Minister of Economic Affairs Khandu Wangchuk of Bhutan
The minister for trade and industry, Lyonpo Khandu Wangchuk, took over as the Lhengye Zhungtshog Chairman from the finance minister, Lyonpo Yeshey Zimba in a ceremony on Wednesday (August 8.
Two months ago, word in Paro valley was that former minister DPTs Khandu Wangchuk was on his way to a probable defeat at the hands of PDPs Kaka Tshering.
A strength for Khandu Wangchuk is that he is a much better known face among the usually unassuming Parops.
Here too Khandu Wangchuk is not in his element being reserved, mysterious, and almost cool.
Lyonpo Khandu Wangchuk said he would hand over the office of the prime minister to the minister of works and human settlement Lyonpo Kinzang Dorji.
In His Excellencys welcome address to the guests and the gathering, Lyonpo Khandu Wangchuk said that Bhutan and Thailand shared a common heritage in the precious teachings of Lord Buddha and in our deep reverence for the Institution of Monarchy.
Bhutanese Foreign Minister Khandu Wangchuk took up the matter with Chinese authorities after the issue was raised in Bhutanese parliament.
Foreign minister Wangchuk is quoted as saying "a large number of people in the camps are supporting and joining the Maoist movement in Nepal.
Now Bhutan will blame Nepal if the situation as described by Wangchuk is real.
During their hour-long meeting, Thapa and Wangchuk discussed issues relating to the decade-long Bhutanese refugees problems, including the concerns and exercise of categorization by the Joint Verification Team, the statement added.
Wangchuk says he had hoped to leave government but feels compelled to help ensure the success of democracy in the small Himalayan kingdom.
Prime Minister Wangchuk says he hopes Bhutans neighbors and other countries will help ensure democracy in his nation succeeds.
2006, September 07: At a special sitting of the Lhengay Zhungtshog which was presided over by His Majesty the King, the foreign minister, Lyonpo Khandu Wangchuk, formally took over as the new Prime Minister at the Tashichhodzong today.