Sushil Pyakurel rejects ambassadorial position, writes to the PM

Kathmandu: Human rights advocate Sushil Pyakurel has turned down the cabinet-recommended post of ambassador for South Korea. Pyakurel wrote a letter to the Prime Minister stating his reluctance for the position. In the letter he has asked Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' that his recommendation for the ambassador be withdrawn. Ratopati was told by sources that he had previously alerted the UML party about his unwillingness for the nomination.

Pyakurel complained that he had not been contacted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the Cabinet Secretariat prior to his nomination for the position of ambassador.

"I am surprised by the government's decision to not discuss matters related to political, economic, and social considerations before recommending me as ambassador to South Korea," he stated.

He also emphasized the necessity of having a full debate about the government's previous criteria for selecting ambassadors, which included parliamentary hearings and explanations for ambassadorial tenure.

Pyakurel acknowledged that he was not interested in the ambassadorship at this time and he would not say further.

Why the hurry right now? I have some things I'm working on finishing off," Pyakurel told Ratopati. It was decided at the cabinet meeting on Friday to suggest names for ambassadors to eight different nations.