Head of the European Union Delegation to Nepal, Ambassador Dr Alexander Spachis, is set to return home after completing his five-year term on September 16. Republica’s Akanshya Shah caught up with him in New Delhi, where he was discussing upcoming polls in Nepal with 20 EU ambassadors to Nepal who are resident in India.
How positive are you on the prospect of CA polls scheduled for November 19?
I personally believe that we can remain assured about the election happening in November, since the people across the length and breadth of the country are eager to vote for their representatives and move on for the political and economic development of the country. Nepal is changing quickly; its young population is increasingly exposed to the outside world and wants to see results. Political leaders should respond to this call.[break]
European Union
At this juncture, I would like to refer to the successful completion of the army integration process, which is a striking example of consensus among the political parties in Nepal. This success clearly signals that there is potential for further success stories. It would be wise on the part of the political parties to build on this strength and move ahead to accomplish other tasks that remain incomplete.
After spending five years in Nepal, how do you see the country, its society and its politics?
Prior to my posting at the EU Delegation to Nepal in mid-2008, I had somewhat failed to acknowledge the real picture of Nepal as regards its diversity on many fronts. The topographical beauty of the country ranging from landmarks just 70 meters above the sea level (Kechana Kalan in Jhapa district) to the highest point on earth at 8,848 meters (Mt Everest in Solukhumbu district) are features that are rare.
This geographical uniqueness provides Nepal with many opportunities for a range of economic activities that still remain largely untapped. Nepal can become affluent in the years ahead only if there is an urgent realization of the hidden potential and pragmatic policies are framed for sustainable use of its vast reserves of natural resources.
I was quite impressed with the harmonious coexistence of many cultural, religious and linguistic groups, an ever promising sign for a peaceful and stable Nepal. I am optimistic that Nepal will succeed in electing a Constituent Assembly mandated to draft a democratic and inclusive constitution to guide the nation towards political stability and economic prosperity.
At the same time, I was a little surprised that despite having unlimited opportunities for growth, Nepal was still struggling to overcome many self-created social and political maladies. I have observed a number of problems, such as an uncontrolled and unmonitored urbanization leading to rapid deterioration of the environment, failure to seek the desired level of advantage from trading opportunities offered by the South Asian region and the rest of the world, and an abrupt drop in the economic and industrial output due to political disputes related to a protracted transition.
What are the immediate focus areas of engagement between EU and Nepal?
The European Union along with the Member States here in Nepal has been extending unconditional economic support in different areas of development. The EU and its Member States provide, directly or indirectly (for example, via UN agencies) around half of the development assistance received by Nepal.
The major areas of assistance include support to the electoral process, education, peace building, economic capacity building and trade facilitation, among others. The EU is guided by its founding principles of respect for human rights and dignity, freedom of expression, equality, democratic governance and rule of law while devising its development cooperation policies.
I consider myself fortunate to have traveled to 50 of 75 districts in Nepal to get first-hand information of the EU-funded projects. I was amazed to see the vast growth potential that all these districts carry. The only setback I saw at the local level is that there has been a long absence of locally elected bodies leading to serious allegations of resource misappropriation at the hands of non-elected representatives.
The EU has always expressed its readiness to support the government of Nepal to hold local elections as soon as possible after the Constituent Assembly election. Unless the local people can participate actively in the development process through a locally and democratically-elected government, the funds that are channeled to the villages and districts will not be utilized for the intended purposes.
What are some areas of improvement that you have identified?
Nepal’s future is promising. Political stability is the prerequisite for economic prosperity. But a country endowed with abundant natural resources cannot afford to remain economically inactive at the cost of other inconsistencies that might take longer than expected to clear out. There are examples from around the world where countries have thrived economically despite being caught up in political difficulties. Nepal must open its doors to foreign investment. Merely declaring that the nation is open to investments is not enough.
The creation of a congenial investment climate is an essential precondition for investors. Harnessing Nepal’s vast reserves of water resources, widening the industrial base for employment generation and capitalizing on the scenic beauty for tourism promotion should be economic priorities for Nepal in the coming decade.
Following the same vision, the European Investment Bank (EIB) signed an agreement with the Government of Nepal for extending an assistance of 55 million euros for the Tanahu hydro project. The EIB has been looking into the possibilities of investing in other potential areas that would contribute to strengthening Nepal’s economy.
How is the EU delegation helping in the forthcoming election?
In 2008 election, EU professional election observers gave a list of recommendations to improve electoral mechanism. Since then we have been working with the government of Nepal to improve electoral mechanisms to meet international standards.
EU has been a major donor in the National Peace Fund, which is a major financing source for the Election Commission. Since 2010, EU has spent nearly 40 million euros in different sectors. Of the 30 million euros contribution to the NPTF, major portion goes for polls. Eight million was directly given to the EC via UNDP and some two million to NGOs/INGOs to support electoral processes.
Apart from its project assistance, the European Union is planning to deploy an Election Observation Mission headed by a Member of the European Parliament (Chief Election Observer). The Chief Election Observer and his core team are expected to arrive to Nepal in early October
EU member states are often accused of pushing the ethnic agenda in Nepal. What are your views on federalism and ethnic restructuring of the country?
We have been drawing criticism from some quarters in the Nepali society which accuse us of trying to influence political issues related to federalism and governance. I like to take this opportunity to clarify that it is not for us to decide what form of federalism Nepal should opt for. This decision belongs to the people of Nepal.
It is only normal that people have higher aspirations, including political ones, once they have lifted themselves from poverty and I am proud that the EU has contributed to the process of allowing people to get out of a state of subsistence. At the same time, the fact that many Nepalis have lived abroad has also contributed to increase their demands for a more inclusive and equitable society. This is an irreversible process.
The European Union reiterates its belief that centralization of political power would cost Nepal dearly and result in a sluggish pace of development with people in the districts waiting perpetually to obtain approvals for projects. Like the EU, many would agree that devolution of state powers to the districts and villages would augur well for Nepal’s development.
What is important is not the terminology on federalism but a process of devolution which will allow people to meet their aspirations.
How do you evaluate the state of human rights in Nepal? The fast-unto-death by the Adhikari couple for justice on the killing of their son seems to have shaken the country.
The conflict-related human rights violations need to be investigated without delay. We find it deeply disturbing that the parents of Krishna Prasad Adhikari saw hunger strike as their only recourse to persuade the authorities to investigate their son’s murder which occurred some nine years ago. We welcome that police have now opened an investigation into the case.
We urge the authorities to ensure that this case and all other pending cases are promptly, independently and impartially investigated in a balanced manner and that perpetrators from all sides to the conflict are held accountable in full compliance with both Nepali and international law. But this can be done only through the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. The solution has to be sought so as to make peace conclusive.
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