It is astonishing that instead of appearing before the anti-graft body and showing respect for the rule of law, he promptly left again for Saudi Arabia. The CIAA´s recent decision to bring the ex-ambassador back to Nepal for interrogations, using diplomatic channels if he fails to show up of his own accord within the next two weeks, is indeed praiseworthy. It has given hope to the victims of the embezzlement that justice will be done and they will be provided the money to which they are rightfully entitled. We believe the CIAA action is a correct step towards repairing the damage done to Nepal´s international image by Ansari´s unlawful and unsavory conduct.
Since Saudi Arabia hosts tens of thousands of unskilled and semi-skilled Nepali workers, the Nepali mission in Riyadh is an important one, with responsibility for protecting the interests of all our workers there. But when the ambassador himself embezzles insurance money paid to the families of unfortunate workers who died in the course of their work, it is indeed a matter of grave concern, and the guilty should not go unpunished. Ansari not only failed to uphold the dignity of his position as Nepal´s representative in Saudi Arabia but also rendered our foreign service a matter for ridicule in the international arena.
Undiplomatic conduct by politically appointed ambassadors has time and again demoralized dedicated foreign ministry officials. So we urge the political parties not to view ambassadorial appointments as a way of rewarding their cadres and benefactors. The political parties ought to realize that there can be no compromise when it comes to Nepal´s international image, and never take ambassadorial appointments lightly. In the same vein, we would like to remind foreign service officials that they should not bow to undue political pressure and should make sure that the sanctity of ambassadorial positions is maintained.
The ministry should carry out its own investigations into reported cases of abuse of authority by Nepal´s representatives abroad and initiate a process at once to recall those found guilty. Nepal´s foreign service needs to be freed of political influence and interference that allow individuals like Ansari to become ambassadors.
Related story
EC to writes to Press Council to conduct regular monitoring of...
