The behaviour of the EU parliamentary delegates, who hope for a serious approach towards diplomacy and global affairs on the part of Nepal, runs counter to diplomatic protocol. It is an affront to Nepal's sovereignity for these delegates to plan to meet armed groups and Tibetan refugees without informing the Nepali government. The EU parliamentary delegation arrived in Nepal on Sunday for the eighth inter-delegate meeting. The delegation had planned to tour a Tibetan refugee camp and meet controversial armed groups without so much as a by your leave from the foreign ministry. It was only through the Nepali Embassy in Brussels that this came to light.

The Tibet question is one of utmost importance for Nepal. International laws and humane considerations require Nepal to be responsible for the refugees here. Nepal also has to consider the seriousness with which its northern neighbour China looks at the issue. The EU delegation would be well aware of this. To go ahead and plan to meet Tibetan refugees despite this is unfortunate and worrying. The same applies to meeting armed groups; it breaches diplomatic protocol, and the foreign ministry should demand a clarification. The EU delegates should ask themselves if they would tolerate similar actions in their own countries.

The EU delegation has, in recognition of the Nepal government's concerns, belatedly announced that it will not be meeting representatives of Limbuwan or Khumbuwan. The Nepal government, too, has asserted its diplomatic prerogatives by informing the delegation of its concerns.

Foreign and diplomatic representatives should not make unilateral decisions on Nepal's internal affairs, particularly with regards to sensitive issues. It is necessary to put a stop to the trend of increasing foreign influence in Nepal. To help Nepal is not to interfere in Nepal's internal affairs, and finally there is some awareness of this. This latest incident has also served to remind top government officials and politicians not to breach diplomatic protocol.