Nepal to revise diplomatic code of conduct after China envoy row

Kathmandu is set to reissue its diplomatic code of conduct that would be applicable for president, top politicians, secretaries, office bearers and others while meeting with foreign dignitaries. The move came after growing criticism over Chinese Ambassador Hou's continuous meetings with top officials amid internal rift.

Hyderabad: After massive criticism over China's Nepal envoy's marathon meetings with president and other top government officials amid growing call for Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli's resignation, Kathmandu is set to revise its diplomatic code of conduct as Beijing's Ambassador's involvement into the country's internal rift drew immense criticism.

"Kathmandu is working to update and reissue the diplomatic code of conduct by bringing political party leaders under its purview so that there is accountability," The Kathmandu Post reported Foreign Minister Pradeep Gyawali as saying.

The foreign ministry has dispatched seven section officers to all the seven provinces to ensure that chief ministers, ministers, and other officials abide by the diplomatic code while meeting with foreign dignitaries. The code would be applicable for President, all top politicians, secretaries, office bearers, and others, The Kathmandu Post said.

Since Oli said that meetings are being held in New Delhi to topple his government, the ruling party leaders had demanded his resignation over his controversial remarks.

As Oli's chair was hanging in balance, Hou Yanqi held meetings with President Bidya Devi Bhandari, Nepal Communist Party's co-chair Pushpa Kamal Dahal, senior leader Madhav Kumar Nepal and others to save Oli's prime ministership.

Hou's involvement in the internal politics drew immense criticism and indicated that the envoy was clearly influencing Nepal's top leadership to shape their policies.