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Nepal’s bid for UN top post hits snag
KATHMANDU, JUN 26 -
Nepal’s bid for the coveted post of the president of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) for year 2011 has faced a serious blow due to Nepal’s delay to announce its candidate.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) had formally proposed the name of Dr Ram Saran Mahat as Nepal’s candidate for the post some two months ago. As the issue is under consideration in the Cabinet, it has invited confusion among the UN state members over Nepal’s contest for the top post as committed in year 1998.
Mahat holds credentials as former foreign and finance minister and central committee member of the Nepali Congress.
Following the geographical rotational system, Nepal had decided first to present its candidature among the Asian nations. The presidency rotates annually among five geographic groups: African, Asian, Eastern European, Latin American and Caribbean, Western European and other States.
India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka already have chances to lead the UN platform. Government officials are reluctant to comment officially on the issue.
Nepal’s bid for presidency faced a serious jolt after Qatar, another Asian competitor, announced its New York based envoy as UNGA presidential candidate three months ago.
“We do not know why the government has not taken any call on such a serious diplomatic issue. The delay will weaken our position to win the post,” said a senior MoFA official.
We do not see any reasons other than political behind the delay over the pick, another MoFA official said.
Qatar has already begun diplomatic lobbying in New York to secure the position that has worried Nepali diplomats here and New York, said the official.
The person who gets the top job will enjoy lucrative facilities from the host country as well as the UN headquarters.
As delineated in the UN Charter, the function of the UNGA is to discuss, debate and make recommendations on a range of subjects pertaining to international peace and security including disarmament, human rights, international law, and peaceful arbitration between the disputing nations.
Posted on: 2010-06-27 08:02
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