Human rights activist Sushil Pyakurel has turned down the appointment as Nepal’s Ambassador to South Korea.
The decision was communicated through a formal letter addressed to Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’, requesting the withdrawal of his nomination.
The Cabinet had recommended Pyakurel for the ambassadorship during its recent session where appointments for eight countries were proposed.
Pyakurel expressed surprise and disappointment at not being consulted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the Cabinet Secretariat before his nomination.
He emphasized the importance of considering the background, performance, and knowledge of relevant political, economic, and social contexts when appointing ambassadors. He submitted his withdrawal request citing these concerns.
Previously, Pyakurel served as an expert advisor to former President Bidya Devi Bhandari but resigned from the position when the Nepal Communist Party decided on a different appointment.
This is not the first time Pyakurel has declined an ambassadorial role, having previously rejected an offer in 1994 to serve as Nepal’s Ambassador to Denmark, citing it as beyond his expertise.
