The standoff witnessed between the Nepal Communist Party (NCP) and the US government on the Venezuela political crisis created ripples, morphing into a blurring, confounding situation. Even the leaders within the ruling NCP and those in government are befuddled and divided over party Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal’s strong-worded statement that denounced “the US and its allies’ intervention in the internal affairs of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela”.
Prime Minister K P Oli, who is also the Chairman of the NCP, has been striving to resolve the wave of paranoia with the US Embassy through his confidantes. However, with no signs of cheering gestures, PM Oli took the initiative himself and held talks with the US Ambassador to Nepal Randy Berry at his Baluwatar residence on Tuesday evening.
Observers have labeled this as a ‘positive gesture’ on the part of the government. In fact, the ruling NCP should not have dragged the government into controversy. What had to be noted before issuing the statement was Nepal has had ‘old and close ties’ with the United States, not Venezuela.
Nepal’s long-standing relations with the United States, which dates back to 1947, is even older than the diplomatic ties with her neighboring countries, and receives substantial assistance and aid from Washington.
The relation with a country, which is distant can’t be taken at the cost of a country, which Nepal has long-standing and friendly relations. Therefore, Nepal’s relations with the United States should not be jeopardized because of a statement issued by a party Chairman.
Given the current scenario, Dahal’s statement, which has given a negative impression, needs to be corrected by taking tangible initiatives. The urgent need is to issue a common statement with a common stance from PM Oli and Chairman Dahal.
PM Oli’s initiative to settle the current confusion and incomprehension with the United States has been praiseworthy. To recall the meeting between Nepal’s Foreign Minister Pradeep Gyawali and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in December 2018, it was then conceived as an effort to further consolidate the diplomatic relations between the two friendly countries.
Given the current scenario, Dahal’s statement, which has given a negative impression, needs to be corrected by taking tangible initiatives. The urgent need is to issue a common statement with a common stance from PM Oli and Chairman Dahal.
It would be judicious for a country like Nepal to maintain extreme cautiousness and restraint while issuing statements on international developments.
Nepal, in fact, does not have any meaningful relations with Venezuela and it is clear that the latter is not in the position to contribute to Nepal’s development. It is natural that leaders in a political party have divergent views. That even furthers democratic practice. However, contradictory views from the party leaders causing serious impact in the country’s diplomatic relation bespeaks of half-baked diplomacy.
Nepal’s foreign policy has remained sensitive because of its geopolitical and strategic location. Considering this, it is high time that the confusion between the Government of Nepal and the US government came to an end since the longer the situation persists the more complicated it becomes, which eventually will lead to souring relations.
The requisite action is to have a diplomatic resolution to ensure that Nepal and the US engage in a dialogue to sort out the differences. Despite reiterating his initial stance on Venezuela, Dahal, too, had in the past, endeavored to maintain smooth relations with the US through his confidantes, including the present Speaker of the House of Representatives Krishna Bahadur Mahara.
A Norwegian, and a British diplomat too had played a constructive role to narrow down the differences between Dahal and the US Embassy. The initiative to maintain Maoist’s relations with the United States was first taken when Nancy J Powell was the US Ambassador to Nepal. Dahal had established relations with the US through formal letters by taking into confidence some Nepali mediators.
Dahal, thanks to his sheer practical sense, has been successful in steering the warring Maoist party into mainstream politics, in uniting the communist parties, and in ameliorating the aggravated relationship with the USA. These facts have established him as a seasoned player in the political arena.
Dubbed by the USA as ‘terrorist’ the relationship between the Maoist party and the USA was suffused with suspicion during the peace process. However, none of them could ignore each other. The then Maoist party could ultimately earn USA’s faith.
At this juncture, it is wise that both the party leaders reach an amicable conclusion freeing the self from the clutches of mere principals or doctrines. What is important is to earn the friendship of the USA as ever by mending the damage caused.
Editor
Comment