Two more border posts along Nepal-Tibet border being reopened

Kathmandu, 19 April; China has agreed to open two more border posts are being opened along Nepal-Tibet border, published reports said.
Agreement was reached during Foreign Minister Upendra Yadav’s just concluded China visit.
The posts are being opened in Dolpa and Mugu; five border posts are now open.
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Differences surface between UNDP, NHRC


By Bhola B Rana

Kathmandu, 19 April: Signature dispute to upgrade the capacity of National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has surfaced between UNDP and NHRC, Robin Giri reports in Annapurna Post.
The second phase of the project is in dispute.
The first phase of the project is now being implemented for the last seven years.
Differences have surfaced on the involvement of the UN High Commission for Human Rights (OHCHR) in the Rs 160 million second phase project which should have been signed one year ago.
UNDP Country Director insists OHCHR should be involved. Earlier agreement was between UNDP and NHRC without involvement of OHCHR.
NHRC expressed disagreement after UNDP said a tripartite agreement should be signed between UNDP, OHCHR and NHRC.
Spokesman of NHRC Gauri Pradhan said a tripartite agreement isn’t acceptable to the commission.
“The ball is now in UNDP’s court,” Pradhan said.
A commission source said OHCHR is attempting to prolong its stay in Nepal.
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Iraq out of bounds for Nepali workers

Kathmandu, 19 April: Iraq will be out of bounds for Nepalis, Annapurna Post reports.
This will be clearly mentioned in one million passports being issued by the foreign ministry.
The new passports are being issued this month.
Unofficial reports say nearly 100,000 Nepalis are currently working in Iraq.
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TRADE, COMMERCE, ECONOMY

Kathmandu, 19 April: Even with nominal government involvement, potato production has risen dramatically, Kantipur reports.
Potato has become a staple diet of people in the hill and Himalayan regions.
The country produced 748,000 metric tons potato in 1993/94; production reached 2.54 metric tons in 2007/08.
“Demand and price are increasing; that’s why production is increasing,” Agriculture Ministry Spokesman Hari Dahal said.
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MEDIA GOOGLE

“It would not auger well for the nation if the PLA is integrated with the Nepal Army. The PLA might have to fight yet another was to establish rights of the people.”

(Dissident Maoist leader Matrika Yadav, The Himalayan Times, 19 April)

“Labour union affiliated with Maoists running the government is breaking the law and mercilessly attacking police [in casinos].”

(Home Minister Bamdev Gautam, Kantipur, 19 April)
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