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PM's New York trip

There are both pros and cons of Prime Minister Sushil Koirala's planned visit, starting Wednesday, to New York to take part in the 70th United Nations General Assembly. With the flood of information coming out of Nepal on the constitution process, many of our foreign friends might be confused about the state of affairs in Nepal. Prime Minister Koirala can—both through his address to the UNGA on October 1st and his meetings with other government and state heads on the sidelines—present them with the real picture in Nepal. He can appraise the international community about the steps being taken to take dissenting parties in Tarai-Madhesh on board. Likewise, he will perhaps be the best person to inform them of all the new constitutional provisions that have been enacted to cement the major post-2006 achievements: federalism, republicanism and secularism. He can also highlight the inclusive character of the new constitution, in terms of greater representation of marginalized communities at all state organs. We feel not enough has been done to reach out to the international community and clear their doubts on the new constitution. This does not mean the document is flawless; only that it has its strong points.But what PM Koirala can achieve in New York, he might be able to do by staying in Nepal as well. He can hold direct consultations with Kathmandu-based diplomats to clear the air. This sort of second-tier diplomacy might not be as effective as face-to-face communication with foreign government heads. But it would be a step in the right direction, given that there is at present minimal regular contact between top government representatives and Kathmandu-based diplomats. The prime minister's continued presence in Nepal is important for other reasons as well. There have been potentially tectonic shifts in Nepali politics over the last few days, almost on a daily basis. The entire Tarai belt is on lockdown mode. In such sensitive times it is inconceivable that the prime minister will be absent from the country for two weeks, an eternity under the fast-changing circumstances. Also, the prime minister cannot possibly be absent for so long and expect the agitating parties to take the government's overtures for talks seriously. So as important as the New York trip is for the country and its international image, the prime minister should reconsider it.

What is happening is the Tarai belt right now is a purely domestic matter for Nepal and solutions to the crisis there will also have to be found from within the country. In these volatile times it will be dangerous for the government head to be missing for so long and, in a way, invite foreigners to come settle our disputes. The absence of the prime minister will send all the wrong messages: to the protesting parties, to the international community and to the Nepali people. What happens over the next couple of weeks could make or break the legacy of Sushil Koirala as a statesman. We hope he makes the right choices, both for himself and for the country.

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