Terrorism is no one’s friend but a menace that must be combatted collectively on a sustainable scale because it can spill over from one area to another as has been seen with the various terrorist outfits playing their foul role in the different countries. Nepal has made it clear that terrorism in Nepal, too, must be viewed in the same light. It is not only a problem for the country concerned but for all the countries in the region.
This calls for concerted efforts and a common strategy on the part of the countries in the region to tackle it. The Outcome Document of the high-level plenary meeting of the 60th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), in which the international community strongly condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations committed by whoever and for whatever purpose, called on the international community to remain free of double standards and without selective approach regarding the policies towards terrorism.
This is a valid remark as terrorism anywhere and in any form or manifestation only creates unnecessary difficulties for the people. Terrorism has been responsible for the deaths and misery of the people. It is no different in Nepal as compared to the other affected countries of the global community. Therefore, the approach in dealing with terrorism must be the same and any double standard resorted to cannot be termed fair.
Nepal’s commitment to the principles and purposes of the UN Charter which are the fundamental pillars of Nepal’s foreign policy. Herein, it may be worth remembering that Nepal has made significant contributions to the UN’s peacekeeping mission in troubled areas worldwide by sending Royal Nepalese Army soldiers. All these show Nepal’s commitment to the UN Charter.
As a common problem for all nations, terrorism must be treated the same no matter where it is and the United Nations must openly show commitment to its own principles.
By Ralph Taylor
