Kathmandu, July 1 -- The German Embassy in Kathmandu has rejected reports suggesting diplomatic pressure or formal warnings were issued to Nepal over the ongoing passport procurement dispute, amid rising political and administrative tensions around the contract with German firms.

In a Facebook statement, the embassy said Nepal's Charge d'Affaires in Berlin was invited to a meeting at the German Federal Foreign Office, not summoned, stressing that the distinction is significant in diplomatic practice.

It said no protest note or any other official document was handed over during the meeting, and no warning was issued regarding possible consequences linked to the court proceedings.

"Germany fully respects the independence of the judiciary...