Nepal has not signed anything with the US Army, and Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal said so to lawmakers. Asked in the National Assembly about reports of a uranium deal in Mustang district, he called them “baseless”.
The reports claimed that the Nepali Army and the US Army had agreed to extract uranium there. They spread on social media and some digital platforms. Khanal said the government had already refuted them as incorrect and misleading, and that it had made no contract or agreement with any domestic or foreign party for uranium mining or any other mineral extraction in Mustang.
Geology, not a mine
There is one grain of fact behind the rumour. Khanal acknowledged that preliminary geological studies point to possible uranium deposits in the district. But no extraction project has been approved, he said. Any further scientific exploration would go through the Department of Mines and Geology, under existing laws and procedures.
He also said Nepal would not sign any agreement that clashes with its long-standing non-aligned foreign policy or the principles of Panchsheel. He repeated the government’s commitment to the constitutional provisions on natural resources and how they are used.
Border talks with India
The minister turned as well to relations with India. His government, he said, remains committed to settling border issues through diplomatic dialogue, in line with historical treaties, agreements and maps, while respecting the spirit of close ties between the two countries.
Khanal added that the current government is focused on protecting national interests and improving the country’s image. Foreign relations are a sensitive matter, he said, and call for collective responsibility and understanding from all stakeholders.
Sources
- No agreement on uranium exploration in Mustang: Foreign Minister Khanal
- Nepal dismisses claims of US army uranium deal in Mustang
Sources
- No agreement on uranium exploration in Mustang: Foreign …
- Nepal dismisses claims of US army uranium deal in Mustang
