Secy Dotel spars with minister on Lumbini project, quits

KATHMANDU, Aug 5: Expressing serious dissatisfaction over mounting pressure and unilateral decisions coming from Minister for Federal Affairs, Constituent Assembly, Parliamentary Affairs and Culture Khagendra Prasad Prasai, Culture Secretary Modraj Dotel on Thursday tendered his resignation.



"I felt that someone is trying to curtail my personal freedom through unnecessary pressure," admitted Secretary Dotel to Republica, adding, "So, I tendered my resignation. I am feeling absolute relief after tendering my resignation at the Prime Minister´s Office (PMO)." [break]



Dotel registered his resignation at the chambers of Chief Secretary Madhav Ghimire at the very last hour on Thursday.



"I have mentioned my differing opinions in my resignation letter," he said, adding, "However, I don´t want to comment on details concerning this matter."



According to a source, Minister Prasai has long been pressuring Dotel to sign a final document to pave the way for a Chinese NGO--Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation and Exchange Foundation-- to launch a three billion dollar project in Lumbini.



However, Secretary Dotel has been refusing to allow the Chinese NGO to initiate the project, citing issues of national sovereignty, security and sensitivity.



"The willingness of Chinese NGO Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation and Exchange Foundation (APECEF) to invest US$3 billion is not in our national interest," the source quoted Secretary Dotel as saying at a recent meeting with Minister Prasai at the Culture Ministry, adding, "We must not allow the Chinese NGO to run the project without adequate homework."



Dotel has been arguing that there could be serious ramifications for Nepal if the Chinese NGO is allowed to go ahead with its project in Lumbini.



Another high-level source at the ministry informed Republica that Minister Prasai, at a recent meeting participated by a majority of ministry officials, openly pressed Secretary Dotel to act in favor of the Chinese NGO and provide it various facilities, arguing that the proposed project is in the national interest.



"Dotel flatly refused the minister´s proposal and said his nature doesn´t allow him to work under anyone´s pressure," the source added.



According to the source, Minister Prasai, a few days ago, warned Dotel to either work in his interest or face problems.



According to the source, Prasai wanted to provide land to the Chinese NGO at the earliest to run its project but Dotel flatly refused this.



The Chinese NGO recently expressed a wish to raise the world´s largest statue of Lord Budhha in Lumbini.

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