Foreign clause
The Ministry of Law and Justice has raised objection to a proposal to renew the agreement on West Seti Hydropower Project, saying it undermines the sovereignty and integrity of Nepal. The new agreement for the project, which is run with foreign investment and managed by an Australian company, stipulates that any disputes raised during the construction and operation of the project should be settled according to the laws of the United Kingdom. The Ministry of Law also disapproves a clause that holds Nepal government liable for any damage in the project. (Nagarik)

Integration issues
The tenure of the technical committee assigned to determine the fate of over 19,000 UN-verified Maoists combatants will expire on Monday, with no progress on the integration and rehabilitation. Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal is expected to extend the tenure by three months. The committee still needs to figure out crucial issues like whether the integration model should follow existing standards and norms of security forces. The Maoists want bulk integration and generous rehabilitation package for the disqualified combatants. The ruling coalition, on the other hand, has accused the Maoists of stalling the integration process. Ram Sharan Mahat, a committee member, said: “The Maoists are not ready to have their combatants integrated and rehabilitated. They want to use the fighters for their planned urban insurrection.” (The Kathmandu Post)

Embezzlement
Ministry of Labour officials, including the ministers, used welfare fund meant for migrant workers to finance trips to foreign countries, it has been revealed. They have used more than Rs 10 million on foreign visits under the pretext of expanding foreign employment opportunities. The fund was set up under the Foreign Employment Act two years ago to help workers abroad in need of medical and other emergencies. Since its establishment, more than Rs 250 million has been accumulated in the fund, but so far no initiatives have been made to protect Nepali workers abroad.  (Kantipur)

Border assault
Chinese officials have apologised for an assault of a Nepali traffic policeman who had crossed the border after a Nepali van was vandalised in the Chinese territory. Arun Pande was assaulted by a Chinese security personnel in Liping, where he had gone to inquire about a vandalised van belonging to a Nepali businessman. Chinese officials said the guilty officer has been suspended for three months, and they have also agreed to repair the van. (The Himalayan Times)

Must read:
Nepali workers in suicide trap, The Kathmandu Post