Visitingnepal

A delegation of the World Bank’s Executive Directors vowed to continue the bank’s support to Nepal, irrespective of who heads the government in Nepal.

“Politics does not interfere in the decisions of the World Bank, as it’s a non-political global institution representing 185 countries,” they said while briefing the media before leaving for Washington after a four-day stay here.

“We respect the Nepali people’s decision,” they said.

They were here to review the country’s economic situation and social issues post-CA polls. “The visit is meant to understand situation and challenges here,” Michel Mordasini, one of the EDs, who looks after Switzerland said.

The 11 Executive Directors met PM Girija Prasad Koirala, Finance Minister Dr Ram Sharan Mahat, a few newly elected CA members, civil society members and the donor community representatives during their stay.

“It was a busy schedule and we held extensive discussions with the government authorities and reviewed the economic situation and social issues after the successful holding of CA polls,” he said. The high-level delegation had also held discussions on possible future areas of support like climate change, hydropower and infrastructure.

The delegates also met Maoist chairman Prachanda and second-in-command Dr Baburam Bhattarai. At the end of a ‘cordial’ meeting with the duo, the delegates laid stress on continuity of dialogue with the emerging powers in Nepal.

The delegation did not set any pre-condition for the government-in-waiting but they believed that it’s a process of a continued dialogue that they are looking forward to.

They will report to the bank’s headquarters in Washington for the future course of action in Nepal.

The directors said they were impressed with the peaceful CA polls and that the peace and development processes were on track.