Formation of Maoist-led govt. stalled; other details (Breaking News)

By Bhola B Rana

Kathmandu, 19 Aug: Formation of a government led by Maoist Chairman Pusha Kamal Dahal Prachanda was stalled again Tuesday as CPN-UML and MJF objected to the deployment of former combatants of PLA for the inner security ring of the prime minister sidelining Nepal Army and two separate police forces.
CPN-UML and MJF leaders objected and discussed the deployment, MJF leader Bijaya Kumar Gachedhar told Radio Nepal.
Forum leader Gachedhar said PLA deployment was serious issue carried out without consultation with alliance partners.
Gachedhar said a new environment of confidence has to be created after the original environment was clouded with PLA deployment.
Maoists, by deploying PLA for Prachanda’s security, have created an atmosphere of distrust and possible confrontation with Nepal Army—knowingly or unknowingly—probably knowingly.
This can only benefit the Nepali Congress of Girija Prasad Koirala now in the opposition and Maoists lose bargaining chips with CPN-UML and MJF in negotiations for control of vital ministries like home, defence, finance and local development.
Prachanda was elected Friday prime minister by the CA but Maoists, CPN-UML and MJF didn’t hold a joint meeting for government formation Tuesday.
There was no agreement in bilateral meeting between Maoists and CPN-UML Tuesday and discussions will continue Wednesday.
New differences in government formation surfaced Monday when the CPN-UML said Maoists renegaded and demanded control of local development ministry set aside for it.
Maoists haven’t agreed to new Forum demands for control of foreign ministry; the creation of a post of deputy prime minister is also disputed.
Army Chief Gen Rukmangud Katuwal didn’t congratulate PM Prachanda on his installation at Shital Niwas Monday.
Nepal is without a government even four days after the election of Prachanda reflecting the difficulty in government formation even as the Maoist chief was elected by an overwhelming 80 percent support of the 601-member CA.
USA hasn’t congratulated Prachanda on his election; inconsequential Norway sent a minister to lend support to the Maoist government as Oslo said it supports the people of Nepal and not a particular government.
Norway has lent support to the communist movement and spread of Christianity in Nepal.
Nnnn


India shifts blame on Nepal for east Nepal floods

By Bhola B Rana

Army Tuesday rescued marooned people by three helicopters, including stranded police and army personnel in east Nepal..
Boats are being used to evacuate people to schools and government buildings in Sunsari.
Movement of vehicles in the eastern region has been disrupted.
Home Ministry meeting Tuesday headed by Prime Minister Prachanda, decided to provide immediate relief to people displaced by flooded Kosi river.
Rs 16 million has been released by government for help.
Decision was taken to coordinate relief with India.
Indian embassy Tuesday blamed Nepal for the collapse of the Sapta Kosi barrage and embankments as Nepal police and local officials blamed India..
Mobile telephone service has been disrupted in the east after optical fiber network was damaged.
Nnnn