TRANSFER OF UK VISA PROCESSING TO NEW DELHI

Kathmandu, 20 Feb: Starting from 18 February 2008 the visa processing has moved from British Embassy Kathmandu to the British High Commission in New Delhi, the British embassy said.
The applications will be collected, just like before, at the VFS Global office at Nagpokhari. Then they will be forwarded to BHC New Delhi for considerations. All requirements will remain the same.
- The applicants will not be required to visit Delhi for interviews, as all applications will be processed without any interview.
- The change is not limited to Nepal. It has been operational already in some countries in the world.
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Full text of the statement of donors on eve of consultation meeting, donors concerned over threats to peace and development

Kathmandu, 20 Feb: “This is a critical moment in Nepal’s history. A moment when centuries of exclusion could begin to be reversed. A moment that calls for the strongest leadership and vision.”, donors, called by Government to a Nepal Donors Consultation, point out in their opening statement on 21st February.
“The international community expects a peaceful and democratic process of change. However, we note with grave concern the situation in the Terai, and we fully support efforts to address the current situation.”

Donors point out “Nepal’s future depends on its political leaders working together to take the country through these difficult times; implementing commitments and agreements made, supporting the rule of law, pushing forward with vital economic reforms that will create jobs, and delivering the development gains that only peace can provide. Elections will be a vital step forward. Nepal’s development partners will continue to support measures to strengthen the peace process and to improve the delivery of development benefits to the people. In all of this, we remain fully committed to helping the people of Nepal build the New Nepal they so desperately want, and so deeply deserve.”

The conference is intended to be a forum to discuss peace and development challenges in Nepal, and to seek support and build confidence in progress. It is planned that it will be opened by the Right Honourable Prime Minister Mr Girija Prasad Koirala, and a statement from Nepal’s development partners will be given by Mr Liqun Jin, Vice President of the Asian Development Bank. It is not a pledging forum, which is planned for later in the year, following elections in April.

“Inclusive and credible elections, held in a free and fair atmosphere, are critical for the peace process. We support the full participation of women, Dalits, Janajatis, Madhesis, religious minorities and other excluded groups across the country. A representative Constituent Assembly is a long standing promise to the people of Nepal, and can help ensure that all Nepalis have a stake in the creation of a new and inclusive state.” donors emphasise.

Donors note that “A stronger democratic foundation for governance at the national level will help create the conditions for the restoration of democratic local government and accountable governance. These conditions are in turn essential for effective international development assistance.”

“Peace, human rights and development go hand-in-hand. The Government’s Three Year Interim Plan ”…seeks to address issues related to inequalities, social exclusion and conflict.” Peace and stability are needed for development to succeed, while development is needed for peace to last. In turn a durable peace can only be achieved on the basis of good faith and the full implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Accord and other agreements, including the creation of an effective Peace Commission and High Level Monitoring Committee.”

Donors note that “Nepal has achieved development progress in recent years. Poverty has been reduced from 42% to 31% over the past decade. Annual deaths of young children, and mothers in childbirth, have been reduced by a half. In education, almost 90% of Nepali boys and girls are now enrolled in school, one of the highest rates in the region. During the last decade, seven remote districts were connected by roads, and some 2.6 million Nepalis, mostly in the Terai, received citizenship. Despite huge challenges, and some lost opportunities, these positive achievements during a period of conflict should be recognised.”

Donors highlight that formidable challenges remain and many obstacles must be overcome to build the ‘peaceful, prosperous and just New Nepal’, including social exclusion, rising inequality, limited access to often poor quality basic services including school children leaving school early, and increasing social disruption and instability, particularly in the Terai.

Donors observe that “It is vital that the political leadership move ahead with implementation of agreements for the inclusion of all excluded groups in the civil service, the security forces and elsewhere, and discussions on the future of the armed forces in line with existing agreements. We also look forward to a New Nepal where human rights are respected, and impunity for past and present abuses is ended. Children’s rights should be addressed, and the orderly discharge of minors from cantonments, properly supported, should proceed without delay.”

From an economic perspective, donors note, “The people of Nepal want peace and stability, and they also want the chance to make a decent living. Urgent attention should be given to the economy. Recent electricity and fuel shortages undermine enterprise, and are a burden on daily life. We look forward to discussing the Government's strategy to help create a safe and secure environment for sustainable economic growth, and measures to help create more and better jobs for the people of Nepal, including the poor and excluded.”

Donors contributing to the statement include the Asian Development Bank, Canada, Denmark, European Commission, Germany, Finland, Republic of Korea, Norway, Switzerland, UN, United Kingdom, United States of America, World Bank.
This Government-Donor consultation meeting beginning Thursday aims to open an important dialogue about where Nepal is today, where it needs to go in terms of peace and development, and how the international community can play a supportive role. It is not a meeting where the international community will pledge money.
This meeting will lead to a stronger focus on key priorities on the part of the Government and the members of the international community, to help provide tangible improvements to people’s lives.
Depending on progress with the peace process, and following successful and credible elections, it is hoped to schedule a Nepal Development Forum later in the year at which donors will announce future commitments of support.
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Four crew members survive army chopper crashes next ton Everest

Kathmandu, 20 Feb: Four crew members of a Nepal Army Indian-manufactured Cheetak helicopter crashed at Kalapattar next to the 8848 meters Mount Everest, the world’s tallest peak, Wednesday morning.
The crew members have been rescued.
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Agitating terai parties don’t register for elections

By Bhola B Rana

Kathmandu, 20 Feb: The proposed 20 April assembly elections became even more uncertain Wednesday when major parties in the terai, didn’t submit their list of candidates for 335 persons to be elected under proportional representation system.
Nepali Congress proposed Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala in its list.
Three parties of a front calling for self-determination and provincial rule in MAdeshi didn’t present their lists of closed candidates for the controversial vote by the deadline Wednesday.
Major conservative parties decided earlier to boycott elections fearing for the lives of candidates and votors.
All ruling seven parties were among 37 parties presented their lists; they are among 74 parties registered at the Election Commjssion for the vote.
Meanwhile, radio reports Wednesday said India for the first time directly tried to defuse a crisis for Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala.
The southern neighbour attempted to mediate the differences between the three- party front and Nepali Congress on behalf of Koirala at the Indian embassy Wednesday, radio reports said.
Former Indian ambassador KV Rajan and incumbent envoy Shib Shankar Mukherjee helped at the embassymeeting between front and three Nepali Congress leaders Amod Upadhaya, Dr Shekhak Koirala and Mahesh Acharya, on behalf of the prime minister and not the government.
A crippling and bloody strike of the front front entered its week Wednesday.
Flowing clashes between demonstrators and police in which dozens were injured curfew continued in dour districts Wednesday.
Some tanker movement driven by army and police drivers began moving under escort and curfews Wednesday.
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PM Koirala angry with India

By Bhola B Rana


Kathmandu, 20 Feb: A concerned prime minister yesterday [Tuesday] was angry with India at a closed breakfast meeting with relatives and close circles, Janaastha reports.
“India deceived me,” he said four days after a delegation of ruling Congress (I) returned home.
Koirala conceded he obliged India going against the country’s rules, laws and tradition by extraditing Dr Amit Kumar.
“I have landed in trouble,” Koirala said referring to India.
Finance minister Dr Ram Sharan Mahat, home minister Krishna Prasad Shitaula were among those present.
Koirala revealed he expected Indian support for election by returning the doctor.
‘I felt the terai problem would be resolved but from today I don’t feel that any longer,” Koirala said.
He told the family according a source at the prime minister’s personal office,” Election should be conducted even by mobilizing the army even if Prachanda agrees or not.”
Talks have been held with Maoists.
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Foreign minister going to Kuwait to save life of Nepali woman

Kathmandu, 20 Feb: Foreign Minister Sahana Pradhan is visiting Kuwait with a high-level delegation lto help save the life of Dolma of Sindhupalchowk on death row on a murder charge, Janaastha reports.
She will stop in Kuwait en route to Brussels on 27 February to participate in a UN meeting.
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India searching for Koirala’s successor [Excerpts]

By Chudamani Bhattarai in Janaastha

Kathmandu, 20 Feb: It has come to light the visiting Congress (I) delegation and the team he headed to Nepal conspired in not only to remove prime minister Girija Prasad Koirala but also a regime change.
This was revealed by Chairman of FNCCI Chandi Dhakal who ruled out a government headed by Surya Bahadur Thapa or civil society.
The question was posed by Singh at a reception hosted for the delegation at Raddison Hotel by the Indian embassy for a select group of people. The question revealed the purpose of Singh’s Nepal visit.
Fifteen Nepalese were present at the recpetion.
Dhakal told Janaastha” These are all persons who have been rejected.”
‘Prime minister Koirala is old and sick. That’s why the country is in a mess. Not only that. Nobody is in line for succession,” Singh said in an opening remark.
He portrayed a grim picture of future Nepal.
“In the absence of capable leadership, there will now be bloodshed here.” Singh said.
Singh said there’s no environment for election.
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Excesses against Bhutanese of Nepalese ethnicity inside Bhutan

By Upendra Pokhrel in Kantipur

Phunsoling, 19 Feb: After the announcement of armed rebellion inside Bhutan, oppression against the Nepali community by the Druk government and others in the outside has increased.
Cases of physical abuse and non-payment of salaries have increased.
Nepalese across the border in India are also feeling the effects of oppression.
Nepalis in Dooars in India are questioned of possible links with Maoists.
One week ago, administrator Sanghe Dorji, at a function in Syamchi district, alleged 50 percent Nepali families in the district have links with refugee camps in east Nepal.
He warned action will be taken if such links are proven.
Confirmation of links with the Bhutanese Communist Party that has announced a people’s war will lead to expulsion from the country.
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King says maintain sovereignty, independence

By Bhola B Rana

Kathmandu, 19 Feb: Amid what Maoists said was an uncalled statement, the King Tuesday in a message to the nation said the county’s territorial sovereignty, nationalism and independence should be maintained.
The King emphasized this on 58th National Democracy Day 2064 although Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala, Nepal’s theoretically most power powerful man in history, acts as the head of state.
But he is a sick and weak man who has most been confined to his official residence at Baluwatar ever since capturing power again through street demonstrations and international conspiracy in early 2006.
In a short only three paragraph message, the King said the traditional goodwill between all 24 million Nepalese should be movement as Koirala is confronted with a possible disintegration of the land-locked kingdom strategically sand-witched between Asian giants, India and China.
Nepal faces possible disintegration as a movement for self-rule in a very short before independence gains momentum’s as a violent movement in the terai swells pushing self-determination and provincial rule.
India has supported the movement.
The King said also called for an environment for all to equally enjoy the benefits of democracy and wished for a prosperous and successful Nepal.
The King paid tribute to his grandfather King Tribhuban for helping to usher in democracy in 2007 as the government and ruling parties attempt to erase history by ignoring the late king’s contributions.

Full text of the King’s message

Beloved countrymen.

As in previous years, we are celebrating this day as the 58th National Democracy Day. On this historic occasion, we would like to pay homage to our august grandfather His late Majesty King Tribhuvan, the architect of democracy in Nepal, the revered brave martyrs and all Nepalese who laid down their lives for the cause of democracy.
While safeguarding Nepal’s integrity, independence and nationalism, may we Nepalese achieve success in ensuring an environment wherein all can enjoy just and equitable share of the dividends of democracy as well as in building a prosperous and robust nation through the consolidation of the time-honoured harmony existing amongst the Nepalese people.
May Lord Pashupatinath bless us all!
Jaya Nepal!
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Strike continues for seventh day

By Bhola B Rana

Kathmandu, 19 Feb: Conservative parties RPP and RPP-Nepal joined the protests of the three-party front in the terai as the violent movement entered its seventh day Tuesday affecting normal life triggering shortages of essential goods.
Schools have closed down because of petrol and diesel shortage to run buses to transport children to and from schools.
Hill groups also demanding self-rule have forced closure of government offices and markets ahead of the 10 April unlikely and controversial elections.
Following continued violence in which more than 100 demonstrators and policemen were injured in firings as well, curfews Tuesday were extended to Biratnagar, hometown of prime minister Girij Prasad Koirala, Lahan and Siraha Bazzar.
Curfews Monday were slapped in three districts.
Local administration slapped curfews in Bara and Parsa along the national highway to facilitate the movement of tanker convoys under Nepal Army escort.
Altogether 150 tankers entered the Valley Tuesday from the Indian border town of Raxaul.
Koirala Tuesday picked up talks with leaders of the terai front after the dialogue broke down following the first round of negotiations Friday; terai leaders sat for talks even as they said Koirala’s comments rejecting demands for self-determination and provincial rule marred an environment for negotiations.
The inconclusive talks will be resumed Wednesday.
Terai and other parties said they will boycott and even resist the 10 April election to decide the future of the 238-year-old institution of monarchy that founded the state as well.
Amid election uncertainty government is requesting the Election Commission to extend by one week Wednesday’s deadline to register names of candidates for a closed list to be elected through proportional representation.
The moves will give a desperate government seven days to negotiate an agreement with groups pressing various demands ahead of the vote.
Prime minister Koirala and speaker Subash Newang earlier held discussions Tuesday morning to find an outlet to a government crisis triggered by opposition protests and demands.
The front earlier said it won’t submit a closed for elections within Wednesday’s deadline.
Conservative parties—RPP and RPP (Nepal) joined the Madesh protests lending support to the front.
‘Government must address the demands of Madesh,” RPP chairman Pashupati SJB Rana said.
Another conservative Rashtriya Janasakti Party (RJP) also said it won’t participate in the 10 April assembly election joining Green Nepal Party accusing government of suppressing the movement in the terai.
RJP is led by former prime minister Surya Bahadur Thapa.
The party said election isn’t possible without participation of the terai people.
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No integration with Maoist PLA

Kathmandu, 19 Feb: Nepal Army, in an internal circular, said there’ll never be an integration with the Maoist PLA, Naya Patrika reports.
The newspaper published a photocopy of the secret internal circular in its Tuesday editions.
The circular describes Maoists as a ‘political party with a criminal psychology’.

[Note: The document is important because the government and Maoists have an agreement for the integration of the state army with the PLA. Some foreign governments and even UN are pushing integration.]
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Indian ambassador Mukherjee to continue Nepal stay

Kathmandu, 19 Feb: Shib Shankar Mukherjee who has been appointed ambassador to Great Britain, will continue his stay in Nepal until the 10 April election, a report published in an Indian English daily from New Delhi reports.
Mukherjee’s Nepal stay as the top Indian diplomat in the kingdom has been extended for the second time.
He was to oversee a 22 November vote which never took place.
Mukherjee’s successor, India’s ambassador to another troubled country Afghanistan, has already been announced and he was due to takeover responsibilities in January.
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