EU-India joint statement on new Constitution upsets Nepal

Nepal has expressed serious concerns over the reference to its new Constitution that was made by the European Union and India in their joint statement issued after the 13th European Union-India Summit in Brussels.

Nepal's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) yesterday issued a statement, saying the joint statement has hurt the sentiments of the people of Nepal.

"Against this backdrop, the EU-India Joint Statement not only hurts the sentiments of the people of Nepal but also defies the fundamental principle of non-interference in internal affairs of a country in breach of UN Charter and norms of international law," the Himalayan Times quoted MoFA statement as saying.

The MoFA also said the joint statement has defied the fundamental principle of non-interference in internal affairs of a country in breach of UN Charter and norms of international law.

Nepal strongly pointed that the Constitution making and its promulgation were essentially internal matters of a country.

The MoFA also said that Nepal promulgated the Constitution through a democratically elected Constituent Assembly and the Constitution has fully accommodated the aspirations of the people, adding that it has now moved ahead along the path of political stability and economic development.

The MoFA made it clear that promulgation of the Constitution formally concluded the nationally-driven peace process initiated in 2006 and institutionalised significant democratic gains, including federal and republican system.

"The Government and people of Nepal are fully capable of resolving their issues themselves within the framework of the constitution," it added.

The government urged all to fully respect the sovereign and democratic rights of the people of Nepal and refrain from making uncalled for statements.