Bombs go off in front of convention center; talks deadlocked

By Bhola B Rana

Kathmandu, 26 May: There were no casualties when two motorcyclists defied indefinite prohibitory orders slapped at five sensitive centers in the capital from Monday and lobbed two socket bombs in front of the Birendra International Convention Center, the venue of the CA meeting which meets two days later Wednesday.
Prohibitory orders were slapped around Singha
Durbar, Narayanhiti, Nirmal Niwas and even Baluwatar, the official residence of the prime minister who has sent daughter Sujata out of the country.
A bomb was set off in front of Debendra Raj Pandey, a civil rights leader.
Ranabir Sena, a Hindu organization, claimed responsibility.
The first day’s agenda is to order the government to implement a republic by ending the 238-year old monarchy established by King Prithvi Narayan Shah who unified modern Nepal with the help of Nepal Army.
The country is heading towards uncertain times; a republic is not sustainable.
Seven parties who won the 10 April CA election to draft a constitution say they have a mandate to declare a republic.
But supporters of monarchy say only a direct vote through a referendum can decide between monarchy and a republic.
Conservative leader of RPP-Nepal Kamal Thapa said the republic is pushed by unnamed foreign powers and will lead either to a Maoist or military takeover.
“”…what will the army decide—people are watching.
“In fact, the efforts to end it [monarchy] began as per the desire of foreign powers and ultra-left Maoists’ strategic objective,” Thapa said in an interview Monday.
Congress, CPN—UML and Maoists discussed a nine-point CPN (Maoist)proposal to end a political deadlock before the CA meets Wednesday.
Two rounds of meetings in the morning and early afternoon were inconclusive.


Political differences persist on government formation and constitution amendment to declare a republic and replace monarchy with a ceremonial president.
Congress and CPN-UML charged Maoists didn’t have concrete proposals for breaking a deadlock.
Maoists are demanding Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala transfer his power with powers of a head of state as well.
Maoists aren’t ready to share the power of the prime minister and presidency which has tot be created and are opposed to constitution amendment to facilitate the overthrow of a government by simple majority.
CPN-UML and Congress aren’t willing to hand over the reigns of government to Maoists without ensuring constitutional provision to overthrow a government through simple majority.
The two parties have presented seven conditions to Maoists for cooperation.
The two parties never expected Maoists to emerge on top in CA elections.
Maoists also oppose creation of a ceremonial president for Koirala
Maoists have presented nine-point proposals for agreement.
Negotiators are to meet for the third time late in the night after dispersing following a second round of inconclusive talks.
Prachanda said Monday conditions have put the peace process in a difficult situation.


53 killed hr situation not satifsaftory.

Parachad atalks said talks were sisitution response was positive.
Bombs go off in front of convention center

By Bhola B Rana

Kathmandu, 26 May: There were no casualties when two string bombs exploded in front of the Birendra International Convention Center, the venue of the CA meeting that meets for the first time Wednesday with an agenda to ask government to implement a republic.
Congress, CPN—UML and Maoists met for the second time to narrow down Monday afternoon to narrow down political differences on government formation, constitution amendment to declare a republic and other issues after the first round of discussions was inconclusive in the morning.
Congress and CPN-UML charged Maoists didn’t present concrete proposals for breaking a deadlock.
Maoists are demanding Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala transfer power with powers of a head of state.
CPN-UML and Congress aren’t willing to hand over the reigns of government to Maoists without ensuring constitutional provision to overthrow a government through simple majority.
The two parties have presented seven conditions to Maoists for cooperation.
The two parties never expected Maoists to emerge on top in CA elections.
Maoists also oppose creation of a ceremonial president for Koirala
Maoists have presented nine-point proposals for agreement.
Negotiators are to meet for the third time late in the night after dispersing following a second round of inconclusive talks.
Prachanda said Monday conditions have put the peace process in a difficult situation.
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Kathmandu, 26 May: A top official of the Bush administration looking after South Asia held talks for the first time with Nepal’s Maoists Monday
US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for South Asia Evan A. Feigenbaum held 45-minute discussions with Maoist Chairman at his residence Monday.
The meeting was held after Ambassador Nancy J. Powell established first direct contact with Maoist Chairman this month before leaving for Washington for detailed review of American Nepal policy following Maoist victory in the 10 April CA election.
USA is considering whether to take Maoists off its terrorist list.
Prachanda said he asked the top US diplomat to remove Maoists off the US terrorist list and said the official was positive.
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