Nepal Requests Ukraine to Release Seven Detained Nepali Nationals

Nepal’s Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba has urged Ukraine to release seven Nepali individuals captured as prisoners of war during a meeting with Ukrainian Minister Andriy Sibiga in New Delhi. The individuals had enlisted in the Russian army under false pretenses. Deuba also sought support for Nepal’s candidacy for the UN Human Rights Council and discussed a visa-free travel agreement for diplomatic passport holders.

On Tuesday, during a bilateral meeting held in New Delhi, Nepal’s Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba urged Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sibiga to facilitate the release of seven Nepali nationals detained as prisoners of war. This meeting took place amidst the Raisina Dialogue, organized by India’s Ministry of External Affairs.

Foreign Minister Deuba emphasized Nepal’s prohibition on its citizens joining the Russian military and insisted on the swift release of the Nepali prisoners. The individuals in question had reportedly been lured into enlisting in the Russian armed forces through deception but were subsequently captured by Ukrainian military forces.

Minister Sibiga assured that Ukraine would adhere to established legal protocols to expedite the release of the detained individuals. Furthermore, Deuba requested support from Ukraine for Nepal’s bid for a position on the UN Human Rights Council for the term spanning 2027–2029.

In a related development, Nepal and Ukraine formalized an agreement to permit visa-free entry for holders of diplomatic and official passports, reinforcing bilateral relations as communicated by the foreign minister’s secretariat.

Nepal’s Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba has actively sought the release of seven Nepali nationals held by Ukraine as prisoners of war, affirming Nepal’s stance against military enlistment in conflicts. The meeting with Minister Sibiga not only addressed this urgent issue but also opened avenues for Nepal’s future representation on the UN Human Rights Council. The recent agreement on visa-free travel for diplomatic passport holders further signifies strengthening ties between the two nations.

Original Source: kathmandupost.com