Former Envoys to China Express Concern Over Dalai Lama Birthday Event

Kathmandu. Former ambassadors to China have expressed serious objection to the participation of foreign diplomats in the recent Dalai Lama's birthday celebration held in Kathmandu.

Issuing a joint press statement, seven former ambassadors expressed concern over the celebration of the 91st birthday of the 14th Dalai Lama on Asar 22 at Namgyal School located in Nagarjun Municipality-2 and the presence of representatives from foreign missions during the event.

The statement, signed by former ambassadors Rajeshwar Acharya, Mahendra Pandey, Tank Karki, Mahesh Maskey, Leelamani Poudel, Bishnu Pukar Shrestha, and Krishna Prasad Oli, stated that such activities are condemnable as they go against the 'One China Policy' that Nepal has always steadfastly adhered to.

The statement reads, "The commitment that Nepal will not do anything that causes difficulty or adverse effects to any friendly nation from Nepali soil, nor allow it to be done, was reiterated during the Foreign Minister's recent visit to China. Has that commitment changed now? Have we changed our foreign policy with our neighbors?"

The former ambassadors warned that if this program was held with the government's consent, it would adversely affect the diplomatic relations between Nepal and China and the geopolitical balance that Nepal has been maintaining. They concluded that such activities would also impact the country's stability, development, and freedom.

Appealing to the Nepali government and concerned bodies to be vigilant, the statement drew the government's attention to ensure that such activities are not repeated in the future and to be sensitive to relations with neighbors.