Is it likely to have the MCC approved from parliament ?

Kathmandu, MCC is a 50 crore American Project. December 14, Washington has stated a meeting on MCC compact and Nepal. Parliament in Nepal has summoned meeting of both the sessions (National Assembly and House of Representatives). The political parties are holding discussions with the speaker of the house about tabling the MCC motion. No consensus has yet reached on the matter. The government, in the mood of passing the MCC proposal, is busy home working.

Is it likely to have the MCC approved from parliament of Nepal? The MPs, government and the public as well are found involved in the debate. The public as well are found involved in the debate. The public are looked eager to know more about the progress. On December 17 and 18 MCC deputy chair Fatima Sumar and US Asst. Foreign Minister and deputy Asst. Foreign Minister Donald Lu and Kelly Kidlelingle, white in Nepal, have, suggested Nepal to accept the grant and soon to withdraw if not needed.

Rendy Berry, the residential ambassador to Nepal is requesting Nepal to leap up in Energy and Transport sector accepting the US offer.

So, the question of the day is - whether the MCC will be approved or withdrawn?

The mercury about whether or not to accept the MCC has been suddenly rise among political and diplomatic circle. BRI China Neighbor First India and look East India also are pulled in MCC fever. Leaders in Nepal are not sure about whether it is to pass without any alterations or with some changes in terms and conditions. They are looked in awkward position.

MCC is linked also with Nepal’s Independence and sovereignty as well as her International image.

Political leaders and government in Nepal are reluctant to deliver the real message of MCC to people and tearing down the doubts loomed over them.

Erstwhile KP Oli government now in Opposition, to pass MCC. The ruling faction have thrown the ball to the court of five parties to decide NC, United Front and Social Democratic Party (Ja.Sa.Pa.) are in need of approving the MCC. Madhav Nepal and Prachanda-led faction of ruling alliance seeks some modification before it is approved. So, the Deuba government validated by (12 Jul 2021 Nepal’s Supreme Court has reinstated its parliament, which was dissolved by caretaker Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli in May, and ordered that his rival Sher Bahadur Deuba be appointed as prime minister.) the supreme court decree which possesses the majority of 165 looks fragile. The decision makers are Prachanda and Oli, now in opposition, who would like to make MCC a tool to win the coming poll.

If so is the case, is it unlikely to pass MCC? What will happen in case it is not passed? Various debates and arguments for and against this matter is growing majority opinion is in favor of approval.

Us asst. foreign minister Donald Lu during his November visit, were returned resorting pressure to PM and political parties soon to approve MCC from parliament. He has warned Nepal to shift this 50-crore dollar MCC grant to other countries if not approved here.

Diplomacy bears no provision of concession of any sort. The grant assistance carries many things with its such as, pressure, influence (dominance) and boon. The capacity which Nepal should have possessed in term of mobilizing assistances available from MCC, BRI or Neighbor. First, America, China, India is lacking. Not only America, China and India but USSR and Europeans also are extending their influence (dominance) over Nepal. This is the high time to exhibit our talents and wisdoms of building an impressive nationalism through the expansion of true friendship world wide by choosing a path compatible to democracy in Nepal and her undelayed prosperity.  As UN has accredited Nepal to a developing country, we should no more remain isolated from all else.

Therefore, the Parliamentary session starting from 14 December have been a matter of great significance.

The finality of this project demanded by then finance minister Barshaman Pun (NCP Maoist, 2014) and signed by Gyanendra Bahadur Karki, a prominent leader of congress and then minister involving Nepal’s energy infrastructure (2017) and road expansion and grading lingering for years should now be realized its goal at any cost. Nepal-America friendship began from 1947 should further tightened, it is hoped.

- Rajan Karki, editor.