KATHMANDU, Nov 12: CPN-UML lawmaker Rajan Bhattarai has sought clarification of the government on the Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba's controversial presence in a conference in Goa, India recently.

Speaking in parliament on Friday, lawmaker Bhattarai said, “The media have reported about Deuba's controversial participation in Goa conference where he reportedly met with Lobsang Sangay, the Prime Minister of the Dalai Lama's government-in-exile.”

While drawing attention of the parliament to the issue, Bhattarai also expressed objection to such meeting. “What is the view of the government on this issue which directly impacts Nepal's foreign policy?”Bhattarai asked.

He further said that it was wrong on the part of Deuba even if he unknowingly made his appearance at the Goa conference, and it is even worse if he appeared knowingly.

 Bhattarai further suggested that Nepal should maintain extra caution considering the geographical sensitivities of our neighbors. “These kinds of activities will aggravate Nepal's ties with its neighboring countries,” argued Bhattarai, adding, “We should conduct our foreign policy in such a way that nobody will raise any questions over it."

Republica reported about Deuba's controversial presence in Goa conference organized by India Foundation held recently.

NC says Deuba Goa photo photoshoped
Even after a photo emerged in the media showing Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba sitting next to Tibetan leader Lobsang Sangay at a conference in Goa, India, Nepali Congress (NC) on Friday said Deuba did not meet with Sangay during the conference.

A press statement issued by NC Chief Secretary Krishna Prasad Paudel on Friday said Deuba had walked out of the conference venue immediately after the inauguration session. “He does not have any information as to who was sitting where in the audience.

This is not something that one should be bothered about,” said the statement. 

While claiming that the photo showing Deuba sitting next to the prime minister of the Tibetan government in exile Lobsang Sangay was photoshoped, the statement said it is unfortunate to see the media 'misinform' the people that Deuba was insensitive over the 'One-China' policy. “No one has to preach the Nepali Congress and its president Deuba on 'One-China' policy. One-China policy is our belief. Nepali Congress is committed to the five principles of the Panchasheel,” the statement further said.

 
• cpn-uml lawmaker rajan bhattarai
 
• government clarifications
 
• sher bahadur deuba
 
• controversial presence