1 TRANSLATION OF THE PROCEEDINGS AND ... - APFA News

verification provides ample time and opportunity for the people in the camps to
express their wishes and views to their utmost satisfaction. However, the
Nepalese media has criticized the efforts of the Royal Government, saying that
it is purposely prolonging the process by slowing down the pace of verification,
and has said there is a need to find ways and means to speed up the verification
process.
The Foreign Minister informed the National Assembly of a visit by the
Nepalese Foreign Minister to the JVT office, which was a very encouraging
news. The Nepalese Foreign Minister had suggested that the Bhutanese Foreign
Minister also visit the JVT office, which would give an added impetus to the
verification process. It was also suggested that after the visit to the JVT office,
the MJC should be held soon to discuss how to accelerate and improve the
verification process. The Foreign Minister said that he had conveyed to his
counterpart that although he will not be able to visit the JVT office, the proposal
to hold the next MJC was welcomed by the Royal Government. The Royal
Government has further conveyed that the next MJC could be held towards the
end of July 2001, after the conclusion of the National Assembly session.
Going by the current pace of verification, the verification of the first camp will
be completed by December 2001. Although the verification process is difficult
and requires lot of hard work, what should be kept in mind is that the current
on-going verification exercise will give both sides an opportunity to gain much
experience and practical knowledge in the field. That the final outcome of the
verification process may be subjected to uncalled criticism is a risk that Bhutan
cannot take since the verification process cannot be carried out time and again.
Therefore, it is important to ensure, during this initial phase of the verification,
that it is carried out thoroughly and without mistakes so as to not leave any
room for criticism at a later stage. As a result, it is important for the members of
the National Assembly to bear the above issues in mind while deliberating on
the pace of the verification process. However, the Royal Government, bearing
133