KATHMANDU: A lawmaker of the CPN-UML has strongly criticized the government in Parliament over its decision to allow celebrations marking the 91st birthday of Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama, alleging that the move contradicts Nepal’s long-standing One China policy.
Speaking during Thursday’s meeting of the House of Representatives, UML lawmaker Ain Bahadur Mahara accused the government of undermining Nepal’s foreign policy by permitting the event.
Mahara claimed that, for the first time in Nepal’s history, the government had allowed celebrations of the Dalai Lama’s birthday on July 6 by permitting a program at Namgyal Lower Secondary School in Swayambhu. He alleged that the decision could undermine the longstanding friendly relations between Nepal and China.
The lawmaker also objected to the reported presence of ambassadors from the United States, France, Australia, and representatives of the European Union at the event, calling it a matter of serious concern.
He further alleged that the incident reflected attempts by Western countries to turn Nepal into a platform for anti-China activities and urged the government to ensure that Nepali territory is not used against neighboring countries.
Addressing the government through the Speaker, Mahara questioned whether Nepal’s foreign policy toward its neighbors had changed and sought clarification on whether the government intended to alter the country’s long-standing commitment to the Panchsheel principles and its non-aligned foreign policy.
He also informed Parliament that seven former Nepali ambassadors to China had issued a statement expressing concern over the matter, and urged the government to handle foreign policy with greater responsibility and maturity.
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