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PMO to intervene in MRP issue
KATHMANDU, AUG 12 -
In the wake of Foreign Minister Sujata Koirala’s refusal to approve the proposed design of Machine Readable Passport (MRP), the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) is all set to intervene in the matter. The issue may be taken up by the Friday’s Cabinet meeting.
Officials at the PMO have inquired into the matter following a report in The Kathmandu Post on Koirala’s refusal to approve the design and insignia of the proposed MRP, a senior PMO official told the Post.
Foreign Secretary Madan Kumar Bhattarai, who is currently in Manila, also conveyed his argument against Koirala’s “rigid position” through Chief Secretary Madhav Ghimire prior to his departure to the Philippines.
If Koirala remains stubborn, the Cabinet should take a call and pave the way to sign the deal, Bhattarai is learnt to have told the Chief Secretary.
On Thursday, senior MoFA officials also tried to convince Koirala, but in vain.
Without the approval from the minister, the French company, Oberthur, which has bagged the MRP contract, will not be able to supply the passports within the stipulated time. After sealing the deal, Oberthur is to supply the first consignment within 70 days.
“The foreign secretary, as the administrative head of the ministry, can sign the contract, but he cannot do so without the prior approval of the design and insignia from the political level. As such, the Cabinet must intervene in the matter if Sujata Koirala refuses to approve the design,” a senior MoFA official said.
Friday’s Cabinet meeting is likely to sort out the issue. “The prime minister is also concerned about the delay in the MRP deal,” the official said.
Either the Cabinet can approve the design or the Prime Minister can take a risk and approve the same.
“The prime minister can also use his position to force Koirala to approve the deal,” the official said.
Posted on: 2010-08-13 07:56
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