The core premise of diplomacy is that "signal and intent are sufficient," requiring diplomats to act based on body language and facial expressions. However, several ambassadors appointed by the previous government appear incapable of understanding their own government's intent.
On October 16, the Council of Ministers decided to recall ambassadors from 11 countries. The list included figures like Krishna Prasad Oli (China), Lokdarshan Regmi (USA), and Chandra Ghimire (UK).
The situation became complex when the Supreme Court, on November, issued an interim order to halt the implementation of the recall decision, which was noted to be contrary to its own precedent.
Following the court order, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) instructed the recalled ambassadors on November 3 to return to Kathmandu by November 6 to "work at the Ministry until further notice."
The government's underlying intent was that the ambassadors, upon sensing the loss of confidence, would understand the situation and resign after their return. Prime Minister Sushila Karki, who also holds the Foreign Ministry portfolio, reportedly instructed MoFA to issue the recall letter with the ambiguous "work at the Ministry" clause, expecting voluntary resignations.
One ambassador, Chandra Ghimire (UK), followed this diplomatic intent, stating that "it is not morally appropriate to remain in office after the government has lost confidence," and submitted his resignation.
However, most of the other ten recalled ambassadors have returned and are now following the literal instructions: they daily visit the MoFA to sign a special attendance book and leave after having tea.
"Even if the Supreme Court's final decision favors them, they cannot just return to their respective countries to resume duty. Since they formally came back, they might need a new agrement from those countries. Yet, they show up every day to sign the book. Whether they don't understand the situation or are pretending not to, it's baffling," said a Foreign Affairs expert.
The Supreme Court's interim order, which prioritized the "completion of elections" as the interim government's main duty, hints at a potential next step. MoFA officials suggest that the Prime Minister might soon meet with the envoys collectively and assign them "election-related duties" either in Kathmandu or in the districts.
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