Former Chief Justice to be Chairman of Human Rights Commission

Kathmandu, Dec 18 (UNI) The Nepal Government has appointed former Supreme Court Chief Justice Bishwonath Upadhyaya as chairman of the Human Rights Commission.

Justice Upadhyaya was recommended for the post a few years ago but was rejected by the Palace.

This is the first time that the cabinet has decided the appointment of important posts after the stripping of all executive powers from the King following the political proclamation passed by Parliament.

The House of Representatives dissolved by King Birendra on the recommendation of then prime Minister Manmohan Adhikari was revived when Justice Upadhyaya was the Chief Justice of the Ssupreme Court in late '90s.

Four other members of the commission include a woman.

There will be representation from Dalits and Terai community in the commission, it is said.

Meanwhile, the government has decided to appoint ambassadors to various countries, including India, which were lying vacant for the last few months following the recall of royal nominated ambassadors after the April Movement.

Leader of the Nepali Congress Shailaja Acharya has been proposed for the post of ambassador to India while the Prime Minister's advisor Dr Suresh Raj Chalise will be the ambassador to the United States.

Ms Acharya was criticised for her pro-King statement during the movement and her appointment was not supported by many Nepali Congress supporters and opposition parties.

Secretary at Parliament Surya Kirana Gurung is proposed for Russia while Foreign secretary Bhagirath Basnet will be the ambassador for the United Kingdom.

The formal announcement of the ambassadors will be made within a day, it is said.

UNI XC AB DB2331