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Bhutan News Service

Bhutan News Service

UML chief stresses for peaceful movement

Posted: 01 Sep 2010 06:56 AM PDT

Chairman of CPN-UML, Jhala Nath Khanal, on Wednesday opined that exiled Bhutanese should try to fight for their repatriation and democracy through peaceful means as before.

He also said that Nepali people would always be ready to support such activities.

The Bhutanese delegation with UML Chairman Khanal

“UML has always been supporting democratic struggle in Bhutan and would remain so in the upcoming days,” Khanal told a delegation of Druk Nation Congress (DNC) at his residence this afternoon.

During the meeting, DNC President Rongthong Kunley Dorji told Khanal that they have expected possible supports from the government of Nepal to operate a joint office in Kathamndu and run some news bulletins.
In response Khanal said, “UML will always support your peaceful movement to go home,” adding, “I will discuss the matter with leaders of other parties to see what kind of supports would be offered to you.”
“I will discuss with other parties and government regarding the kind of support that we can extend to your struggle,” he added.
He also said the UML-led government has provided logistic support to leader Tek Nath Rizal. “We will discuss about similar supports to other leaders as well,” Khanal added.

Thirty thousands resettled in USA

Posted: 01 Sep 2010 05:04 AM PDT

Sometime this week the number of Bhutanese refugees who have departed Nepal for the United States will reach 30,000.  At about the same time, the number of this group to be resettled in any country will reach 35,000.

In a press statement issued by the US Embassy in Kathmandu, it said these two milestones come during the on-going large scale resettlement of Bhutanese refugees to several countries around the world.  "We are gratified, together with our partners, to be able to help turn an unfortunate and often painful situation into something more hopeful for these people – America's newest residents, whom we welcome with open arms and hearts," said U.S. Ambassador to Nepal Scott H. DeLisi.  The United States, working with UNHCR, IOM and the other members of the Core Group (Australia, Canada, the Netherlands, Denmark, Norway, New Zealand and the UK) began resettling Bhutanese refugees in early 2008.

The United States accepts some 75,000 refugees from around the world each year. The Bhutanese resettlement program is currently the third-largest resettlement operation for the United States. Bhutanese refugees have been resettled in all 50 States and receive support from U.S. federal and state governments as well as non-governmental organizations.

The statement further said that the U.S. is committed to accepting as many of the Bhutanese whom UNHCR refers to them for consideration in Nepal and who meet the requirements of U.S. law for refugee admission.

According to the statement, the U.S. continues to urge the Government of Bhutan to accept the return of those persons who are eligible and wish to do so as another important component of finding durable solutions for all Bhutanese refugees in Nepal.