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Tuesday, February 10, 2009

President approves three controversial ordinances (BREAKING NEWS)

By Bhola B Rana

Kathmandu, 10 Feb: President Dr Ram Baran Yadav Tuesday put his signature of three controversial ordinances opposed by two defecting parties of the ruling Maoist-led government and main opposition Nepali Congress.
The ceremonial head of state who replaced ousted King Gyanendra gave his approval for ordinances on maintaining inclusiveness in public sector, forced disappearances and another ordinance on updating electoral rolls for by-elections for six parliamentary constituencies 10 April.
The approval comes one day after two defecting ruling parties and main opposition Nepali Congress asked Prime Minister Prachanda to convene parliament to get the ordinances approved.
Dr Yadav didn’t want to challenge the Maoist-led government staying away from controversy on powers of the president and prime minister.
Maoists last year rejected support for Nepali Congress President Girija Prasad Koirala as first president of Nepal fearing the ambitious octogenarian would create a parallel power center even after the ouster of the king.
Indian Ambassador Rakesh Sood help discussions with Prachanda one day after majority in parliament called for a parliamentary session to discuss and approve ordinances.
The meeting is important because New Delhi maintains undue interest in Nepal’s internal affairs; India helped political parties topple monarchy.
The five-month Prachanda government is in grave crisis and is in a majority.
The government could be toppled if parliament is convened.
Maoists and MJF hold only 272 seats in the 601-member parliament after defection of ruling parties CPN-UML and NSP to the opposition by demanding a special of parliament.
The session has to be called 15 days after registration for a session in parliament; that will be the next move of parliament.
Although opposition has said parliament has been summoned to discuss the ordinances, a vote of no-confidence against could be registered.
Maoists are already jittery.
Party Spokesman Dinanath Sharma hurled personal abuses against Koirala Tuesday calling him a monkey, conspirator while engaging in Bihari-style politics.
Meanwhile, Prachanda said Monday’s gunning of his personal secretary Shakti Basnet was an attempt by reactionaries to prevent the drafting of a republican constitution.
Government Spokesman Krishna Bahadur Mahara said the shooting was an attack on the government and an effort to prevent progress of the peace process.
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