US AMBASSADOR HITS OUT AT PARTY LEADERS CRAVING FOR POWER

US AMBASSADOR HITS OUT AT POLIICAL PARTY LEADERS CRAVING FOR POWER

By Bhola B Rana

Kathmandu, 25 Aug.: US Ambassador Scott H. DeLisi Thursday condemned recent attacks on journalists at a speech in the capital
“The news about attacks on journalists has disturbed me greatly. I hope that political leaders of all parties will be unequivocal in their condemnation of these actions and of the continuing threats against journalists, police, and even innocent family members,” he saif, according to details of the speech released by US embassy.
He said he was ‘dismayed’ at talks with political leaders centered on retaining or gaining power.
“... and invariably the discussion focuses on the peace process, the constitution, and, more often than not, their party's plans to retain or gain control of the levers of political power.

“‘Thus my surprise, and at times dismay, that so many of those who aspire to lead the nation appear to have not devoted the same degree of attention to the nation’s development strategy, the strengthening of the economy, and the creation of jobs, as they have to their political agenda.”
He added: I believe that Nepal’s toughest challenge is not concluding the peace process or drafting the constitution, but rather building an economic future for the young people of Nepal.




“Nepal’s economy will likely grow this year by an anemic 3½ percent, one of the lowest growth rates in Asia,” DeLisi said.
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“Investors are scared off by the political instability, labor problems, and power shortages.



“At the same time, Nepal’s own business houses are focused only on short-term profits. Many seek to avoid paying taxes and maneuver to sneak their money out of the country.”




The ambassador said he ‘ was very disheartened to learn that Surya Nepal’ closed down operations this week.
:Equally ly troubling, some political leaders seem to view businesses as sources of funding for their parties – or even worse – as targets to be exploited for their personal gain,” the ambassador said.
“Even at the tender age of 18, many have already given up on their own country,” he said of young Nepalis hoping to go abroad.
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“In Nepal today, remittance flows are fueling increased consumption but by all indicators, are not being channeled into productive investment. Meanwhile, Nepal’s competitiveness and productivity continue to decline over the long term.”

After 16-month stay, he applauded recent government's efforts to enact what he called coherent, rational policies to develop hydropower.

“The recent selection of a technocratic head of the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) through open competition sends a positive signal about the commitment to reform.
“I feel as though we have failed to be as effective in fostering, and even insisting on, policy reform as part of the development dialogue with the government.”
Government, DiLisi feared, government may be attempting to control economy through cooperative
““..there are those who worry that the characterization of “cooperatives” as the third pillar of the economy could be code language for expanded government control of the economy.

“It is the private sector, in partnership with government that must create jobs.
“At a time when India and even communist China have learned this lesson, it would indeed be ironic and self-destructive for Nepal to move in the other direction,” the ambassador said.
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