Addressing a press meet before wrapping up her two-day visit to Nepal on Thursday, US Department of State Under Secretary for Political Affairs Wendy R Sherman also asked the government to provide necessary documents to Tibetan refugees to help them lead a “life of dignity and purpose”. 

 

Sherman raised the issues of Tibetan refugees during her meeting with Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai at the latter´s office in Singha Durbar.“We discussed the concerns of refugees to ensure that they have proper identifications so that they can lead a life of dignity and purpose here in Nepal,” she said. 

 

“We also discussed making sure that documents are quickly put together to support refugees who are legitimately visiting United States.” Sherman said that lack of proper documents had made Tibetan refugees living here face problems while trying to find job or higher education or travel abroad. “We did talk with the prime minister about identity cards and documentations for Tibetan refugees,” she added. 

 

Sherman had held a meeting with the representatives of Tibetan refugees living here in Kathmandu on Wednesday and listened to their concerns. “I really felt that the prime minister understood the issue. I am sure the issues will get resolved,” she further said. Sherman arrived in Kathmandu on second leg of her tour of South Asian countries after India. She also held a meeting with senior government officials, Nepal Army leadership, political leaders and civil society activists. Asked what transpired during her between with Army Chief Chhatraman Singh Gurung, she said, “Most of our time was spent talking about the peace process.”

 

While lauding the decision taken by the Special Committee to conclude peace process, she expressed confidence that the political parties in Nepal would be able to bring a draft of the new constitution by the May 27 deadline.