No agreement made on uranium exploration: Foreign Minister Khanal

Kathmandu: Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal has made it clear that the government had not made an agreement with anyone on uranium exploration in Mustang.

Minister Khanal said related government bodies had already refuted the news reports in the digital media. The mine, however, is under preliminary study, he added in response to the queries raised by the National Assembly members.

Minister Khanal was responding to a question raised by NA member Bhuwan Bahadur Sunar. The government is fully committed to the provisions made by the Constitution on the use of natural resources.

Agreement with any country would not be made in a way that goes against the foreign policy of non-alignment and principles of panchasheel, the Minister pledged. He further reminded that a preliminary study had verified the mines, and further study would be carried out by the related agency, the Department of Mines and Geology.

Similarly, replying to lawmaker Bishnu Bahadur Bishwokarma, the Minister made it clear that Nepal and India were yet to finalise border demarcation at Susta, Limpiyadhura, Lipulek and Kalapani area.

The bilateral mechanism, ‘Boundary Working Group’ and the subordinate groups would be given continuity. A nearly one-km-long levee was being built on Susta, to which India had not shown any reservation.

In regards to the 132-m-long embankment, the Indian government has been urged to coordinate between the two countries’ officials before forwarding construction, according to Minister Khanal. He shared before the Upper House that a joint team of the Armed Police Force of Nepal and the Border Security Force (SSB) of India had inspected the Nepal-India border area at Susta Rural Municipality of Susta in Paschim Nawalparasi, Nepal and Rampurwa, Champaran, on the Indian side.

Construction of an embankment of nearly one km is underway on the Narayani River bank through the Irrigation and Water Resources Management Project, Bharatpur. It stretches on the land 250 m inside the Nepal-India border and ends in Nepali territory.

Minister Khanal further clarified that the government is firm in resolving border-related issues through diplomatic dialogue and being based on historical treaties, agreements and maps that reflect the spirit of close relations between Nepal and India.

Although the bilateral technical committee between Nepal and India has finalised the demarcation of many areas between Nepal and India, indeed, the technical team of the two sides has not demarcated the Limpiyadhura, Lipulek, Kalapani and Susta areas.

He reiterated, “It is true and a fact in deed that these territories belong to Nepal. We have a historical basis, evidence and maps. We want to resolve the differences through bilateral diplomatic dialogue with our claims.” It is normal to have some differences and disputes between neighbours, he said, adding that we want to resolve disputes through the diplomatic channel along with historical facts and evidence.

The Foreign Minister also shared with the lawmakers about his recent visit to China. He stated that both countries held thorough discussions on the entire gamut of Nepal-China bilateral relations during the visit.

There is consensus between both sides on the issue of further reinforcing Nepal-China relations based on mutual friendship, goodwill and cooperation, according to him.

The government’s efforts to resolve the problem are reflected well in easing Nepal’s tea exports after high-level discussions. Foreign Minister Khanal said he received information that an Indian helicopter had entered Nepali territory due to bad weather a few days ago.

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