Maoist proposal for a people’s republic

By Bhola B Rana

Kathmandu, 7 Oct: Mohan Baidya Kiran Monday presented an alternate proposal for an immediate people’s republic at the CPN (Maoist) central committee meeting.
Kiran urged the party not to abandon the revolutionary line adopted during the people’s war.
The party is debating whether to opt for a democratic republic for a people’s republic opposed by other ruling coalition partners and the main opposition Nepali Congress.
Senior leaders, including Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda said parliamentary democracy is unsuitable for Nepal.
Drafting the constitution will be difficult should the CPN (Maoist) opt for a people’s republic.
“We debated ways to establish people’s republic which is the party’s ultimate objective,” Hari Bhakta Kandel said.
Prachanda will furnish replies to points raised on his unwritten political report Tuesday.
The central committee meting is discussing future party strategy.
Nnnn

GP Koirala to handover leadership in three months

Kathmandu, 7 Oct: Nepali Congress President Girija Prasad Koirala said Monday he will handover party leadership in three months only after uniting the fractured party.
He admitted in his hometown Biratnagar groupism was rife in the party even after unification.
“Be confident. I will handover leadership in three months after ending groupism,” Koirala said.
He said the declaration by Ram Chandra Paudel to contest the leadership of the parliamentary party was hasty.
Nnnn

Home Minister Gautam confirms govt will be firm against rebels

Kathmandu, 7 Oct: Home Minister Bamdeb Gautam confirmed government will be firm against tarai rebel groups who reject government offer for talks.
“Those talking part in a dialogue for peaceful transition will be considered political forces and those refusing will be considered criminals,” Gautam said.
Government has offered to sit down for walks without facilitators.
Formal response hasn’t yet come from rebel groups.
Nnnn

Mahaasthami being observed Tuesday

Kathmandu, 7 Oct: Mahaasthami is being observed Tuesday.
Fulpati was brought to Hanuman Dhoka from Gorkha Monday.
The president, prime minister and senior government officials didn’t participate in the ceremony.
But the president and prime minister attended a military function at Tundikhel Monday.
Nnnn

Inflation hits record 13.1 percent

Kathmandu, 7 Oct: Inflation soared to a record 13.1 percent in the first month of the current fiscal year following steep rises in prices of food and non-food items, Nepal Rashtra Bank said.
Inflation was just 6.3 percent in the same period the previous year.
The Maoist-led government has an ambitious plan to bring down annual inflation to seven percent.
Gross foreign exchange reserve until August 2008 fell 3.3 percent to Rs 205.6 billion.
The reserve can cover imports for 9.4 months.
Nnnn

Mid-Marshyangdi to be operational 15 December

Kathmandu, 7 Oct: The 70 MW mid-Marshyangdi hydro project being constructed with German assistance is likely to be operational from 15 December after a long construction delay, Kantipur reports.
Nepal and Germany are celebration 50 years of establishment of diplomatic relations.
The project was launched 26 June 2001.
Nnnn