The remarks of Chabot, who is the head of the Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the Middle East and South Asia in the US Congress, have come amidst concerns that Nepal´s decision to support the statehood of Palestine may affect Nepal´s relation with the US and Israel.[break]
“I do not anticipate that would necessarily cause change in our relation with Nepal,” visiting Congressman Chabot said during a press conference.
Chabot, who is on a trip to South Asian countries, including India, arrived in Nepal on Thursday for a two-day visit to “see things from his own eyes”. He met Prime Minister Dr Baburam Bhattarai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Narayankaji Shrestha and other political leaders to discuss the peace process, constitution writing, human rights and other bilateral issues on Friday. He also met Chief of Army Staff Chhatraman Singh Gurung.
Replying to journalists, the Congressman from Ohio also outlined US foreign policy priorities in Nepal. He said that promoting peace process, reconciliation, encouraging human rights and trade opportunities were the areas of US interest.
“We want to see security, stability and prosperity in Nepal,” said Chabot. He also said that there are a lot of opportunities for investment, hydropower and tourism in Nepal.
The Congressman from Ohio appreciated Nepal´s assistance to Tibetan refugees and the works of Maiti Nepal. On the issue of Tibetan refugees, US Ambassador to Nepal Scott H DeLisi, who sat by the side of the Congressman during the press conference, said that US stresses on upholding the rights of refugees worldwide whether they are Tibetans or Bhutanese.
Asked if the US sees Nepal from other´s eyes, especially of India, he said, “No. Our relation with India is important. Our relation with China is important. Our relation with Nepal is important.”
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