Maoist division to be taken to general convention

By Bhola B Rana

Kathmandu, 23 Nov: Should Maoists opt for a transitional republic pushed by Prime Minister Prachanda or go immediately for a people’s republic advocate by Organization Chief Mohan Baidya Kiran?
The debate may be referred to a general convention proposed by Prachanda to be held sometime in June 2009; the convention will be meeting for the first time in 13 years if it’s convened.
Prachanda, who is also chairman of the CPN (Maoist), catapulted to power through the 10 April CA election, proposed such a meeting at a meeting of the sixth national workers’ party meet in the capital Saturday.
Central committee member CP Gajurel told BBC Nepali Service Sunday the ‘great debate’ may be referred to the convention as well while saying that the party was equally divided on the two proposals.
Twenty-three Maoist groups Sunday concluded discussions.
Coordinators will present the result of the discussions to the full session of the national meet Monday morning for adoption.
The debate of the form of a republic was inconclusive at the central committee which referred the issue to the national meet which will most likely refer the discussion to the general convention.
Immediately, Prime Minister Prachanda has bought time by postponing a decision on the debate.
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Indian foreign minister Pranab Mukherjee arrives Monday

By Bhola B Rana

Kathmandu, 23 Nov: Indian Foreign Minister Pranab Mukherjee arrives Monday on a three-day official visit just at a time when the political crisis has heightened in the country with the Maoist-led government and the main opposition Nepali Congress heading for a showdown.
Mukherjee is officially the guest of Foreign Minister Upendra Yadav.
The Indian foreign minister will hold discussions with Premier
Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda and party leaders.
Mukherjee, is who is well-versed in Nepali affairs, will push a reconciliation between Congress and the government to push the completion of the peace process; reconciliation and a working relationship with the government and the main opposition is essential if a constitution is to be drafted in the next 18 months.
Without reconciliation, the constitution can’t be drafted within the deadline. Mukherjee was the pointman of the Manmohan Singh government which galvanized world capitals to topple King Gyanendra and his direct rule.
Singh oversaw the formation of a coalition seven-party government which held elections culminating in the declaration of a republic.
The Indian foreign minister is arriving to bring two political rivals- previous coalition partners—together.
Mukherjee will inspect the damage caused by the flooded Kosi this monsoon before returning home Wednesday.
A British minister for development assistance will arrive the same day Mukherje flies in from New Delhi while Denmark’s foreign minister will also come calling this week.
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North Korean deputy foreign minister leaves

Kathmandu, 23 Nov: North Korean Deputy Foreign Minister Kim Yong Il left Sunday for home after a four-day visit.
Before leaving, he held discussions with Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda; he also held discussions with Foreign Minister Upendra Yadav.
His arrival four days ago was not reported either in the official or private media.
Kim is the first communist leader to visit Nepal after the installation of a Maoist-led government in Nepal.
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Maoist victims at NHRC

Kathmandu, 23 Nov: Maoist victims presented a memorandum to the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Sunday highlighting their plight and demanding the return of assets seized by Maoists.
They demanded punishment of people involved for excesses during the people’s war.
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Students on anti-government protests

Kathmandu 23 Nov: Six student unions Sunday rejected Saturday’s slash in taxi fares and announced an extended three-day protest programme calling for a ‘scientific’ fares and facilities.
Students said they will launch a three-day stir beginning Tuesday with protests in front of campuses; the protests will end Thursday with a sit-in before the prime minister’s residence.
Maoist students won’t join the protests against their government.
To placate students, government Saturday announced seven percent slash in taxi fares and six percent reduction in diesel-operated vehicles.
The government attempt didn’t bear favourable results.
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