Ireland for 'smart sanction' on Nepal

The Kathmandu Post

BY GUNARAJ LUITEL

DUBLIN (IRELAND), Feb 18, 2006 -Conor Lenihan, TD, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, who also looks after issues of human rights and overseas development, said here Thursday that his country will be pushing a proposal in the European Union (EU) for imposing 'smart sanctions' against King Gyanendra and his government.

"We [EU member states] are seriously considering imposing smart sanction against the king's government without hurting the poor people", said Conor Lenihan, TD, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, who also looks after issues of human rights and overseas development.

He, however, said the sanctions wouldn't affect the poor people. "The people shouldn't be targeted."

Officials here said the Irish government, with the coordination of other EU member states, is planning to put forward its 'smart sanction' proposal. Some reliable sources said the upcoming ministerial meeting of the 25-member EU scheduled in April will discuss the proposal.

"We will communicate this with our development colleagues," Lenihan told the Post.

He also expressed serious concern over the deteriorating situation in Nepal. "As a European member country, we are seriously concerned."

Lenihan added that the Irish government is closely watching the political developments, including curtailment of civil liberties - containing of media and attack on civil society.

He also said, to encourage the peace process in Nepal, Ireland is going to propose the appointment of a special EU envoy to Nepal. "We will push for appointment of a special EU envoy on Nepal", he said.

The EU countries want to make sure that EU taxpayers' money is not being used in the militarization of the Nepalese state.

The Irish government is very sympathetic to the aspiration of Nepalese people for democracy and peace in the country, he said. "We support the democratic movement and non-military solution of the problem."

Earlier today, Dr. Arjun Karki, president of NGO Federation Nepal, had an hour-long meeting with State Minister Lenihan. "Minister Lenihan agreed to extend full support to the ongoing movement for defending democracy, human right and peace in Nepal", Karki said.