Foreign Minister Pradeep Gyawali on Tuesday said the government has no intention of curbing or discouraging members of civil societies helping in Nepal’s development goals.

The minister also urged the diplomatic community to adhere the diplomatic code of conduct.

Hosing a dinner for Kathmandu based diplomats on Monday evening, the minister said civil societies have been important partners in development and will continue to remain so. “While we encourage civil societies in our development activities, we are also aware of the ‘gaps’ that we need to address.

“We expect our civil society partners to avoid duplication, contribute in areas that help create jobs and bring tangible benefits to the people, and avoid scattering of scarce resources.”

Our sole objective is to address those gaps so that developmental benefits reach the people, he said.

Civil societies too reiterate that they function in a transparent and accountable manner. “It is but natural for the government to expect that the civil society partners align their activities with the policy and priorities of the government so that synergetic effects could be generated in our development efforts,” he said.

Maintaining stability, advancing socio-economic transformation, ensuring social justice, good governance and rule of law have been the overarching objectives of the present government, the minister said.

Promoting and adhering to the values and norms of integrity, transparency, and accountability are equally important priorities of the government. They are applicable to both governmental and non-governmental stakeholders, he said.

On transitional justice system, Minister Gyawali said, two amendment Bills related to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the Commission of Investigation on Enforced Disappeared Persons are currently under consideration of the Parliament. “The terms of the commissions would allow the investigation of all allegations of serious violations of human rights. There will be no blanket amnesty to serious violations of human rights.”