US says MCC ratification Nepal’s sovereign decision

KATHMANDU: The United States has clarified that the decision to ratify the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) is Nepal’s sovereign decision.

Issuing a statement on Saturday, US Embassy in Kathmandu said, “Whether Nepali leaders ratify MCC is a decision for Nepal to make, as a sovereign democratic nation, and Nepal’s decision alone.”

“This $500 million Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) grant is a gift from the American people and a partnership between our nations that will bring jobs and infrastructure to Nepal and improve the lives of Nepalis. This project was requested by the Nepali government and the Nepali people and designed to transparently reduce poverty and grow the economy of Nepal,” the statement read.

“This year marks the 75th year of ties between Nepal and the United States. During these 75 years, Nepal has seen monumental changes. We have stood with Nepal through these changes and supported the country with development aid, disaster response and preparedness assistance, health and education programs, and more.”

The US statement comes a day after China accused the US of pursuing “coercive diplomacy” in Nepal over MCC.