US to work with a Maoist-led government

By Bhola B Rana

Kathmandu, 21 April: With the emergence of a clear picture of the 10 April constitution assembly, USA has decided to assist even a government led by Maoists.
Speaker Subash Newang said Monday he got this message following discussions with US Ambassador Nancy J. Powell who, according to Newang, also said Washington was considering de-listing Maoists from the US terrorist list.
Newang said he took the initiative and raised the two issues with Powell.
Until now, USA had denied funds to ministries headed by five Maoist ministers in government.
Maoists have collected 120 of the 239 declared seats in direct elections for the CA election—one short of a majority.
Maoists will be the largest party in the 601-member assembly.
Maoists have no chance of capturing the one and last constituency where vote counting continues in the tarai—the party is trailing behind two parties.
Maoists will only capture 30 percept plus seats in indirect elections for 335 seats under proportional representation system.
No party will get a majority in the CA when the final poll result comes in –probably two weeks later.
Voter turnout in the election was 61 percent and five percent of ballots cast in 239 of 240 constituencies were invalid, the Election Commission said.
National voter turn out in national elections since the panchayat days was 64 percent.
The lower turnout raises serious questions on the legitimacy of the constituent assembly to take major decisions on state structures.
Altogether 210 males were elected.
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China appraises PM Tibetan refugees
Kathmandu, 21 April: The Chinese ambassador to Nepal Monday reminded Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala Tibetan refugees were continuing anti-China activities.
Refugees resumed protests in front of the Chinese embassy after assembly elections. The protests were suspended during the vote amid threats by government to crackdown on the daily sit-ins and protests.
Koirala wished the August Beijing Olympics a success.
Nepal has mobilized army and police to forcibly quell Free Tibet activities by climbers, foreign and Nepalis, during climbs of Everest this spring.
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