Himal Press 
Photo: AP
KATHMANDU: Seven former Nepali ambassadors to China have expressed concern over reports that the 99th birth anniversary of the 14th Dalai Lama was celebrated at Namgyal School in Nagarjun.
In a joint press statement issued on Thursday, former ambassadors Rajeshwar Acharya, Mahesh Maskey, Krishna Prasad Oli, Mahendra Pandey, Leelamani Paudyal, Tanka Karki and Bishnu Pukar Shrestha said they were concerned by media reports that the Dalai Lama’s birthday was marked on Asar 22 at Namgyal School in Nagarjun Municipality-2, with participation from representatives of foreign missions.
They recalled in the statement that Nepal has consistently adhered to the ‘One China’ policy and has pledged not to allow any activities on its soil that could harm the interests of friendly nations. They added that the commitment was reiterated during the recent visit of Minister for Foreign Affairs Shisir Khanal to China.
“Nepal has always firmly followed the ‘One China’ policy and has maintained its commitment not to allow any activity on its soil that could be detrimental to friendly countries,” the statement said. “If the program was held with the government’s consent, it could have adverse implications for Nepal’s adherence to the ‘One China’ policy in relation to its friendly ties with China.”
The former ambassadors warned that such activities could negatively affect Nepal’s geopolitical balance. “As such actions could prove counterproductive to the country’s stability, development and sovereignty, we urge the government and all concerned stakeholders to remain vigilant and cautious,” they added in the statement.
The former envoys also said supporters of the Dalai Lama have been expanding their activities by using Kathmandu and districts bordering China as hubs.
