Nepal has put forth five different demands to the Russian government regarding the Nepali people working in the Russian army, which has been fighting a war against Ukraine for two and a half years.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Narayankaji Shrestha, who went to Iran's capital Tehran to participate in the Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ADC), raised Nepal's demands in a meeting with Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrei Yuri.
Minister Shrestha, who arrived in Nepal on Tuesday after participating in the ACD meeting, informed that he strongly raised the issue over the participation of Nepalis in the Russian army during the meeting with the Russian Deputy Foreign Minister. Shrestha added that he got some assurances from the Russian Deputy Foreign Minister.
Five demands floated by Nepal
In the 'sideline' meeting with the Russian Deputy Foreign Minister, Shrestha reminded Russia that Nepal does not allow its citizens to participate in the army of any other country except some countries including India and Britain based on the traditional agreement.
First demand - how many Nepalis are in the Russian army, how their condition is, and detailed information about them.
The second demand - arrangements to send the dead bodies to Nepal so that the families of those who lost their lives in the army can perform the traditional last rites as early as possible.
The third demand -- those who sustained injuries in the war against Ukraine should be compensated and treatment provided.
Fourth demand - Nepalis who have joined the Russian army should be sent back to Nepal. All contracts with them should be canceled.
Fifth demand - Six Nepalis are currently under the control of Ukraine while fighting with the Russian army during the war against Ukraine. Preference for their release as prisoners of war should also be included in the negotiation with Ukraine.
Three assurances from the Russian Deputy Foreign Minister
During the meeting, the Russian Deputy Foreign Minister said that they are ready to return the Nepalis in the Russian army to their country after formulating a certain kind of modality.
"In principle, they have agreed to return the Nepalis who are in the Russian army," Minister Shrestha said, "but they have said that they still need to talk about the modalities."
Similarly, the Russian Deputy Foreign Minister gave a positive answer regarding compensation. He also informed that seven people have been already compensated.
Meanwhile, the Russian Deputy Foreign Minister also gave some more assurances to Nepal.
First- to work in coordination with the Nepali Embassy in Moscow regarding the demands made by Nepal. Allowing the Nepali ambassador to personally meet the Nepalis in the Russian army.
Second- Facilitation in other essential matters as well.
Third- To take the initiative with other agencies of the Russian government to address the demands put forth by Nepal.
