Congress parliamentary party statute approved

By Bhola B Rana

Kathmandu, 4 Feb: Nine months after constituent assembly elections, main opposition Nepali Congress approved the statute of the parliamentary party which has to be endorsed by the central committee.
A draft prepared by General Secretary Bimalendra Nidhi was unanimously approved with amendments.
The deputy leader will be nominate by the president and not elected as suggested by Nidhi.
Party President Girija Prasad Koirala objected to election to maintain control of the parliamentary party.
Koirala and Sher Bahadur Deuba were absent.
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Journalist Rishi Dhamala charged for extortion

By Bhola B Rana

Kathmandu, 4 Feb: Rishi Dhamala, Chairman of Reporters’ Club, has been charged by police for abetting attempt extortion of 40 millions of rupees on behalf of Ranabir Sena.
Authorities claim the Sena was behind three bomb blasts in the capital.
Dhamala has also been charged for abetting the bombings
Police said Dhamala Tuesday was arrested on basis of confessions of three journalists of terai origin affiliated to the Sena.
Police produced Wednesday audio record of conversations between the four persons as evidence.
Dhamala denied the charge.
Kathmandu district administration Wednesday extended his remand for 14 days for further investigation.
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No agreement between ruling parties on ordinance

Kathmandu, 4 Feb: Following differences between three major parties in the governing coalition on promulgation of two more ordinances, a scheduled cabinet meeting Thursday was postponed.
This was revealed by Supply Minister Rajendra Mahoto.
The Maoist-led government is planning to form a truth commission and a commission on disappearances by promulgating ordinances bypassing parliament.
PM Parchanda sought cooperation of Nepali Congress for the promulgation which was rejected by the main opposition Wednesday.
A Congress delegation asked the prime minister to call parliament into session for its passage, according to Vice-President Ram Chandra Paudel.
Parliament is expected to convene in another 15 days.
Ministers had assembled at Singha Durbar for the cabinet meeting and waited for three hours for the session to begin.
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Nepal beats Qatar on 104 runs

Kathmandu, 4 Feb: Nepal beat Qatar by 104 runs in the ACC U-17 Elite Cup cricket tournament in Lalitpur Wednesday.
On the first outing, Nepal scored 208 runs for the loss of eight wickets in 40 overs.
Qatar was all out for 104 runs.
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Finland seeks Nepal support for UN security council seat

Kathmandu, 4 Feb: Visiting Finnish Trade and Development Minister Wednesday sought Nepal’s support for his country’s bid for the UN security council seat in discussions with Prime Minister Prachanda.
He discussed Finnish development assistance to Nepal as well.
Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Managing Director of World Bank, also discussed the bank’s investments Wednesday with the prime minister.
An aide to the premier said World Bank committed a Rs 750 million grant/ assistance during talks.
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