US asks Nepal to support resettlement

Source: Apfanews.com

US ambassador to Nepal Nancy Powel asked the Nepalese government to ease the process for resettlement of the exiled Bhutanese.

During her meeting with the Nepalese Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala on Wednesday morning at the prime minister’s residence, Powel sought immediate decision from the Nepalese government to begin the process of resettlement.

However, it has not been know what Koirala reacted.

Despite the agreement to allow third country resettlement, the Nepalese government has been delaying to issue the transit permit to those willing to resettle in the western countries.

Repatriation and resettlement should begin together: PM (Nepalnews.com)

Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala has urged the US government to ensure that resettlement and repatriation of the Bhutanese refugee begin at a time.

Koirala told visiting US Assistant Secretary of State for Population, Refugees and Migration Ellen Saurbrey, during a meeting Saturday morning at Balutwar, that third-country resettlement was not a permanent solution of the refugee crisis.

According to a Baluwatar source, PM Koirala informed the US minister that Nepal was not, however, against the resettlement process but expressed concern regarding the future of those who do not want to go to the US.

Koirala also urged the US official to put pressure on Indian and Bhutanese governments for repatriation of Bhutanese refugees.

In response, Saurbrey assured to raise the issue with Bhutanese and Indian governments. She said her government would officially ask the two governments to take initiative for a solution of the protracted refugee crisis. Saurbrey had visited Bhutanese refugee camps in Jhapa.

She will fly to Thimphu on Sunday to discuss the refugee issue with the Bhutanese government. After that she will visit Delhi seeking India's role in solving the refugee crisis.

During her interaction with refugees in Jhapa camps on Friday, Saurbrey had assured to put pressure on Bhutan and Indian for early solution of the issue.

Rizal-Nepalese PM meet, discuss on resettlement process

Source: Apfanews.com

Chairman of Bhutanese Movement Steering Committee (BMSC) Tek Nath Rizal has met with Nepalese Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala today morning and discussed on the issues of third country resettlement.

Rizal quoted the PM as having said that the Nepal government has given formal approval for third country resettlement.

Rizal further informed that he urged the PM to allow at least a representative from a hut to opt for the option of third country resettlement rather then allowing whole family.

Leader Rizal also informed that the PM was serious towards future of those who do not wish to opt for third country resettlement.