Washington DC, -Nepali American Public Affairs Council (NAPAC) President Dr. Shyam Karki visited the office of Senator Benjamin Cardin, who is also a member of the US Senate Committee on Foreign Relations.

He had extensive discussion with Jessie Hollidav, Foreign Policy legislative assistant to the Senator.  Dr. Karki was accompanied by Mr. Surendra Shrestha, a member of world famous Nepali music ensemble, Sur Sudha, and currently visiting the US.

Dr. Karki briefed Mr. Holliday on the latest developments in Nepal and stressed the need for US policy to positively engage with all political parties in Nepal for the promotion of democracy, human rights, peace and prosperity.

He also emphasized the fact that tourism, being one of the main industries of Nepal, can be adversely affected by the recently issued travel advisory by the State Department.  He stressed the need to revoke the advisory as early as possible to minimize its impact on tourism in Nepal.  

Dr. Karki stressed the need for reviewing the US aid policy to Nepal and pay special emphasis to projects that will promote skill/technology transfer as well as Nepali exports of garments, tea, handicrafts and herbal products. Both sides agreed that Nepalis educated in the US are the best goodwill ambassadors for both countries and opportunities need to be created for encouraging them to utilize their skills for the economic development of Nepal.  They also agreed on the need for Nepali Americans and the US policy makers to maintain an effective communication link to optimize US Nepal relationship for the mutual benefit of both countries through timely input and feedback of information.  As an initiation of this process, Dr. Karki was told that he will be informed about the congressional hearing process for the confirmation of newly appointed US Ambassador to Nepal.

Both sides agreed that the Senator and his staff will make special efforts to attend Nepali community events in Maryland and will also facilitate efforts in promoting cultural exchange programs and summer congressional internship for high school and college students.  It was also agreed that a meeting be held in two months to monitor their progress.  

NAPAC had successfully lobbied in the past to mobilize congressional support for the Democracy struggle and its delegation meets congressmen at regular intervals to discuss issues of mutual interest and mobilize congressional support for the interests of the Nepali community members. NAPAC delegation will be meeting a number of Senators and congressmen over the next two months to interact on the interests of Nepali Americans.

November 23, 2009

Nepali American Public Affairs Council (NAPAC)

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