Nov 02, Kathmandu - Jigyan Kumar Thapa, Nepal’s proposed ambassador to Japan, has withdrawn his nomination, Parliamentary Hearing Committee Chair Bodh Narayan Shrestha said Monday.

Speaking at a committee meeting in Singha Durbar, Shrestha said Thapa had indicated he would step aside because of a possible conflict of interest. His written withdrawal was still pending, he added.

Thapa’s confirmation hearing had been suspended on Ashwin 28 after lawmakers raised questions about his Japanese permanent residency status. Thapa said during the hearing that he had relinquished his permanent residency, but lawmakers sought clarification on Article 291 of Nepal’s Constitution and when he had given it up.

The committee had requested details from the Japanese government through Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The ministry later sent the response through the embassy.