Newly appointed ambassador Acharya hopeful of implementation of EPG report
KATHMANDU, Feb 8: Newly appointed Ambassador of Nepal to India Nilamber Acharya Friday said he is hopeful that both Nepal and Indian governments will receive the Eminent Persons Group (EPG) report and work for its implementation.
The EPG, a joint mechanism consisting of experts and intellectuals from Nepal and India to study and report and the overall relations between the two neighbors including 1950 Peace and Friendship Treaty, trade, environment, border and hydropower, came up with a single joint report during its ninth meeting on June 30.
The report is to be submitted to both prime ministers for consideration. However, speculations are that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is dissatisfied with some of the recommendations of the joint report and thus reluctant to meet the EPG members. The term of EPG expired on July 4 last year.
“The mechanism was formed to review the past agreements between the two countries and to redefine the Nepal-India relation as per the 21st century norms and values,” he said at an interaction program organized by the Reporters’ Club Nepal.
“Thus, the EPG itself is a big achievement.”
“The report was prepared by the joint group consisting of four members from Nepal and four members from India, nominated by the both governments.”
“Indian PM Modi will receive the report. Then both the governments will do home works to for its implementation,” he added.
Acharya underlined the need to work developing the environment of trust instead of doubt.
“Nepal and India share a positive and deep bond. Both the governments should continuously work in improving the diplomatic ties and building trust,” he added.
He also pointed out the need to promote tourism based on the goodwill to reduce the trade deficit.