Deputy Assistant Secretary (DAS) of State for the Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration Kelly Clements, who arrived Nepal on Sunday after completing four-day visit to Bhutan, has stressed both Nepal and Bhutan to find tangible solution of the long-standing Bhutanese refugee issue.
A statement issued by the US embassy in Kathmandu on Monday said that DAS Clements visited Bhutan from June 2 to 5 and met with government leaders to urge Bhutan to take tangible immediate steps to help resolve the protracted refugee situation in Nepal as a sign of Bhutan’s commitment to democratic values and human rights.
“Now DAS Clements is in Nepal from to discuss humanitarian protection and assistance issues for refugees and other vulnerable populations in the region,” said the statement.
It further said that during those fruitful discussions, the government of Bhutan reiterated its April 2011 offer to the government of Nepal to reengage in bilateral discussions as soon as possible on the modalities for the voluntary return and reintegration of refugees with legitimate citizenship claims to Bhutan.
“The government of Bhutan also agreed to examine other ways to resolve this humanitarian situation in a humane and expedient manner, especially for the most vulnerable.”
According the embassy, in Nepal, DAS Clements expressed the appreciation of the U.S. government to the Nepalese government for cooperation on resettlement and support for efforts to find durable solutions for all refugees in the camps.
“DAS Clements also highlighted the appreciation of the U.S. government for the government of Nepal’s commitment to ensure the safe transit of new arrivals to India and to respect the basic rights of Tibetans resident in Nepal,” added the statement.
However, no official statement has been made public so far regarding the US official’s visit. Even, the government’s mouthpiece has not covered news about this visit.
