Sanil Nepal approved as Nepal’s ambassador to Spain amid parliamentary hearings

KATHMANDU: The Parliamentary Hearings Committee (PHC) has approved the nomination of 16 out of 17 proposed ambassadors for various countries, including Sanil Nepal, who has been endorsed as Nepal’s next ambassador to Spain. The decision was made during a committee meeting held at Singha Durbar on Thursday, where the nominees were evaluated based on complaints, clarifications, work plans, and statements.

Sanil Nepal, a prominent figure in the diplomatic landscape, was proposed for Spain as part of the government’s recent ambassadorial nominations. His approval, alongside 15 others, was secured through a majority vote, signaling confidence in his ability to represent Nepal in the European nation.

However, the committee withheld the endorsement of Ram Krishna Bhattarai, the nominee for Sri Lanka, due to incomplete documents. The PHC directed its secretariat to request additional information before proceeding with his approval.

Diverging Opinions on Key Nominations

While most nominees passed without issue, there were notable disagreements. Rastriya Swatantra Party lawmaker Dol Prasad Aryal expressed concerns over three nominees: Prof. Dhan Prasad Pandit (Israel), Prof. Dr. Kapil Shrestha (South Africa), and Dr. Netra Prasad Timalsina (Malaysia). Aryal cited constitutional and legal complications, including Pandit’s legal case pending at the Supreme Court and Shrestha’s prior role in the National Human Rights Commission, which Aryal argued disqualifies him from holding further government positions.

Similarly, Janata Samajwadi Party Nepal lawmaker Prakash Adhikari raised objections regarding the nomination of Dr. Shankar Prasad Sharma as the ambassador to India. Adhikari referenced guidelines that prohibit consecutive ambassadorial terms, as Sharma was previously appointed to the same role in Chaitra 2078 but was recalled before completing his tenure.

Sanil Nepal: A Diplomatic Journey to Spain

Sanil Nepal’s nomination as ambassador to Spain reflects the government’s efforts to strengthen diplomatic relations with European nations. As Nepal prepares to represent his country in Spain, his focus is expected to be on enhancing bilateral ties, boosting tourism, and fostering economic cooperation.

The approval of Sanil Nepal marks a key step in the government’s broader ambassadorial reshuffle, which includes nominations for major diplomatic positions in India, the USA, the UK, China, and several other countries. The new ambassadorial appointments come at a crucial time as Nepal seeks to expand its global influence and strengthen its diplomatic outreach.

Next Steps

Following the PHC’s endorsement, the proposed ambassadors will be officially appointed by the president, as per constitutional provisions. This step finalizes the process and enables the new ambassadors, including Sanil Nepal, to assume their roles abroad, representing Nepal on the global stage.

The decision to approve 16 ambassadors highlights the committee’s careful consideration of legal and procedural matters, as the government seeks to navigate constitutional challenges and ensure competent diplomatic representation.