KATHMANDU, May 16: Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has said that the government is committed to bring the peace process to a logical conclusion.

In his briefing to the diplomatic community in Nepal held at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Minister on Monday, Prime Minister Dahal said that the government attaches high importance to consolidation of peace, reconciliation and harmony in society and conclude the remaining tasks of transitional justice process and provide justice and reparation to the conflict victims. 

"The Comprehensive Peace Accord, the directives of the Supreme Court, and relevant international commitments, as well as the concerns of the victims, will guide our endeavors towards this end," he said. "Having come through the course of a successful peace process, I can assure our partners that Nepal can conclude the process of transitional justice in an equally unique way based on the above parameters."

Prime Minister Dahal also said that the amendment Bill to the Enforced Disappearances Enquiry, Truth and Reconciliation Commission Act, has been tabled in the Parliament to conclude the remaining tasks of the peace process. "The amendment proposal has adopted a victim-centric approach and recognizes reparation as a right of the victim. I assure you that there will be no blanket amnesty in cases of serious violation of human rights," he said.

On the occasion, Prime Minister Dahal also informed that Nepal is close to the end of concluding periodic Mutual Evaluation under the Asia Pacific Group on Money Laundering (APG-AML/CFT). "Nepal has been a strong supporter and compiler of international obligations as our proactive role has been visible in the United Nations and other regional organizations. Nepal’s compliance of FATF recommendations has been significantly improved over the years since we became a member of the APG in 2002. We remain committed to continuously improving our capacity to address the new and emerging challenges," he said.  

He also mentioned that the government has tabled a comprehensive Bill in the parliament that seeks to amend and reform several legal instruments that have direct bearing with AML/CFT. "There is high-level political commitment to pass the Bill before the APG plenary which will be held in the second week of July," he further said, while seeking their continuous cooperation and understanding

Prime Minister Dahal also said that Nepal's foreign policy is guided by the principles of Panchasheel, non-alignment, the UN Charter, international law, and norms of world peace. "We pursue an independent foreign policy based on the principles of sovereign equality, non-interference, mutual respect and benefit," he said. 

"Friendship, mutual respect, and cooperation continue to guide our external engagements. Protection and promotion of national interest is our foreign policy goal," he further said. "Two major goals – promoting Nepal’s credentials as a peaceful, inclusive, and democratic State, and pursuing economic diplomacy – remain at the core of our foreign policy." 

On the occasion, Prime Minister Dahal also said that it has been their priority to make public administration competent and efficient as well as ensure quality service delivery to the people. "The policies and actions of this government are guided by our strong commitment to good governance, the rule of law and participatory democracy. We uphold zero-tolerance policy against corruption and aim to ensure transparency and accountability at all levels," he said. 

Prime Minister Dahal also said that Nepal's economy is showing a positive sign of improvements in the external sector despite manifold challenges. "The liquidity crunch is being gradually relaxed, and the interest rate is in a declining trend. However, economy-wide progress is yet to be achieved," he said. "We need to redouble our efforts in all three sectors- agriculture, manufacturing and services, to achieve the desired growth target. Meeting the targets of revenue collection and capital expenditure has become difficult."

On the occasion, Prime Minister Dahal also expressed commitment to ensuring a predictable, secure, and conducive investment environment to attract more foreign direct investment (FDI) in priority areas. "We encourage investments especially in the areas of clean energy, tourism and infrastructures. We will continue to make further legal, policy and institutional reforms to boost the confidence of the investors," he added.

 
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