Kathmandu : During the meeting between Prime Minister Puspakama Dahal Prachanda and American official Laubcher, discussions were held on issues related to the transitional justice, which quickly became a contentious topic. Admiral Ilin Laubacher, the Senior Director of the National Security Council for South Asia and Special Assistant to President Biden, has expressed special concern regarding Nepal’s transitional justice.

The meeting, which took place on Thursday morning at the Prime Minister’s residence in Baluwatar, included figures such as Prime Minister Dahal, Ganesh Dhakal, the Chief of the Europe-America Division at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and others from the Nepalese side. From the American side, Laubacher and the U.S. Ambassador to Nepal, Din Thompson, were present.

“During the meeting, Laubacher raised concerns about Nepal’s transitional justice. She suggested that Nepal should expedite transitional justice by keeping the victims at the center,” said an official present at the meeting. In response, Prime Minister Dahal mentioned that Nepal has already expedited the transitional justice process.

Despite the end of the decade-long Maoist conflict through the peace agreement, the final resolution of transitional justice issues still lingers. Although the government has formed two commissions (the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the Commission of Investigation on Enforced Disappeared Persons), significant progress based on a solid legal foundation has not been achieved. The bill related to transitional justice is currently under consideration in the parliamentary committee.

Western countries like the United States have consistently urged for a swift resolution of transitional justice issues. They emphasize the need for inclusive and victim-centered processes, in line with international standards. During his visit to Nepal, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also addressed the issue of transitional justice in Parliament.

During Thursday’s meeting, Prime Minister Prachanda highlighted the economic relations, cooperation, and collaboration between the two countries. “Prime Minister Prachanda praised the continuous support from the United States in Nepal’s economic development,” said a participating official. According to him, discussions during the meeting also touched upon the possibility of high-level visits from the United States to Nepal in the future.

As part of his two-day visit, Laubacher also held discussions with Foreign Minister NP Saud, Chief of Army Staff Prabhu Ram Sharma, and National Security Advisor Shankar Das Bairagi. The meeting with Saud aimed to strengthen bilateral relations and enhance bilateral cooperation, especially in the defense sector. The discussions with Chief of Army Staff Sharma focused on mutual interests and mutual relations. After the two-day visit, Laubacher is expected to depart on Thursday.