as Oxfam’s regional security adviser; Prapti Sherchan, proposed for Spain, had worked at the International Finance Corporation (IFC) under the World Bank; and Sharu Joshi, proposed for Germany, had worked with international organizations including UN Women.
He also questioned the nominations of Padmakshi Rana for Oman and Prof Dr Sangam Shrestha for South Korea, among others.
Shahi demanded that the government explain the alleged violations in Parliament, saying it should clarify why it failed to follow criteria it had established itself.
