Monarchy ghost troubles Nepal’s Maoists

By Bhola B Rana

Kathmandu, Leader Dr Baburam Bhattarai revealed monarchy’s ‘ghost is giving trouble’ as CPN (Maoist) vowed Monday to declare a republic through the first CA meet to be held probably at the end of May.
Bhattarai talked of trouble in a ‘special’ interview with government newspaper’ Gorkhapatra’ amid speculation of procedural and other difficulties in declaring a republic.
Bhattarai admitted trouble as Maoists have toned down their anti-American and anti-Indian pre-election rhetoric as they prepare to form a government after emerging victorious in assembly elections.
In the vague interview, there was subtle threat and at the same time an appeal for help from the king to implement a republic.
‘In the new situation, there’s a need for a new national unity.
‘If that happens, as a citizen his economic, social and cultural rights can remain.
“ Let the king help in its implementation.
Bhattarai explained the rights ‘ can remain’ ‘ as a citizen’ and not as a ‘cultural king’.
Bhattarai was threatening to snatch the king’s rights even as a citizen after a formal declaration of a republic; he called for help for unity.
MJF Chairman Upendra Yadav has said publicly the first meeting of the CA cannot make such an announcement and has hinted the party may even boycott the meeting which has to be convened 21 days after the government received the official election reports from the Election Commission.
The Commission can hand over the report Wednesday or thereafter only.
USA, MAO
‘Direct talks with USA have started,” Bhattarai said referring to last week’s first direct meeting with US Ambassador Nancy J. Powell and Chairman Prachanda before leaving for home during the weekend for consultations.
Powell returned to Washington for consultations after the 10 April assembly elections in which Maoists emerged as the largest political party.
“We foresee development of diplomatic ties smoothly and this will push balanced development of relations, Basis has been created for moving ahead unitedly,” Bhattarai added.
An American embassy official confirmed Monday an earlier Maoist report Washington was doing homework to de-list Maoists from its terrorist list.
A Maoist mouthpiece earlier reported details of the Powell, Prachanda encounter quoting an unnamed source as saying USA has decided to take Maoists off its terrorist list but an official announcement was delayed because of administrative hassles.
Bhattarai also talked of troubles while affirming Prachanda will head a unified state Nepal Army and the Maoist PLA.
“Supreme commander of two armies will be one person,” making it clear the person will be Prachanda.
“After implementation of a republic, head of government automatically becomes president,” Bhattarai claimed.
There’s no provision for a president in the interim constitution.
Maoists aren’t ready to share the powers of the president and a prime minister.
Rival parties haven’t agreed to integration of the NA and the PLA.
Maoists are clear in a hurry to grab power amid resistance from rival parties.
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