Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal has clarified that there is no truth in the talk that an agreement has been reached between the Nepali Army and the US Army for uranium mining in Mustang district.
Responding to queries raised by lawmakers in a meeting of the National Assembly on Wednesday, he informed that there is no agreement with any party regarding mining in the area.
Minister Khanal said that such claims made in some digital media are completely baseless and that the relevant bodies of the Nepali government have already refuted them.
He said, "I would like to inform you that there is no truth in the public talk that an agreement has been reached between the Nepali Army and the US Army for uranium mining in Mustang district. No agreement or agreement has been made with anyone regarding mining in this area. The relevant bodies of the Nepali government have also refuted the baseless claims made in some digital media in this regard.
The Foreign Minister also expressed his commitment not to enter into any agreement that would adversely affect Nepal's non-aligned foreign policy and the principle of Panchsheel.
He added, "The government is fully committed to the provisions of Article 289 of the Constitution of Nepal 2072 BS regarding natural resources and their utilization. Similarly, I would like to clarify that Nepal will not enter into any agreements that are contrary to its non-aligned foreign policy and the principle of Panchsheel."
Although the initial studies on the possibility of mining in Mustang indicate positive signs, he said that further detailed studies and exploration are necessary on this issue. He also clarified that the Department of Mines and Geology will take necessary steps in this regard.
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