The United States has responded by moving forward with the implementation of the MCC project after the agreement on US assistance was approved by the MCC House of Representatives. However, it has remained silent on the 12-point explanatory declaration.
The US Embassy in Kathmandu issued a statement on Sunday after the House of Representatives ratified the MCC agreement with a 12-point explanatory announcement.
It is mentioned in the press release that with the approval of the House of Representatives, it is possible to move forward towards the implementation of MCC. With the approval of the USD 500 million MCC Compact, it is hoped that more jobs will be created for the Nepalese people, the supply of electricity services will increase and the cost of transportation will be reduced.
The partnership aims to help alleviate poverty worldwide by partnering with developing nations committed to good governance, including economic freedom and the promotion of democratic principles and the fight against corruption, the statement said.
However, many misgivings were raised about MCC in Nepal. The House of Representatives has also passed a 12-point explanatory declaration along with the MCC agreement to allay those fears.
The 12-point explanatory declaration states that Nepal will not join any US military alliance, that Nepal's constitution is above compact and other agreements related to compact, that all MCA-Nepal activities and funds will be audited by the Auditor-General, and that intellectual property will be owned by Nepal.
In addition, it has been announced that the MCC has the right to terminate the compact by giving 30 days prior written notice in case of violation of Nepal's law or policy while conducting activities/programs.
While passing this explanatory declaration, the lawmakers sought assurance of implementation. However, the US embassy remained silent on the 12-point explanatory statement.
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