MCC is in nation's interest: Congress leader Dr Mahat

At a meeting of the parliamentary party of the ruling Nepali Congress, the lawmakers have been expressing their views in favor of the US-backed Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC). Former Finance Minister and Nepali Congress leader Dr Ram Sharan Mahat told reporters that the MCC was in favor of Nepal in the meeting which started this morning at the Federal Parliament Building, New Baneshwor-based Lhotse Hall.

"There is confusion regarding the MCC. It is not part of any military strategy. They are all just rumors. I have said the same thing and other friends have the same opinion," said Dr Mahat, who walked out of the meeting with his views.

He said that the MCC project was being misrepresented as being against the national interest and added that it was necessary to endure the illusion against it. He also said that the project should be approved as it is in the national interest.

He also informed the meeting that he had urged the lawmakers of his party to dispel the illusion against MCC.

Leader Dr Mahat also said that the project was not under MCC Indo-Pacific but was a pure development project. Stating that there should be no delay in approving the MCC, he said that Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba and CPN (Maoist Center) Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' had written a letter to the MCC office some time ago seeking time for approval from the parliament.

After Mahat's remarks, the speaking lawmakers also told reporters that they were in favor of his opinions.