Ties between two countries will be affected if Nepal backtrack from signed agreement, warns US

KATHMANDU: Amid growing pressure from the United States on Nepal for parliamentary ratification of the MCC compact, the United States once again warned that the relations between Nepal and the United States will be affected if the former backtracked from the signed agreement.

Issuing a statement on Tuesday, US envoy to Nepal Randy W. Berry said, “The relationship between the United States and Nepal is broader than one agreement.  This year marks the 75th year of ties between Nepal and the United States,” adding,” During these 75 years, Nepal has seen monumental and incredible changes.  We have stood with Nepal through these changes and supported the country with development aid, disaster response and preparedness assistance, health and education programs, and more.  But in general, withdrawing from a signed bilateral agreement would have an impact on any two countries’ relationship.”

“We have had discussions with Nepali leaders – but not in the way characterized by some press and online discourse.  As verifiable by public documents or statements, Nepali leaders understand that MCC will bring jobs and infrastructure to Nepal – that is why the government of Nepal asked us for an MCC Compact in the first place,” the statement read.

Unfortunately, this development programme has been mired in disinformation.  This is disinformation about a programme which is based on transparency, accountability, and democracy – who would be against that, the embassy said.

“We have not threatened Nepali leaders – that is false.  But we are asking Nepal to follow through on its commitments.  Whether the Nepali leaders ratify MCC is a decision for Nepal to make, as a sovereign democratic nation, and Nepal’s decision alone.  After years of delays on following through on Nepal’s promise, we simply ask that ratifying the agreement be brought to a vote so the people, through their elected officials, have their say,” the statement further read.