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Bulletin #12: British Government Suspends Military Support to Nepal

British Foreign Secretary, Jack Straw, issued the following statement on Nepal today.

‘The British Government has decided to suspend a planned package of military assistance to Nepal, in the light of the disturbing situation there. We had already made clear our grave concerns over the King of Nepal’s dismissal of the Prime Minister and government, and that the UK would be reviewing the impact of the King’s action on the security assistance we provide to Nepal.

We are now considering with key international partners what our longer term policy for providing assistance to Nepal should be, including on assistance with a humanitarian purpose.

‘We continue to urge the King to restore representative government and democratic freedoms. These are essential steps towards a sustainable peace process. We condemn the Maoists’ violence and call on all parties to the conflict to respect and uphold the human rights of all people in Nepal. Following consultations in London, our Ambassador to Nepal has returned to Kathmandu to convey these messages directly to the Government of Nepal.’

Notes for Editors

1. On 20 January, before the King’s measures on 1 February, a minute was laid before Parliament giving details of a package of military equipment which the government proposed to gift to Nepal under the Global Conflict Prevention Pool. The equipment comprised a package of non-lethal military equipment worth £1.34m. It included night flying capability and communications enhancements to the Short Take Off and Landing surveillance aircraft which we have previously gifted to the RNA, 40 general purpose Land Rovers and Explosive Ordnance Disposal equipment and vehicles.

2. Foreign Office Minister, Douglas Alexander, expressed ‘grave concerns’ over the King’s dismissal of the Prime Minister on 1 February (read the press release). The British Ambassador, Keith Bloomfield, was recalled from Kathmandu on 14 February.

3. Ministry of Defense Minister, Adam Ingram, yesterday replied to a Parliamentary question on the proposed gift. He said: ‘In light of the recent events in Nepal, the government has decided to withdraw the minute relating to the gift of military equipment pending a full review of our policy with regard to the provision of military assistance and equipment to Nepal.

We are naturally extremely concerned with these events and we are currently consulting with our international partners on a coordinated response. I will write to my right honorable and honorable friends when this review has developed.’

India Freezes Military Aid to Nepal

India has decided to freeze all military aid to Nepal immediately. This action will affect the supply of arms and ammunition, helicopters, armored vehicles, bullet proof-vests and helmets; furthermore, military training of Nepali soldiers will also be suspended.

Military supplies may be resumed if the new regime heeds the demands of India and the international community for the release of detained leaders and members of civil society, restoration of civilian and media rights and multi-party democracy. Humanitarian aid, however, will continue.

INSN is the International Nepal Solidarity Network, which has activists in over a dozen countries around the world who are working to bring democracy to Nepal. Visit their website for regular updates related to the Nepal crisis.