UNHCR initiates final step for a durable solution

Kathmandu, May 23: The United Nations' High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) António Guterres arrived Kathmandu on Tuesday in his three-day tour to Nepal in an effort to find a permanent future for exiled Bhutanese.

Upon his arrival at the Kathmandu airport, he said UNHCR is in favour of repatriating the exiled Bhutanese to their homeland in a dignified manner.

Guterres expressed hope that the Nepal government will be able to find a permanent solution to the crisis.

In his meeting with the visiting Nepalese Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala on Tuesday afternoon, Guterres was told that repatriation still remains the first priority of Nepal government.

 Amid offers for third country resettlement by the United States and other western countries, PM Koirala told the visiting delegate that resettlement is of the second priority.

Koirala also requested Guterres to apply pressure on Bhutanese government to allow safe repatriation of its citizens.

"We appreciate the initiatives of countries which have agreed to resettle the exiled Bhutanese," PM's assistants told media persons.

Guterres said he will discuss the issue with Bhutanese ministers for a concrete solution.

He said all countries in this region, especially India, have a role to play in finding a durable solution to the protracted crisis. "India is a very relevant partner. India's positive attitude in finding out a solution could be helpful," Guterres told reporters after Tuesday's meeting.

Guterres said the choice between resettlement or repatriation has to be left to the exiled Bhutanese. "We only want a permanent solution," he said, adding that local integration is not a 'general' solution.

Koirala, citing news reports that appeared in the international media, was also equally concerned that a sizable chunk of the Nepali speaking community of Bhutan were barred from taking part in the mock polls and situation is being created for their eviction.

Guterres also met with Nepalese Foreign Minister Sahana Pradhan on the same day.  Pradhan told reporters that she asked Guterres to 'convince and impress' Bhutan on repatriation. "Bhutan should not, however, think that resettlement of is citizens in exile would permanently solve the crisis," she said.

On Wednesday, Guterres will visit Goldhap camp in Jhapa. On Thursday, he will travel to Thimphu to hold talks with the Bhutanese authorities. Bhutan News Service