Nepal undecided over key appointments

As the Government-Maoist deadlock over the interim constitution is making political transition messy and uncertain, there are indications that two influential leaders of the ruling coalition are headed for confrontation over some key appointments.

As the Government-Maoist deadlock over the interim constitution is making political transition messy and uncertain, there are indications that two influential leaders of the ruling coalition are headed for confrontation over some key appointments.

According to information available, the differences between Prime Minister G P Koirala and Communist Party of Nepal-United Marxist Leninist (CPN-UML) General Secretary Madhab Kumar Nepal over the choice of ambassadors has delayed dimplomatic appointments. Nepal remains unrepresented in at least 18 countries, including India, China, US, UK, Germany and Brussels.

Nepal is even believed to have threatened to consider quitting from the coalition if Koirala refused to heed the party’s advice. A major row erupted when Koirala rejected outright Nepal’s suggestion that the post of ambassador to the US should go to Suryanath Upadhyay, who recently completed his five year tenure as head of the Commission for Investigation into Abuse of Authority, a constitutional body. Koirala is considering appointing Suresh Chalise, his advisor on foreign affairs, the new ambassador.

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“We are certain about one thing—we will not remain in the government at the cost of our dignity and self-esteem,” the communist leader told The Indian Express. The party is so agitated that if necessary, it will take Koirala to task and insist on having the issue of leadership of the coming interim government reviewed.

The UML has also charged the prime minister with delaying appointment of at least four university vice-chancellors despite the Education Ministry having recommended the names. There is also discord over appointments to the National Human Rights Commission.