Isolated Freak Thank you for joining in the discussion. I guess you are some one with a cutting edge in diplomatic affairs. First, on the fringe side of the discussion arised from Swati's comments. 'Lok Sewa Aayog Ko Jaanch! Its one of the most stupidest test I have ever seen. All you have to do to get into foreign service is memorize 3 essays- Nepal ko Pararastra Niti ra Asamlagnata (Nepal's foreign policy and non-allignmnet), SAARC Ko Mahatwa (The Importance of SAARC) and Panchas'heel ra Nepali Pararastra Niti.. ' I don't think this is the truest of assesement on the officers of Shital Niwas. Lok Sewa's question papers may not be appropriate but the selection procedure in the MOFA is still regarded as the most fair of all in Nepal's bureaucracy. From whatever is available, they select the best of people possible by means of written examination. And only talented people make way to the most attractive place available in the government. (Attractive, in a sense that they can get posting in foreign countries at least in some time of their career and a earn a good living).They are genuinely talented people and have the ability to perform nicely if provided with a conducive working environment.The problem lies in the politicization of bueaucracy. from the very day of their posting, they are forced to act according to the interest of mananiya mantri. And hence they cannot hone their skills and talent to be good diplomat. However there are people with a good insight on the diplomatic affairs of Nepal in Shital Niwas. They have a good understanding of the subjects including Bhutanese refugee problem, but they don't get the oppertunity to use it in place. I met One undersecretary in the MOFA who is undertaking a year's Diplomatic course in Trinity, Oxford, recently. Nice man, he says that our government doesn't encourage MOFA officials to initiate diplomatic efforts. There initiation starts only if a minister or the prime minister wants to make foreign visits. You know MOFA officials were not asked or briefed on the recently cancelled King's visit to india, everything was planned by the palace officials. SO how can they work properly to the interest of the nation? Because the Government is dead deaf, dead dumb, it's been more then years since Bhutan and Nepal's foreign minister have not been able to resume dialogue on refugee repatriation. Shital Niwas people have been disappointed by the lack of vision and support from the fm, ruling party, the government and palace. 'No one seems to agree when I say taht India is concerned about growing Maoist insurgency in Nepal. India certainly doesn't want a failed state in it's backyard. India is sending a signal to Nepal through Jigme: Let's work together to curb the insurgency because you have failed to do it yourself.' I cannot agree on this version as well . Almost similar to the assertion made by 'the economist' recently. If India really wanted to settle the Maoist issue for good, I think it can do much better then what it has been doing till date.