Kathmandu, July 21 (PTI): Norway said today it would reduce its aid to Nepal by 10 per cent next year and will not enter into any new agreements with the Himalayan Kingdom to protest the seizure of power by King Gyayendra in February.
'The Norwegian government considers the development after February 1 as a serious setback with regard to multi-party democracy, constitutional monarchy, human rights and to finding a peaceful solution to the ongoing Maoist conflict,' a statement issued by the Royal Norwegian Embassy here said.
The government of Norway has also decided not to enter into any new bilateral agreement with Nepal, Norwegian Ambassador Tore Toreng said.
The assistance includes funding the crucial 26.5 km diversion tunnel from Melamchi River to Sundarijal.
Norway has also cut-down its financial assistance to Nepal by 2.25 million US dollars committed for 2006.
Norway will now focus more on efforts to promote democracy and human rights, including support to the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights mission in Nepal.
However, the decision to cut financial aid will not affect Norway's ongoing commitments under the Education for All Programme, the statement said.
Norway said it would reconsider the development assistance if concrete steps are taken to restore multi-party democracy, improve human rights situation and to engage in a peace dialogue."
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Thursday, July 21, 2005
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