Third World War threat averted due to BRICS and Trump’s election: PM Oli

Kathmandu, November 10 — Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has described his experience in coalition with the Nepali Congress as “comfortable,” emphasizing smooth coordination between the two parties during his tenure.

Speaking at the Secretariat meeting, held at the party’s headquarters in Chyasal, the Prime Minister stated that there were no difficulties in managing the coalition government with the Nepali Congress. He added that the government would serve its full term as agreed upon in the coalition agreement.

While briefing the party on the government's performance, Prime Minister Oli refuted claims by some individuals that the government would collapse soon. He reassured the meeting that the alliance was functioning well, and no issues had arisen. "Despite some rumors about the government collapsing, there is no issue within the coalition. The government will continue its full term as planned," Oli said.

The Prime Minister also directed party leaders to maintain clarity and dismiss any misinformation regarding the government's stability. "Efforts are being made to spread confusion, claiming the government will fall soon, but I urge everyone not to fall for these rumors," he said. "I have led the government three times, and this term has been the most comfortable. Our decisions and appointments have been in coordination with our coalition partners."

Addressing some criticisms from Nepali Congress leaders regarding the government's performance, Oli emphasized that such criticism should not be taken negatively. "I’ve heard some of our Congress colleagues criticize the government, but it’s important not to take it personally," Oli added.

A party Secretariat member shared that the Prime Minister's three key messages during the meeting were: 

1. The coalition government is functioning smoothly. 

2. The cooperation with the Nepali Congress is on track and will not deviate. 

3. Nepal should leverage its relationships with both India and China in the national interest.

Oli also discussed international matters, particularly the BRICS summit and the potential for positive economic impacts. He also touched on the decreasing possibility of a third world war, which had been a topic of concern in global media. "The possibility of a third world war, which was being widely discussed, has now diminished," Oli remarked, attributing the change to the developments in US politics and the BRICS summit. He noted that the election of Donald Trump as US president, coupled with the outcomes of international events like the BRICS summit, had alleviated fears of global conflict.

Regarding Nepal's relations with neighboring countries, Oli reiterated that both India and China are friendly nations, with Nepal maintaining balanced diplomatic ties. He expressed dissatisfaction with the continued criticism of Nepal's stance on the 2015 blockade by India, emphasizing that the protest was aimed at the blockade and not at India as a country. "We only protested the blockade. At the same time, we signed a trade and transit agreement with China, which forced India to lift the blockade," Oli said, adding that India should not have been offended by Nepal’s actions.

In terms of foreign policy, Oli expressed confidence in navigating Nepal's relations with both India and China in a balanced and constructive manner. "We need to use these changing international dynamics in Nepal's favor," he added.

Upcoming China visit and agreements

Prime Minister Oli also briefly mentioned his upcoming visit to China, where he will focus on implementing previous agreements made during high-level visits. UML Deputy General Secretary Pradeep Kumar Gyawali confirmed that discussions during the trip would emphasize the implementation of prior agreements with China. "The Prime Minister’s visit will be short, but it will focus on implementing agreements made during previous visits by our President and Prime Minister," Gyawali said.

Lilaballav's case

The Secretariat meeting also touched on the case of Lilaballav Adhikari, the former Minister from Koshi Province. It was noted that Adhikari himself acknowledged his mistake, and members of the Secretariat emphasized that he should face appropriate consequences for his actions. Oli, having reviewed evidence related to the case, also stated that Adhikari could not be absolved of his mistakes. "Serious issues have been raised regarding him, and I have seen some evidence. He must face consequences," Oli said.

Adhikari was recently detained by police after it was discovered that he and three others had attempted to enter Japan with forged documents. Following the discovery, the Japanese immigration authorities sent the group back.