Serious difference to proposal for compulsory military training for 18-year-olds

By Bhola B Rana

Kathmandu, 1 June: Differences have erupted at the constituent assembly (CA) over a Maoist proposal for compulsory training for all 18-year-olds in Nepal to be incorporated in a propose constitution.
The proposal prepared by a national right protection committee was tabled at the CA Sunday for discussion.
The committee is one of 11 subject committees proposing drafts for a constitution which has to be drafted by May 2010; other committees are yet to submit their drafts.
The drafting has been delayed by differences between Maoists and other major parties,
Committee members from the ruling coalition partners CPN-UML and Nepali Congress also objected to the description of former Maoist combatants as ‘People’s Liberation Army {PLA)’.
Bhim Rawal (CPN-UML) argued the country will be militarized through compulsory military training adding the description of Maoist combatants as PLA is against the peace process; he proposed a peace zone.
But Khim Lal Debkota of Unified CPN (Maoist) said military training was necessary for the country’s defence claiming the country was declared a republic because of the Maoist army.
“Opponents of a republic and supporters of military supremacy are now attempting to erase history,” Debkota said.” Until the day a person with interests to fulfill foreign concerns heads the council of ministers, sovereignty will be jeopardized.”
He added: ”Those who minimize the PLA are opponents of a republic and constituent assembly.”
The main drafting committee is now without a chief after Madhav Kumar Nepal was elected prime minister 10 days ago.
With only three ministers, the country is without a full government.

Baman Prasad Neupane transferred to the office of the prime minister

Kathmandu, 1 June: Baman Prasad Nurpane has been transferred to the office of the prime minister and council of ministers through a cabinet decision Wednesday.
Maoists transferred Neupane to the reserve pool from the defence ministry charging him for non-cooperation at the height of bitter relations between the army and the Maoist-led government of Prime Minister Prachanda.
There’s speculation he could be reinstated as defence secretary.
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PLA combatants to be paid through personal bank accounts

By Bhola B Rana

Kathmandu, 1 June: Altogether 19,000 plus Maoist combatants in 28 cantonments and satellite camps under UNMIN supervision will now be paid monthly allowances through their personal bank accounts to
Four major parties of the new ruling alliance agreed to the new method of dispersal of state funds in a 50-point common minimum programme (CMP) approved Sunday overturning a mechanism of the ousted Maoist-led government.
The CMP is being presented to the broader alliance meeting Monday before the three-member cabinet headed by Madhav Kumar Nepal is expanded.
The ousted Maoist-led government paid the combatants Rs 6,800 each through Maoist commanders at the camps.
Nepali Congress leader Manindra Rijal said,” … the mechanism will effectively distribute the allowances to the persons concerned and avoid misuse of the government funds.”
Maoist Chairman Prachanda admitted in an embarrassing video tape Unified CPN (Maoist) was using the monthly salaries of combatants, even those disqualified as child soldiers, to partly finance arms purchases.
“The constitution can’t be drafted until the issues of combatants and their arms, the chief concern of the country and Maoists, are resolved,” Congress leader Ram Chandra Paudel said.
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Newa strike call disturbs life in Valley and adjoining districts

Kathmandu, 1 June: Amid violence, a strike called by Newars demanding an autonomous station ethnic grounds paralyzed life in the valley and 10 adjoining districts disturbed life Monday.
The strike called by a joint action committee for Newa Autonomous state closed down schools, industries and disturbed movement of vehicles.
Clashes were reported from the capital where at least five vehicles were damaged.
Strikers are close to Maoists who have announced detailed protests against President Dr Ram Baran Yadav for overturning a Maoist decision to sack Army Chief Gen Rukmangud Katawal.
Katawal continues while the Maoist government has been ousted.
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TRADE, COMMERCE, ECONOMY
Preferential access for Nepali garments in USA

Kathmandu, 1 June: The Nepali readymade garment industry is waiting anxiously for the approval of a new US Bill that has introduced trade relief for apparel and textiles imported from Nepal, The Himalayan Times reports.
According to Garment Association Nepal (GAN) president Prashant Kumar Pokhrel, the bill regarding the trade relief to Nepal has been approved by the House committee but is yet to get final approval from the Senate.
“Earlier also, the US house committee had sent the Bill to the Senate but the Senate did not approve it,” he said adding that the content of the re-sent Bill is the same.
“However, this time we are getting positive indications that the senate is likely to approve it,” said a hopeful Pokhrel.
“Currently, conditions are favourable as after a gap of four years the WTO ministerial meeting will also be conducted this November. I think there is a great coordination among the things going around,” said Pokhrel.
The bill will provide duty-free status to textiles and apparels imported from 14 Least Developed Countries LDCs, including Nepal.
The US is the second-largest market for Nepal’s garment industry.
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MEDIA GOOGLE

“I consider Maoist venom against me nectar.”

(PM Madhav Kumar Nepal, Kantipur, 1 June)

“Metropolitan Police on Saturday night raided all seven casinos but failed to make any arrests, though the casinos were jam-packed with Nepali gamblers, thanks to prior information’ passed on to casino management.”

(The Kathmandu Post report, 1 June)
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Four parties discuss common minimum programme

Kathmandu, 31 May: Four leading ruling parties Sunday discussed a proposed 50-point common minimum programme and a code of conduct for a CPN-UML –led government of the Madhav Kumar Nepal.
Maoists welcomed him with black flags as he visited his home district Sunday.
Maoists announced sit-in programmes Sunday after a secretariat at all 75 district headquarters on 3 June to protest what they called unconstitutional act by President Dr Ram Baran YAdav to retain Army Chief Gen Rukmangud Katawal dismissed by Maoists who themselves were forced out of office embarrassingly.
Maoists announced first phase anti-president programmes until mid-June Sunday.
Unified CPN (Maoist) again obstructed a regular session of parliament.
Sunday.
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Church bomb blast victim dies

Kathmandu, 31 May: Griha Laxmi Joshi, a victim of a 15 May Lalitpur church bomb blast died Sunday while undergoing treatment.
Her daughter was among two killed in the blast in which 12 were injured.
Christians in the Valley protested the bombing.
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Load-shedding reduced to four hours

Kathmandu, 31 May: Load-shedding will be reduced to four hours everyday from Monday with the timely arrival of monsoon rains, Nepal Electricity Authority said.
Load-shedding was reduced to eight hours from 16 hours at the peak of winter dry season.
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MEDIA GOOGLE

“The remaining cabinet positions will be filled after receiving orders from Nepali Congress and the result of the in-fighting in JJF; result of the CPN-UML lottery is also awaited.”

(PM Madhav Kumar Nepal telling a reporter in a Annapurna Post cartoon, 31 May)
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One ADC stopped another from shooting Dipendra

By Bhola B Rana

Kathmandu, 31 May: One ADC stopped another ADC from shooting Crown Prince Dipendra who shot dead his father King Birendra on 1 June 2001, a former royal palace secretary revealed Sunday.
“After the second shooting, ADCs reached the site from outside the billiard room.
“After one ADC saw the king fall, he pointed at Dipendra to shoot him; but another ADC immediately lowered his hand,” Nepal newsmagazine quoted Bishwa Birkam Shah as saying Sunday on the eve of the 9th anniversary of the Narayanhiti royal palace massacre.
“One king had died; it could have been to stop the death of another king,” Shah felt.
Until then only King Birendra and Princess Shanti Singh were killed in two rounds of firings at the billiard room, he said.
Shanti Singh intercepted in the second firing—a move that saved the life of Queen Komal.
She has more nearly two dozen shrapnels in the chest.
Had the ADC shot dead Dipendra, more royal lives would have been saved that day.
Queen Aishwarya and Prince Niranjan were shot dead by Dipendra after the second shooting,
Nirajan could have been king is the ADC had shot dead Dipendra after the second incident.
Entire family of King Birendra was massacred in the carnage.
Former secretary Shah said Dipendra sot himself dead with his left hand.
Kill me also; kill me also,” Queen Aishwarya shouted at Dipendra as she chased him, according to Shah who didn’t identify the two ADCs.
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Maoist secretariat discusses protests; other details

By Bhola B Rana

Kathmandu, 31 May: Maoist secretariat Sunday morning began discussions Sunday morning to chart out anti-government protests after parliament speaker Subash Nemwang Saturday rejected a Maoist proposal to discuss a Maoist censure motion against President Dr Ram Baran Yadav.
There was no unanimity in the business advisory committee as well.
Maoist claim the president acted unconstitutionally by asking Army Chief Gen Rukmangud Katawal to continue after dismissal by remaining Maoist ministers in the government of Prime Minister Prachanda.
Supreme court is also considering the legality of the presidential action.
The secretariat is also discussing the agenda for a politburo meeting and the constitution draft, party spokesman Dinanath Sharma said.
Meanwhile, an immediate split was adverted in the MJF after a late night central committee meeting agreed to send both Bijaya Gachedhar and Chairman Upendra Yadav to government, according to Jayaprakash Prasad Gupta, who is deputy party chief.
Party political committee will decide the party team in government; MJF has been offered six seats in the cabinet.
Gachedhar faction opted to join the Madhav Kumar Nepal government—a move opposed by Yadav who defected to the Forum from Maoists.
Yadav charged Nepali Congress and CPN-UML of attempting to split his party.
Nepali Congress President Girija Prasad Koirala will decide the party in government.
Maoists are likely to obstruct the discussion of a report of a national interest protection group in the constituent assembly Sunday.
The assembly is scheduled to discuss the report for four days until Thursday.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Nepal Sunday is paying a flying visit of his home district Rautahat from he lost constituent assembly elections 10 April 2008.
Nepal hasn’t assembled a complete government even eight days after his election.
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PM Nepal performs religious ritual for dead mother

Kathmandu, 31 May: Five years after the death of his mother, Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal with his brothers Friday performed sharadhya [religious ritual for dead mother], Naya Patrika reports.
Nepal didn’t observe the ritual when his mother died and couldn’t be prime minister then.
King Gyanendra appointed Sher Bahadur Deuba prime minister after the resignation of Surya Bahadur Thapa even as Nepal laid claim to the post after claming regression had been partially rectified.
The ritual was held at his home in Koteshwor where political party leaders were offered prasad.
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Woman paraded naked in the capital

Kathmandu, 31 May: Watched by fearful children and passersby, a mob of nearly 50 young men beat up a woman and paraded her naked in the heart of the capital city Kathmandu with no one daring to protest even as Nepal’s political parties said they were writing a new constitution that would empower women and other disadvantaged groups, Times of India reports.
Though it happened on May 20, it came to public notice only this week when a passerby taking photographs of the scene and sending them to a Nepali blog site, Mysansar.com.
Though the cornered woman repeatedly cried out in fear, asking people to save her, nobody dared to intervene.
The shocking incident occurred in the Ratna Park area of Kathmandu, one of the busiest spots in the capital where Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal Friday laid down the foundation of a martyrs’ memorial.
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MEDIA GOOGLE

“An attempt is being made knowingly by extreme communists to revive monarchy by riding the backs of CPN-UML and Nepali Congress.”

(Defence Minister Bidya Bhandari, Kantipur, 31 May)
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Forum on verge of split

Kathmandu, 30 May: Chairman Subash Nemwang said Saturday a Maoist censure motion against President Dr Ram Baran Yadav’s request to ask Army Chief Gen Rukmangud Katwal to continue after dismissal by Maoist government of PM Prachanda can’t be discussed in parliament.
There was no agreement in parliament’s business affairs committee meeting Saturday.
Maoist said they will oppose the move.
Meanwhile, Nepali Congress decided Saturday to join the Madhav Kumar Nepal government.
But the party is yet to decide on the government team.
MJF divided on verge of split with one faction led by Bijaya Kumar Gachedhar for joining the Nepal government while a faction led by Chairman Upendra Yadav is opposed joining he Nepal government.
The party central committee is still deciding the issue.
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Three killed in accident

Kathmandu,30 May: Three persons were killed Saturday at Jogimara, Dhading, in a collision between a car, truck and motorcycle.
Nineteen others were injured.
A motorcycle was heading for the capital from Pokhara while the car and truck were speeding to Pokhara from the capital.
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Further details of Maoist PLA reshuffle

By Bhola B Rana

Kathmandu, 29 May: Shantu Derai Parbana has been given responsibility of as head of a 70-member security squad of Chairman Prachanda, Bimarsha reports.
He was first division commander and party central member.
Assistant Commander Birendra BM, who earlier handled Prachanda’s security, has been shifted to the logistics department of PLA with responsibility for headquarters.
Daljit BK of Rukum has been entrusted responsibility for the PLA Sports Club.
Likewise, Santosh has been promoted sixth division co-commander from brigade commander; Kuber and Singha Rajof seventh division have also been appointed co-commanders of which there are now 14.
Yam Bahadur Adkikari has appointed commander of first division while Suk Bahadur Roka has been entrusted division command of second division.
Dhan Bahadur Maski Magar is third division commander and Tej Bahadur Oli is fourth division commander.
Kul Bahadur Kham Magar has been transferred to fifth division and sixth division commander is Mahendra Bahadur Shahi.
Seven division commanders met Prachanda and Dr Babruram Bhattarai and told them re-verification of combatants [19,000 plus] won’t be acceptable to them.

Note : Nepali Congress demanded re-verification of Prachanda boast he tricked UN into accepting 19,000 fighters when the actual strength was only between 7,000 to 8,000.
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11.9 percent inflation

Kathmandu, 29 May: Year-on-year consumer price inflation rose to 11.9 percent until mid-April from 8.9 percent in the same period the previous year, Nepal Rahstra Bank said.
Inflation increased due to a 14.8 percent rise in food and beverages prices and 8.8 percent growth in price index of non-food and service group.
The outgoing Maoist-led government planned to restrict inflation to eight percent.
Despite global recession, remittances surged 60.3 percent to Rs 120 billion in the first nine months if the current fiscal year 2008/09 from 29.6 percent compared to the period the previous year.
Overall balance of payments in the months on the current fiscal year
was Rs 38.8 billion compared Rs 14.0 billion in the same period the previous year.
There’s a current account surplus of Rs 34.6 billion in the review period compared to Rs 1.5 billion the previous year period.
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Dr Dilli Raj Khanal defects to Maoists

Kathmandu, 29 May: Economist Dr Dilli Raj Khanal has defected to Unified CPN (Maoist) from the CPN-UML.
Chairman Prachanda welcomed Dr Kahanal to the party.
Khanal was defeated in the recent election at the general convention of the CPN-UML for central committee member.
Khanal defected after the appointment of Surendra Pandey as finance minister.
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First German to scale world’s 18 eight thousanders

Kathmandu, 29 May: Ralf Dujmovits, 48, became the first German to scale all the world’s fourteen 8000 meter high peaks by stepping atop Lhotse with his wife Gerlinde 20 May.
Gerlinde has also climbed 12 eight thousanders; of them, eight are in Nepal.
Ralf first climbed Makalu in Nepal in 1988 and Mt Everest two years later.
Sixteen climbers have so far climbed the 14 tallest world peaks—a feat first recorded by Italy’s Reinhold Messner.
Messner and Austria’s Peter Habler first scaled Everest without bottled oxygen.
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MEDIA GOOGLE

“The man [Madhav Kumar Nepal] was he principal communist architect of the doomed 1990 constitution. And, yes, the Maoists considered him appropriate enough to lead the drafting of the document that is to make the cleanest break with the past.”

(Maila Baje, People’s Review, 29 May)

“The leadership that pulled down the BP government pulled down my government.”

(Chairman Prachanda, Nepal Samacharpatra, 29 May)
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First year after declaration of republic not encouraging: President Dr Ram Baran Yadav

By Bhola B Rana

Kathmandu, 29 May: The first year after the declaration of a republic by the constituent assembly wasn’t encouraging, President Dr Ram Baran Yadav said.
‘In one year, we repeatedly emphasized understanding cooperation; the first year after announcing a republic wasn’t encouraging without them.
“The flower should be nurtured through cooperation,” he said as the nation Friday celebrated the first anniversary of its declaration.
“Our main responsibility now is to complete the peace process and draft a new constitution for which, I am confident, all will cooperate.”
Dr Yadav said the much flouted ‘civilian supremacy’ can become a reality only when fundamentals of democracy like rule of law, press freedom, judicial independence, foredoom of expression and human rights are respected by government.
Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal laid the foundation stone of a republic pillar Friday at Ratna Park after overturning a Maoist decision to erect it in Narayanhiti, which has been declared a national museum after then King Gyanendra vacated it.
Friday has been declared a national holiday.
“CPN-UML is efforting the birth of a baby king from Narayanhiti,” Maoist Spokesman Dinanath Sharma said Thursday after a party secretariat meeting.
Nepal government Friday released 126 prisoners after commuting their remaining sentences.
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Nepali Congress, MJF discussing joining government

Kathmandu, 29 May: Nepali Congress and MJF central committees are discussing joining the CPN-UML government Friday.
CPN-UML and Congress leaders Thursday agreed to share ministerial berths on the strength of parties in parliament and constituent assembly.
Congress, CPN-UML, MJF and TMLP are the second, third, fourth and fifth largest parties with 114, 108, 53 and 21 seats each in the legislature.
Fringe parties like RPP, discarded after the 2006 successful anti-monarchy protests, are likely to join government for the first time indicating a remarkable turnaround in Nepali politics.
Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal Thursday night drove to Maoist Chairman Prachanda’s residence and sought cooperation.
The mantra then of Girija Prasad Koirala was unity of seven parties, including Maoists, for another decade to write a democratic constitution to institutionalize.
Politics changed after Maoists swept the 10 April 2008 first constituent assembly elections.
Politics of consensus was abandoned by immediately amending the interim constitution to pave way for a majority government through elections in parliament.
The ousted Prachanda government was installed nine months after formation to be replaced by a government led by Madhav Kumar Nepal.
There are fears a constitution won’t be drafted within the May 2010 deadline with the abandonment of consensus politics and parties trade accusations for sidelining consensus politics.
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Sagarmatha Day being observed

Kathmandu, 29 May: Sagarmatha Day is being observed Friday to commemorate the historic ascent of the world’s tallest peak Mount Everest 56 years after its climb by Tenzing Sherpa and Edmund Hillary.
A reception is being held at army headquarters later Friday by tourist and mountaineering-related organizations.
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PLA security strengthened for Prachanda

Kathmandu, 29 May: Three weeks after UCPN (Maoist) quit the government, its People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Headquarters has made changes in the key positions of all seven Maoist cantonments sites in order to control the chain of command in the cantonments, The Kathmandu Post reports.
“It is natural for friendship to develop between combatants and commanders if they remain in the same place for a long time,” a PLA section commander said.
The PLA general staff meeting held last week also strengthened the security of the Maoist party by handing over the responsibility security of Party Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal to Santu Durai, division commander of the first Maoist cantonment division
His security staff strength has been increased to 70 personnel from the earlier 50 keeping in mind the sensitivity of the current situation.
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TRADE, COMMERCE, ECONOMY

Hotels worried by US advisory

Kathmandu, 29 May: Hotel Association of Nepal (HAN) Thursday said it was worried by a 22 May US Department of State travel advisory cautioning US citizens against traveling to Nepal.
The association of Nepali hotels asked government agencies to conduct talks with US government to rescind the order.
“Political changes are normal in all democratic countries. There is no insecurity, uproar and turmoil,” the association said in a statement.
The travel advisory was issued after the fall of the Maoist-led government of Prachanda.
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Another Pilatus Porter joins Yeti Airlines fleet

Kathmandu, 29May: A Pilatus Porter has been added to the Yeti Airlines fleet with plans to buy two more such aircraft.
The airline plans to resume STOL operations to remote hill districts with the acquisition on the aircraft.
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MEDIA GOOGLE

“ Twenty-three presidents, including chairman of constitution committee Madhav Kumar Nepal, Maoist whip Jayapuri Gharti, Congress whip Shobakar Parajuli and CPN-UML whip Thammaya Thapa have collected money in the name of two drivers each.”

(A sub-heading in Naya Patrika, 29 May)

“When the history of Nepal’s peace process is written, the record will show that through some very difficult moments, the NA and Maoists continued to comply with the AMMAA (Agreement on the Monitoring of the Management of Arms and Armies) and continued to take part in this forum [ joint monitoring coordination committee].

(UNMIN Chief Karin Landgren speaking at the 100th meeting of JMCC, The Kathmandu Post, 29 May)
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CPN-UML, Nepali Congress discuss govt. expansion

By Bhola B Rana

Kathmandu, 28 May: CPN-UML and Nepali Congress Thursday expansion of the three-member government of Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal.
Nepal has said he wants to form a 35-member government by including smaller parties that supported him.
Nepal could address parliament Thursday before proroguing the winter session to prepare for the budget session.
But Maoists have decided to obstruct parliamentary proceedings as they are seeking discussion of a resolution condemning President Dr Ram Baran Yadav for intervening to retain Army Chief Gen Rukmangud Katawal that triggered a political crisis.
The ruling parties oppose discussion of the Maoist resolution.
Nepal and Chairman Subash Nemwang Thursday discussed the end of the winter session.
The nine-month Maoist-led government of PM Prachanda fell; Maoists charged the presidential intervention was a coup by a ceremonial head of state with army help.
Seven parties, including some that supported Nepal, have opted to stay in the opposition, including RPP-Nepal.
Kathmandu-based ambassadors met separately with Nepal Thursday and lent support of their governments.
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Indian minister Bijendra Yadav on inspection visit of Kosi

Kathmandu, 28 May: Indian Minister Bijendra Yadav is inspecting the damage of embankments along the Saptakost river Thursday.
Indian and Nepali officials jointly inspected the damage Wednesday.
People have started moving to safe areas again fearing change of course of the river.
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Army preparing action against Lt Gen Kul Bahadur Khadka

Kathmandu, 28 May: Nepal Army is preparing to take action against Lt Gen Kul Bahadur Khadka, appointed acting army chief by the previous government, for military indiscipline, Annapurna Post reports.
The legal department of the army is preparing legal charges.
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Kazakh climber killed on Everest

Kathmandu, 28 May: Kazakh climber Sergey Samailov died Wednesday on the 8848 meters high Mount Everest, while descending from camp IV (8840m0 to the third camp in bad weather, ministry of tourism said.
Frank Ziebarth, 29, from Calgary died 21 May on the Tibetan side of the peak 21 May, former Nepal Mountaineering Association President Ang Tshering Sherpa said.
Six persons, including three Nepalis, have died on Everest this spring.
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67 killed in terai in one year

Kathmandu, 28 May: Al5ogether 67 persons have been killed in seven terai districts ion one year, the district office of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) said in Janakpur Wednesday, according to Kantipur.
The Commission observed its 9th anniversary Wednesday.
Another 58 were abducted while 44 bombings were reported.
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MEDIA GOOGLE

“What is the use of extending OHCHR’s mandate if it cannot speak when it has to?”

(CPN-UML General Secretary Ishwor Pokhrel, The Kathmandu Post, 28 May)

“We are positive about the mandate extension, but there is a caveat. There has to be serious deliberations on questions that have been raised about OHCHR’s performance.”

(Congress leader Prakash Sharan Mahat, The Kathmandu Post, 28 May)

“OHCHR’s jurisdiction should be revised because NHRC is fully capable of carrying out its duties.”

(NHRC Spokesman Gauri Pradhan, The Kathmandu Post, 28 May)

“The present government is only a puppet of foreign reactionaries; it doesn’t have people’s support.”

(Prachanda, Annapurna Post, 28 May)
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Raghiji Pant appointed chief advisor

Kathmandu, 27 May: Raghuji Pant has been appointed chief advisor of Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal.
Pant is a former communications minister and a newspaper columnist.
He was defeated from a Lalitpur constituency in the April 10 constituent assembly elections by a Maoist candidate.
Bishnu Rijal, editor of CPN-UML mouthpiece Budhabar, has been appointed press officer of the premier.
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Nepal expresses concern at North Korean nuclear explosion

Kathmandu, 27 May: The new communist-led government of Madhav Kumar Nepal expressed concern at North Korea’s underground explosion.
But coalition partners describe it as a democratic front replacing a Maoist-led government.
The new government installed Saturday asked North Korea to honour the suggestions of six countries dealing with the North Korean nuclear proliferation issue.
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New govt. unhappy with UN Office of the High Commission for Human Rights

By Bhola B Rana

Kathmandu, 27 May: New Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal Wednesday expressed dissatisfaction with the ‘political role’ of the Nepal office of the UN High Commission for Human Rights.
Nepal told people assembled at the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) the new government had only decided to extend the tenure of the Nepal office of the high commission for only three months.
A three-year extension had been sought.
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Krishna Prasad Bhattarai undergoes check-up

Kathmandu, 27 May: Former Prime Minister Krishna Bhattarai’s health condition was described as normal after a 30-munite health check-up at a hospital specializing in heart disease Wednesday.
Bhattarai quit Nepali Congress after it adopted a republican agenda.
After 1990, Bhattarai led Nepali Congress to two election victories in parliamentary elections.
Girija Prasad Koirala colluded with foreign governments to bring down monarchy but conspired twice to bring down the majority-led Nepali Congress governments of Bhattarai and Sher Bahadur Deuba.
Nepal is still suffering a political crisis because of the Koirala conspiracies.
of the late 1990’s that propelled communists to power.
Communists dominate parliament and society now.
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Nepal donates $100,000 to Sri Lankan displaced

Kathmandu, 27 May: The newly installed government of Madhav Kumar Nepal Wednesday donated $100,000 to Sri Lankans displaced by the civil war.
A cabinet meting took the decision Wednesday.
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Madhav Kumar Nepal given responsibility to decide future of army chief

Kathmandu, 27 May: In a major decision, Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal has been given responsibility by ruling parties to decide the future of Gen Rukmangud Katawal by retaining the army chief.
But an understanding has been already reached to retain the chief who was sacked by the outgoing Maoists unilaterally.
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Suresh Pradhan appointed envoy to Germany

Kathmandu, 27 May: Career diplomat Suresh Pradhan has been appointed ambassador to Germany by President Dr Ram Baran Yadav.
Hari Bahadur Thapa, foreign affairs advisor of dethroned Maoist Prime Minister Prachanda, objected his appointed at a parliament hearing committee.
Pradhan was charged for leaking state secret by revealing China had proposed a new peace treaty with Nepal.
Pradhan countered by saying Prachanda aides leaked the information not him.
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Task force to discuss common minimum programme

Kathmandu, 28 May: CPN-UML, the party leading a government Thursday presented a 50-point common programme for discussions before 16 of 22 invited political parties presented for discussion.
Four major parties formed a task force to discuss the common programme and form of government.
A 13-point work procedure of government and a code of conduct of government has also been proposed.
CPN-UML called for an end of the current winter session before the budget session begins.
Ruling parties are asking the constituent assembly chairman not to bring before parliament for discussion for action against the president and rectify A Maoist secretariat meeting Thursday decided to work for a people oriented constitution and intensify struggle against government.
A three-member cabinet met for the second time Thursday after delay in government formation.
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People moving to safe areas along Saptakosi river


Kathmandu, 28 May: People along Saptakost river have started to move to safe areas after fears th river might again change course after three coffer dams were damaged overnight.
A team has been sent from the capital Thursday to inspect the damage and work to control damage.
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New chairman of constitution drafting committee being elected

Kathmandu, 28 May: Most senior member of a constitution drafting committee Kul Bahadur Gurung Thursday asked CA Chairman Subash Nemwang to fix a date for the committee’s chairman .
Gurung read out the resignation letter of committee chairman Madhav Kumar Nepal who has been appointed prime minister.
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Coffer dams of Saptakosi damaged

Kathmandu, 28 May; Rising water level of Saptakosi river following heavy
Overnight damaged two coffer dams of the river.
Water has started overflowing from the third coffer dam.
The river has started eroding banks after a trail of death and destruction last year
Sluice gates on the river dam has been opened to release water.
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19- year old girl murdered in Bara


Kathmandu, 28 May: A 19-year-old girl was dragged out from her home in Bara overnight and shot dead.
The brutal murder was carried out by an unknown group as violence continues in the terai.
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22 parties hold discussions

By Bhola B Rana

Kathmandu, 28 May: Twenty-two parties held discussions Thursday on a common minimum programme of a government led by Madhav Kumar Nepal.
The parties also discussed sharing ministerial berths.
Nepal has only appointed Bidya Bhandari and Surendra Pandey ministers for defence and finance respectively.
Maoists secretariat Thursday also discussed strategy after being ousted from government after nine months in office.
Maoists have decided to oppose the government in parliament and street.
PM Prachanda who was seeking the sack of Army Chief Gen Rukmangud Katawal had to resign instead.
Nepal, in an address to the nation, Wednesday praised the roles of the president and the Nepal Army the CPN-UML once despised.
Nepali Congress and CPN-UML, the second and third largest parties, now sing the army’s praise after vehemently criticizing it as a security agency that supported the king.
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Madhav Kumar Nepal moving to Baluwatar

Kathmandu, 28 May: Madhav Kumar Nepal shifts to the official residence of the prime minister at Baluwatar Thursday.
Nepal was elected government head Saturday.
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Nepal invited to India

Kathmandu, 28 May: Manmohan Singh, who was elected for a second term af India’s prime minister, has invited Nepal to visit New Delhi at a convenient time.
Singh extended the invitation in a congratulatory message to Nepal.
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First Limbu woman scales Everest

Kathmandu, 28 May: Climbers waiting to scale Mount Everest retreated from base camp this week after three feet snow lashed the Everest region.
The Everest marathon has been affected.
Three brothers: Pemba Dorje Sherpa, 28, Nima Gaylzen Sherpa, 23, and Phurba Tenzing Sherpa, 20, abandoned their record-breaking feat to spend 24 hours atop Everest after the storm.
Junita Sambahamphe 19May became the first woman to scale Mount Everest, the 8848meters high world’s tallest peak.
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MEDIA GOOGLE

“An invitation to us to join government is a political gimmick.”

(Maoist spokesman Dinanath Sharma, Annapurna Post, 28 May)

“Political parties repeatedly say the country is in crisis. Why don’t they resolve differences even while realizing the situation is difficult?”

(Speaker Subash Nemwang, Kantipur, 28 May)
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EU ambassadors congratulate Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal

By Bhola B Rana


Kathmandu, 26 May : European Union Heads of Mission (Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, United Kingdom and European Commission) and the representative of The Netherlands in Kathmandu called on Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal Tuesday to offer their congratulations on his inauguration, an EU statement said.

”Offering their support in tackling the challenging issues facing the new government, they urged the Prime Minister to focus on collaborating with all the political parties to find a way forward.

“The EU Heads of the Mission highlighted the importance of working in parallel on three key areas of activity: completing the peace process; drafting a new constitution that meets the aspirations of the people of Nepal; and delivering on the economic and development needs of all Nepalis.
“ They also shared the Prime Minister's concern to improve law and order in Nepal. The EU Representatives assured the Prime Minister that they would continue to call on all sides in Nepal to work in a spirit of compromise and co-operation to deliver substantive political and economic progress.”
Norway, the only foreign country supporting Maoists was absent.
Outgoing Prime Minister Prachanda visited Norway before his ouster.
Finland,which he also visited .didn’t open support to Maoist Prime Minister Prachanda.
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PM Nepal asks for national understanding

By Bhola B Rana

Kathmandu, 26 May: In a 15-minute address to the nation from Singha Durbar Tuesday, Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal called for national understanding to complete the peace process and draft a constitution within the May 2010 deadline.
He asked parties to resolve misunderstanding.
Nepal assured a constitution will be drafted within deadline despite difficulties.
He called for negotiations for to address Madesh demands.
CPN-UML Chairman Jhalanath Khanal said new government will be formed within a week.
Madesh fourm of four parties demanded nine ministries.
Four biggest parties, except Maoists, discussed a common minimum programme and government formation Tuesday without reaching an agreement.
Nepali Congress and CPN-UML separately discussed a mechanism to run a successor government of Maoists.
Nepal assumed office Saturday.
Maoists announced Tuesday protest programmes against the government led by CPN-UML.
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Bomb scare in Babar Mahal

Kathmandu, 26 May: There was a bomb scare in the busy BabarMahal area Tuesday.
Two persons were killed in a bombing at a church in Lalitpur during the weekend.
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Two killed in church explosion

Kathmandu, 23 May: Two persons were killed in a hidden bomb explosion at a church in Lalitpur Saturday.
Fifteen were injured, come seriously.
Hindu organization Nepal Defence Army is suspected for the blast.
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Madhav Kumar Nepal elected PM(breaking news)

Kathmandu, 23rd May:Madhav Kumar Nepal was elected Prime Minister Saturday by Parliament. Nepal was the only candidate for for the post. Maoists boycotted the elections.Nepal's name was proposed by Girija Prasad Koirala.nnnnnn

Madhav Kumar Nepal Being elected PM(Breaking News)
By Bhola B Rana
Kathmandu, 23 May:Madhav Kumar Nepal is being elected Prime Minister, Saturday. The process has started in Parliament. Maoists walk out of the Parliament protesting the elections.nnnn

Nancy Powell appointed director general of US foreign service

Kathmandu, 22 May: US Ambassador Nancy Powell has been nominated director general of the foreign service, Department of State.
The While House made the announcement Thursday.
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GURKHAS GIVEN RIGHT TO SETTLE IN THE UK

Kathmandu, 22 May: All former Gurkhas who have served in the British Army for at least four years will now be eligible for settlement in the UK, British Home Secretary announced in parliament THurdday, according to the British embassy.

Under the new guidance, Gurkhas who served prior to 1 July 1997 and completed four years service can apply to settle in the UK with their spouses and dependent minor children.

The policy introduced today refers specifically to those Gurkhas who retired before 1 July 1997 and who will now be granted settlement rights under the new discretionary arrangements. Those who retired after 1 July 1997 are already eligible to apply for settlement under the current immigration rules.

Home Secretary, Jacqui Smith said;

“Generations of Gurkhas have served the United Kingdom with great courage, sacrifice and distinction and they continue to make a vital and valued contribution to our operations around the world.

“Following the clear view expressed by the House of Commons – we have now amended our guidance to ensure that all Gurkhas who served for four years or more can have settlement rights.

“We will now welcome all those former Gurkhas who wish to live in the UK and we will begin to work through the outstanding cases that have not yet been granted settlement.”

In 2004 the Government granted the first Gurkhas the right of settlement in Britain if they served on or after 1 July 1997 - the point at which the Brigade’s base moved to the UK. Since then, over 6,000 Gurkhas and their families have been given the right to live in the UK.

In April, the Home Office announced new guidance to allow over 4,000 of those Gurkhas who served before 1 July 1997 to settle in the UK. Following a vote in the House of Commons the Government committed to review this guidance before the Summer Recess, and to have considered outstanding applications by the end of May.

The revised guidance, announced today, which reflects the concerns of the Home Affairs Select Committee and the Gurkha lobby, meets this commitment and goes even further to grant settlement rights to those who retired from the Brigade of Gurkhas prior to 1 July 1997 with four or more years’ service.

Kevan Jones, Minister for Veterans said:

“The British Army and the Ministry of Defence are determined to do all that we can to uphold our ongoing commitment to the welfare of former Gurkhas, whether in Nepal or the UK. We value greatly the bravery, commitment and dedication which they have shown over many years and continue to demonstrate on operations today.”

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PM Prachanda to address parliament

By Bhola B Rana

Kathmandu, 22 May: Outgoing Prime Minister Prachanda is to address parliament later Friday on party charge President Dr Ram Baran Yadav usurped power to retain sacked Army Chief Gen Rukmangud Katawal.
The move has led to a political crisis creating a political stalemate.
CPN-UML leader Bharat Mohan Adhikari warned Friday Maoists could still block the election of Madhav Kumar Nepal as prime minister by stalling parliament proceedings.
His election is scheduled Saturday.
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Madhav Kumar Nepal to be elected Saturday (BREAKING NEWS)

By Bhola B Rana

Kathmandu, 21 May: Following a political breakthrough, Madhav Kumar Nepal will be elected prime minister Saturday by parliament.
Prime Minister Prachanda will address parliament Friday on Maoist charge of presidential power.
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MJF to join Nepal govt. (BREAKING NEWS)

By Bhola B Rana
Kathmandu, 21 May: Kingmaker MJF central committee decided Thursday to join a government led Madhav Kumar Nepal.
The largest terai party formed a four-member task force under Chairman Upendra Yadav to work pout details.
The committee has yet to decide to will lead the party team in government.
Meanwhile, Maoists decided Thursday not to allow the smooth functioning of parliament is the speaker isn’t ‘positive’ to a resolution against President Dr Ram Baran Yadav his retention of Army Chief Gen Rukmangud Katwal sacked unilaterally by Maoists.
Parliament is scheduled to meet later Thursday.
PM Prachanda hopes to address parliament condemning the president’s action.
CPN-UML and Congress Thursday opposed the registration of a resolution in parliament against the president Wednesday.
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Swine flu suspect quarantined

Kathmandu, 21 May: The special health desk at the Tribhuvan International Airport today [Wednesday] quarantined a UAE national, who entered Nepal via India, over fears that she has been infected with swine flu virus, the global pandemic, The Himalayan Times reports.
This is the second suspected case of the deadly flu in the country since the disease was detected in Mexico last month.

(Note: China has put health officials along Nepal-Tibet border, especially at Tatopani entry point on high alert, for health checks of Nepalis and foreigners, after a Italian woman suspected of carrying for virus that causes flu entered Tibet via Nepal.)
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264 pillars along Nepal-India border missing

Kathmandu, 21 May: The legislature-parliament, international relations and human rights committee said that it was found, in course of its on-site visit in Bara, that Nepali territory was encroached from Indian side, RSS reports.
At a press conference organized here today [in Kathmandu Wednesday], it was informed that of the total 685 border pillars in the district, some 264 were found lost.
The information was based on the facts found from the on-site visit on May 17-18 by the committee led by CA member Nabindra Raj Joshi.
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MEDIA GOOGLE

“Although Qiu [Chinese ambassador] was careful not to name names [in meeting with Girija] , he was not so cryptic as to leave us in any doubt about his government’s disdain for the remote-control wielders so comfortable ensconced across the southern border.”

(Maila Baje, People’s Review, 21 May)
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Appa Sherpa scales Everest for record 19th time

Kathmandu, 21 May: Appa Sherpa improved a personal record to scale the 8848 meters high Mount Everest for the 19th time Thursday morning.
He stepped on top of the world for the 18th time on 22 May 2008.
Ninety-eight climbers climbed Everest from Nepal Tuesday and Wednesday.
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Congress, CPN-UML discuss common approach against Maoists

By Bhola B Rana

Kathmandu, 21 May: Prime minister- in- waiting Madhav Kumar Nepal, Nepali Congress President Girija Prasad Koirala and other top leaders of the two political parties held discussions to develop a common approach party to tackle a Maoist parliamentary resolution condemning the president.
Maoists charged President Dr Ram Baran Yadav for unconstitutionally retaining Army Chief Gen Rukmangud Katawal who was unilaterally sacked by Maoists.
Maoists charged a presidential and army coup saying they are establishing civilian supremacy over the army.
A political stalemate has been created for more than two weeks.
CPN-UML and Congress say discussion of the resolution will be unfortunate and illegal as the supreme court is considering a challenge to the presidential action.
Meanwhile, MJF central committee started discussions Thursday morning on a faction proposal to join the Nepal government.
One faction led by Bijaya Gachedhar favours joining the Nepal government while another group led by Chairman Upendra Yadav has aligned with Maoists.
The party with 53 seats is at a splitting point.
Nepal can form a majority government even if the party splits.
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Another deadline to draft constitution missed

Kathmandu, 21 May: Most subject committees will miss Friday’s deadline to submit drafts of their recommendations for a constitution that has to be completed by May 2010.
The result will be a constitutional crisis.
Nepal now has an interim constitution drafted by ruling parties that shred the 1990 constitution after toppling monarchy.
The 1990 constitution prepared by political parties and two nominees of the king was promulgated by King Birendra.
The king didn’t draft the constitution.
Only three of nine subject committees have completed their drafts.
The main drafting committee headed by Madhav Kumar Nepal, who is being appointed prime minister, hasn’t also completed a draft of the proposed constitution.
The work schedule of the committees has to be rescheduled for the fifth time.
Differences between political parties have delayed the drafting.
Maoists, who don’t have a majority in the constituent assembly, are pressing for a hard-line communist system.
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Breakthrough for British Gurkhas

Kathmandu, 21 May: All Gurkha ex-soldiers, who have served in British Army, are to be given the right to settle down in Britain with a formal statement expected tomorrow [Thursday], agencies report from London.
Prime Minister Gordon Brown , who has been severely embarrassed by Gurkha residency rights campaign led by actress Joanna Lumley, is expected to signal the new policy in the British parliament, the Daily Telegraph reported.
Keith Vaz, chairman, Home Affairs Select Committee, wrote to Brown last night [Tuesday] following a private meeting with Gurkha campaign group, including Lumley, and government officials.
Vaz accused the government of ‘overblowing’ estimates that up to 100,000 former Gurkhas and families would come to Britain if rights were granted to all.
“We believe that Britain has a moral debt of honour to the Brigade of Gurkhas and that this can be realised along the lines suggested here,” Vaz said.
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Kathmandu, 20 May: Heads of US and EU missions in Nepal Wednesday through a statement intervened and asked Maoists to pave the way for Madhav Kumar Nepal-led government to be installed earliest.
“The Heads of Mission of the European Union , Norway and the United States express their hope that a new government can be formed as quickly as possible to allow the parties, inside and outside government, to work together to deliver on the key commitments of the peace process and on the needs of the people of Nepal.
“They call upon the parties to co-operate with the Chairman of the Constituent Assembly and use the mechanisms laid down in the Interim Constitution for government formation, reflecting the views of the majority of the members of the Constituent Assembly.
“They urge constructive engagement of all parties in the political process which is essential to help deliver peace and prosperity for Nepal,” a statement by Finland embassy on behalf of the embassies said.
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Denmark butts in with fall of Norwegian supported communist govt. (BREAKING NEWS)

By Bhola B Rana

Kathmandu, 20 May: Denmark came in immediately Wednesday to support another communist-led government now to be headed by CPN-UML after the fall of a Maoist-led government headed by Prime Minister Prachanda supported by Norway.
Nepali Congress President Girija Prasad Koirala delivered the countr to communists even while his party had a majority in parliament by dissolving it and apportioning disproportionate seats to Maoists.
The majority was then confirmed through a vote in April 2008.
Danish Under Secretary of State for Asia Sus Ulbaek flew in Wednesday and lent her country’s support to Madhav Kumar Nepal, the former CPN-UML general secretary who has garnered majority support to from a new another communist-led government.
She told Nepal Denmark will lend support for the delayed drafting process for a constitution and financial assistance to the new government.
Norway and Denmark are monarchical countries but support communists in Nepal.
Nepal is heading what has been called a democratic front of 22 of 24 parties in parliament after the ouster of a Maoist-led government.
The Norway-supported nine-month government of PM Prachanda fell earlier more than two months ago.
Norway is the only country that directly lent support to Prachanda after his resignation.
A Norwegian minister even boasted he kept direct contact Maoists over mobile while in the ‘jungle’ while on the Nepal, US and Indian terrorist list terrorist list.
Prachanda said he didn’t spend eight of 10 years during the people’s war in the jungle but in India—probably where the Norwegian minister kept direct contact with Nepal’s Maoists.
The fall of Maoists in Nepal is a setback for Norwegians who also supported Sri Lanka’s LTEE who have been eliminated.
The Norwegian West Asian bravado to negotiate a peace between Israel and Palestinine has been exposed.
Inconsequential Norway was treading in territory even feared by God.
The Prachanda government fell after he visited Norway and Finland without visiting Denmark through which he transited.
Norway was the only country to directly support the ousted Maoist government of Prachanda.
The three rich Scandinavian countries have been playing roles in Nepal that don’t match their international standing by pumping money into Nepalese society and the communist movement and NGOs destabilizing the strategic Himalayan state previously a kingdom ruled and reigned by a Shah dynasty for 238 years.
Political parties through their ineptitude over 16 years have brought ruin to the country now by inviting foreign intervention in 2006.
It’s becoming difficult for them to get out of the mess as outside interference continues and grows.
A Danish embassy spokesperson said over telephone the Danish visitor of ministerial rank won’t meet the outgoing prime minister.
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Acting PM says parliament proceedings will be normal from Thursday

Kathmandu, 20 May: Acting PM Prachanda told visitors Wednesday parliament proceedings will be normal from Thursday after Maoist disturbances for more than two weeks.
Prachanda said this to representatives of ‘civil society’.
The outgoing government chief said parliamentary proceedings will be normal after he addresses parliament on what has been described as an unconstitutional act of the president.
Non-Maoist parties reacted immediately and said the debate will be unconstitutional.
The ousted Maoist government Wednesday registered a resolution in parliament immediately after a party meeting to discuss an act of President Dr Ram Baran Yadav retaining Army Chief after Maoists unilaterally dismissal of Gen Rukmangun Katawal four months before the end of his tenure.
Scheduled parliament session was adjourned again until Thursday through a notification posted on a board in the legislature.
The resolution can come for discussion only after seven days,
CPN-UML Wednesday decided to hold anti-Maoist nation-wide strike 24 May to oppose a Maoist attack on CPN-UML General Secretary Inswor Pokhrel in Ramechap this week.
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Five injured in Parsa bombings on wedding group


Kathmandu, 20 May: Five persons of a wedding party were injured when two bombs were hurled at a tractor transporting a wedding group in Bindhabasini in Parsa overnight.
Several bombs were exploded overnight in Nawalparasi where Madeshi Mukti Tigers called a two-day strike Wednesday to protest murders of two activists.
Violence continues in the terai.
In the worst bombing incident so far, 29 persons were injured in a cylinder bomb blast in the first class compartment of Janakpur-Jayanagar railway station.
Nepali Congress Wednesday called a Chitwan strike after student activist Gopi Paudel died overnight in the capital while undergoing treatment for injuries sustained in an attack in the central Nepal district.
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Maoists ridiculed charging Indian interference

By Bhola B Rana

Kathmandu, 20 May: Maoists, who charged of Indians of interference in Nepal’s internal affairs, were ridiculed Wednesday by MJF leader Bijaya Kumar Gachedhar who defected from the biggest terai party with 32 of 53 seats to support a government to be led by Madhav Kumar Nepal.
“Leaders went to Delhi to sign a 12-point agreement. All are aware leaders like Girija Prasad Koirala, Madhav Kumar Nepal, Prachanda and others signed the agreement.
“They become leaders by going to Delhi to become big leaders with Indian support. Now Indians are abused,” Gachedhar told Ghatana ra Bichar.
“This is an attempt to confuse people. People understand the reality.”
Gachedhar charged MJF Chairman Upendra Yadav for attempting to align with Maoists.
“Upendra all of a sudden and secretly met Prachanda to destroy the party. To same the party and take on a democratic path, I helped form a democratic front.”
He charged: “The party became a Maoist tail despite repeated reminders.”
Gachedhar revealed Girija Prasad most recently refused to become prime minister and instead promoted Nepal.
“He sacrificed by refusing the post of prime minister. Girija Prasad Koirala made Madhav Kumar Nepal prime minister.”
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Italian woman with swine flu transited to Tibet from Nepal

Kathmandu, 20 May: Ministry of Health and Population has intensified the preventive measures to thwart the possible spread of swine flu virus A (HiN) in the country after an Italian woman, who entered Tibet via Nepal, was reportedly confirmed as the fifth case of swine flu in mainland China, The Himalayan Times reports.
Issuing a press statement today [Tuesday], the Chinese health ministry said the 42-year-old Italian woman had arrived in Nepal on May 12 and then entered Tibet via land on May 16,a day after developing symptoms of cold.
“It will be too early to say whether or not the Italian lady developed flu symptoms here,” Dr Gajananda P Bhandari, epidemiologist and coordinator of the desk, said it is too early to say whether or not the Italian lady developed flu symptoms here.
According to the special health desk at the Tribhuvan International Airport, screening of the international travelers for suspected cases of flu is underway.
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UNMIN attempts to minimize Maoist boast impact

By Bhola B Rana

Kathmandu, 20 May: In a clear attempt to minimize the impact of Maoist Prime Minister Prachanda’s embarrassing boast he duped UN into certifying 19,000 PLA combatants into 28 camps and cantonments in Nepal, UMNIM Tuesday was silent on the claim it was deceived.
The former combatants, including disqualified child soldiers continue to be there, even two years after verification.
Prachanda said in a videotape the actual strength of partially disarmed combatants was only between 7 t0 8,000 and only 4,000 combatants should be in the camps.
The UN is now trying to shift impact of the fallout on Nepal government; UNMIN attempted to do the same when Maoists murdered a Kathmandu businessman at a cantonment in Chitwan under its observation in 2008.
UNMIN said security at camps where verified Maoist weapons are kept wasn’t its responsibility.
Maoists have threatened to come out of the camps by seizing the surrendered weapons.
“The government and CPN-M decided that possession of a weapon was not a criterion for eligibility. Presentation of a Maoist army identity card was required to demonstrate service,” UNMIN said.
Nepal Army had then challenged the Maoist claim of the real combatant strength of the rebel army saying each combatant should have a weapon like verified state soldiers.
‘Joining the service before May 25, 2006, and being born before May 25, 1988,” were the only two conditions for eligibility, UNMIN added.
“UNMIN was not requested to verify whether the registered Maoist army personnel were eligible for integration into the security forces,” UNMIN went on to say even as it seeks a role integration of the PLA into Nepal Army.
UN was invited in Nepal by the government and Maoists for its reliability as UNMIN seeks another extension after its mandate ends again in July.
Nepali Congress which is staging a comeback in government has asked for a recount of Maoist combatants in camps after the Prachanda claim.
Will UN and major world capitals still push integration of Maoists combatants in the state army when the stated objective of the Maoists is to incite rebellion in Nepal Army?
Prachanda also said the camps are a source of money for the party to finance the purchase of weapons for a final war; how long with the donors now finance the combatants in the camps?
Special Representative of the UN Secretary General and then
UNMIN Chief Ian Martin quietly flew in and out of the country after the Prachanda revelation.
Congress has been critical of Martin’s role in Nepal.
Martin, charged for being pro-Maoist, was dispatched to Gaza Strip from Nepal after UNMIN was downsized and downgraded to investigate a bombing of a UN complex by Israeli army.
Israel has attempted to manipulate the embarrassing Maoist claim to expose Martin and UN in the West Asia.
“These allegations—that the UN was duped in Nepal—cast along shadow over Gaza board of inquiry’s reliability,” Israeli foreign ministry spokesman Yigal Palmor said.
UN blamed Israel army for the deadly bombings.
“If Martin failed to get the facts right with terrorists in Nepal, who can believe he got it right in Gaza, where he was also dealing with terrorists,” Jerusalem Post also quoted a diplomatic source as saying.
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Maoist ministers told to vacate ministers’ quarter

By Bhola B Rana

Kathmandu, 20 May: After Acting Prime Minister Prachanda Tuesday started vacating Baluwatar, the official residence of the government chief, Maoist ministers in the caretaker government were also asked by the party to vacate the ministers’ quarter in Pulchowk.
Government formation has been delayed by Maoist obstruction of parliament for more than two weeks as Madhav Kumar Nepal waits to from a majority government with the support of at least 350 lawmakers of the 601-member parliament.
Maoists are demanding a parliamentary discussion on a party resolution of what they call an unconstitutional move of President Dr Ram Baran Yadav asking Army Chief Gen Rukmangud Katawal to continue while only Maoists in government unilaterally sacked him four months before the end of his tenure.
The discussion can create a crisis in political parties, especially CPN-UML, that have put together an alternative government.
While opposing the dismissal of Katawal, CPN-UML said the ceremonial president acted unconstitutionally in asking the army chief to continue.
Parliament is scheduled to meet again Wednesday afternoon.
Maoists have said the present stalemate has been created by an army and presidential coup.
The Maoist move triggered a political crisis and a political stalemate amid charges the extreme communists were attempting to destroy the state army structure.
Maoists captured political power through national and international political maneuvering without defeating the army in a 10-year people’s war.
In an embarrassing video take, Prachanda revealed the party’s game-plan to infiltrate Nepal Army by integration in units to incite a rebellion.
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TRADE, COMMERCE, ECONOMY


Nepal Rashtra Bank takes over BoK

Kathmandu, 20 May: Nepal Rashtra Bank Tuesday intervened Tuesday to takeover the management of Bank of Kathmandu (BoK).
“We decided to takeover management by allowing the incumbent acting chief executive to work,” the central bank’s board of directors member Sambhusharam Prashad Khayastha told Nepal Patrika after a meeting Tuesday.
The board also decided to form a separate managing committee for the commercial bank dissolving the present committee.
The central bank took over management because of differences in the of BoK managing committee.
Earlier, the bank BoK management had removed managing director Radesh Pant.
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MEDIA GOOGLE

“The president consulted everybody [in Katawal issue] but me.”

(Vice-president Parmananda Jha, Naya Patrika, 20 May)
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Political stalemate continues; other details

By Bhola B Rana

Kathmandu, 19 May: Maoists disrupted parliamentary session for the eight consecutive time Tuesday delaying the installation of a majority government to be led by former CPN-UML General Secretary Madhav Kumar Nepal—the second government to be formed after the April 2008 historic constituent assembly elections.
Speaker Subash Nemwang adjourned the session until Wednesday after Maoists again gheraoed the rostrum.
Non-Maoist political parties in inter and intra-party discussions rejected a Maoist demand to discuss what has been called unconstitutional decision of President Dr Ram Baran Yadav asking Army Chief Gen Rukmangud Katawal to continue in office.
He was sacked by the Maoists after other coalition partners walked out of government more than two weeks ago creating a political stalemate.
There’s no outlet in sight as yet.
Nepali Congress and CPN-UML in separate meetings with Maoists Tuesday asked the party to stop the disruptions for government formation.
Maoists proposed they will introduce a resolution in parliament to discuss the presidential action.
Congress and other parties said PM Prachanda can make a statement but will oppose a resolution since supreme court is considering the action challenged in the supreme court.
Speaker Nemwang also asked Maoists not to obstruct the parliament session.
“The government is only a caretaker administration. This situation can’t stand for long,” Nemwang said.
But Maoists in the caretaker government have been making major decisions.
CPN-UML and Congress leaders, including Nepal and Girija Prasad Koirala discussed a legal outlet in the presence of lawyers Tuesday.
Kingmaker MJF central committee meeting was adjourned until Thursday after inconclusive discussions on whether to join a government or not.
The party is on the verge of a split with the parliamentary party deciding to support Nepal government and Chairman Upendra Yadav close to Maoists.
US and EU ambassadors held collective discussions with the prime minister Tuesday asking Prachanda to help form a new government to end a political vacumn.
Meanwhile, CPN-UML Chairman Jhalanath Khanal said right parties are taking advantage by dividing communists and asked Maoists to join a national government.
Khanal asked Maoists to foil such an attempt and help in drafting a constitution—impossible without Maoist support..
Khanal said constitution can’t be drafted by sidelining Maoists.
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PM moves out of Baluwatar

Kathmandu, 19 May: Acting Prime Minister Prachanda moved out of the official residence of the government chief Tuesday and moved to private quarters.
Prachanda resigned more than two weeks ago,
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Load-shedding reduced to eight hours every day

Kathmandu, 19 May: Authorities announced crippling load-shedding will be brought to eight hours from 12 hours every day from Wednesday giving some relief to the people.
A 16-hour daily power was enforced during the winter.
Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) said Tuesday water-level of rivers has risen with the onset of pre-monsoon shower, snowmelt with increasing temperature, repairs of damaged power stations and import of power from India.
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Bhutan to host SAARC summit in 2010

Kathmandu, 19 May: Bhutan will for the first time host a summit of a summit of the eight-nation South Asian regional SAARC in April 2010, Bhutanese officials said.
Bhutan had three opportunities to host summits after the establishment of the organization formed to promote regional cooperation.
Annual summits are hosted by members on rotation.
Bhutan mainly cited lack of physical facilities to host the summit.
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Four districts plunged in darkness

Kathmandu, 19 May: Gorkha, Lamjung, and two districts frequented by tourists—Kaski and Chitwan-- have been plunged into darkness after heady damage overnight of a transformer in Damauli.
Damage is estimated at Rs 700,000 and will take seven days to repair, officials said.
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MJF central committee meeting amid possibility of split

By Bhola B Rana

Kathmandu, 19 May: Kingmaker MJF’s central committee is meeting Tuesday afternoon amid possibility of a split in the fourth largest party over joining a government led by former CPN-UML General Secretary Madhav Kumar Nepal.
Leader of the parliamentary party Bijaya Kumar Gachedhar, who defected to the biggest terai party from Nepali Congress, with 32 of 53 lawmakers opted to join the new government ‘to protect the nation from authoritarianism and communist democracy’, according to Gachedhar.
Gachedhar has also threatened to oust party chairman Upendra Yadav if the central committee Tuesday overturns the parliamentary party decision.
Yadav launched the MJF defecting from Maoists.
The central committee Sunday reluctantly decided to support the new Nepal-led government; the central committee also has to decide whether to join the successor government of Maoist Prime Minister Prachanda ousted after nearly nine months in office.
Yadav has a majority in the central committee.
‘The party should not be led by dictatorial and communist school of thought. The policy taken by the chairman is wrong,” Gachedhar charged.
But party deputy Jayaprakash Prasad Gupta who defected to MJF from Nepali Congress is supporting Yadav.
Parties have started informal discussions to from a new government as Maoists obstruct its formation by obstruction parliamentary proceedings; parliament is scheduled to meet Tuesday as well.
Nepali Congress rejected the demand saying the discussions can’t be held on a presidential action being considered by the supreme court.
But Maoists said they will disturb proceedings until a demand to discuss a resolution on the ‘unconstitutional’ presidential decision to retain Army Chief Gen Rukmangud Katawal is met.
Maoist Finance Minister Dr Baburam Bhattarai alleged legislators are being bought for two to three million rupees.
“I have proof,” Bhattarai claimed.
A political stalemate continues for two weeks.
Premier Prachanda, who sought the sacking of Gen Katawal who continues in office, resigned instead.
Maoists have charged an army and presidential and army coup was staged.
Nepal has the majority support of 350 of 601 lawmakers ion parliament.
Meanwhile, NEPSE index gained 18.74 percent Monday with the news the Maoist-led government is being replaced; the index surged by double digit for the fist time after March 22, 2009.
The sensitive indeed shot up 5.07 percent while the float index increased 1.46 percent.
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86,011 persons visit Narayanhiti museum


Kathmandu, 19 May: Altogether 86,011 persons visited Narayanhiti museum since it was opened to public 13 months ago.
Rs six million has been collected in revenue.
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TRADE, COMMERCE, ECONOMY


Record revenue collection

Kathmandu, 19 May: Outgoing Maoist-led government collected a record Rs 110.51 billion rupees in the first 10 months of the current fiscal year ending mid-March, the finance ministry said.
Collection exceeded 40 percent of target.
Only Rs 79 billion was collected by the government led by Girija Prasad Koirala during the same period the previous year.
Finance Minister Dr Baburam Bhattarai set a target to collect Rs 147.72 billion in revenue.
But the government hasn’t met a target to spend the allocated development budget.
Only Rs 4.7 billion of the Rs 25.3 billion set aside for local development ministry has been spend so far.
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Rupee gains

Kathmandu, 19 May: The Nepali ruppe gained Rs 2.25 in the money market Tuesday.
Nepal Rashtra Bank fixed the selling rate Tuesday at Rs 76.45 to one dollar.
Tuesday.
It was selling at Rs 78.70 Monday.
The Nepali rupee gained after the Indian currency gained against the dollar in the international money market after the Congress-I victory in parliamentary elections.
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Another J-41 joins Agni Air fleet

Kathmandu, 19 May; The second J-41 pressurized 29 seat aircraft has joined the Agni Air fleet to enable the company to expand service Bhairahawa, Nepalgunj and Bhadrapur.
The company launched in 2006 also has three Droniers.
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MEDIA GOOGLE

“I had urged the PM not to take decision against the army chief in haste. Later, he confessed to me that he committed a blunder.”

(Bijaya Kumar Gachedhar, The Himalayan Times, 19 May)

“We started the people’s war to capture power. We still want to capture power. We won’t lie to the people saying we won’t do it.”

(Maoist leader CP Gajurel, Naya Patrika, 19 May)
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Govt. formation delayed with continued Maoist obstruction of parliament

By Bhola B Rana

Kathmandu, 18 May: One day after majority 350 legislators supported the candidature of former CPN-UML General Secretary Madhav Kumar Nepal as a new prime minister, Maoists obstructed parliamentary proceedings for the seventh time Monday delaying government formation.
Maoists have reiterated their position to disrupt parliamentary proceedings until a presidential action asking Army Chief Gen Rukmangud Katawal is corrected; Maoists have launched street protests against President Dr Ram Baran Yadav as well calling the presidential action unconstitutional.
Dr Yadav has asked Prime Minister Prachanda to continue in an acting capacity until the formation of a new government.
Maoist parliamentary party and secretariat meetings Monday demanded discussion on presidential action in parliament—a demand opposed by Nepali Congress.
A political stalemate continued for 13 days after Prachanda resigned when the president overturned a decision of the Maoist-led government to sack Gen Katawal four months before the expiry of his tenure.
Efforts of Speaker Subash Nemwang Monday to resume parliamentary proceedings smoothly by holding talks with party whips and the prime minister was inconclusive.
Parliament was adjourned until Tuesday after Maoists gheraoed the rostrum.
RPP-Nepal, with four members in parliament, lent its support Monday for the candidacy of Nepal.
Nepali Congress leader Ram Chandra Paudel rejected Maoist demand for discussion of presidential action in parliament as the case was sub-judice as supreme court is discussing the action.
But Maoist leader Narayan Kazi Shrestha said parliament is supreme and can discuss the presidential action.
Meanwhile, MJF parliamentary party leader Bijaya Gachendrar threatened Monday to topple party Chairman Upendra Yadav if parliamentary party decision to join Nepal government isn’t endorsed by the party central committee.
CPN-UML Monday demanded an official probe into Sunday’s stoning of General Secretary Ishwor Pokhrel’s vehicle in Ramechap where he asked workers to retaliate Maoist attacks.
Dr Baburam Bhattarai said Monday the Nepal government won’t last more than three months reminding his audience in Gorkha Nepal lost from two constituencies in constituent assembly elections on April 2008.
Another Maoist leader CP Gajurel said in Nepalgunj Maoists can’t return to jungle of even f they want to and revealed Upendra Yadav was proposed as prime minister to Girija Prasad Koirala to stop appointment of Nepal on Indian initiative.
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Tharus resume protests

Kathmandu, 18 May: Tharus Monday resigned indefinite protests in the terai demanding de-linking from the Madeshi community.
Normal life in terai districts were disrupted.
They suspended it after a political crisis following the resignation of Premier Prachanda.
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Home ministry appeal on terai killings

Kathmandu, 18 May: After 15 persons, including 14 Indians were killed in the terai fearing they were abducting children for kidneys and eyes, home ministry has issued a public appeal expressing concern over killings.
Such attacks could propel anarchy and lawlessness, the ministry warned.
The ministry asked people to report suspects to local administration.
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Nepal hosting climate change conference

Kathmandu, 18 May: Nepal, home of the world’s tallest mountain peaks, is hosting a three-day international conference on climate change in August.
Nearly 200 delegates are expected to participate.
World Bank said it will support the government to hold the conference.
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Madhav Kumar Nepal collets majority support to form govt. (BREAKING NEWS)

Kathmandu, 17May: Majority support of 350 lawmakers was submitted to Speaker Subash Nemwang to appoint former CPN-UML General Secretary Madhav Kumar Nepal prime minister to succeed a Maoist-led government of Prime Minister Prachanda.
Parliament has 601 members.
Prachanda is on the way out after nearly nine months in office.
President Dr Ram Baran Yadav asked Prachanda to continue in office after he intervened and asked Army Chief Gen Rukmangud Katawal in office after dismissal by the Prachanda government nearly two weeks ago,
The president was only informed through a copy of the dismissal letter.
Lt Gen Kul Bahadur Khadka was appointed by the Prachanda government by just informing the president who appoints the army chief formally.
Khadka said Sunday he is acting army chief without exercising powers after receiving appointment letter from Maoist government creating a crisis described as a presidential and army coup by Maoists.
Twenty-two parties including MJF with 53 seats in parliament, asked Nemwang to start a process of forming a successor government Sunday after submitting signatures.
Chief Whip Surendra Pandey of CPN-UML asked Nemwang to start process the process.
MJF reached a point of split Sunday after leader of the parliamentary party Bijaya Gachedhar and a defector from the Nepali Congress
submitted 35 signatures to CPN-UML and the speaker supporting the candidature of Nepal after a parliamentary party meeting.
Chairman Upendra Yadav later lent support to the proposed government even as deputy leader Jayaprakash Gupta said a parliamentary party meeting wasn’t held Sunday.
Gupta said a formal meeting will be called Monday.
Dramatic developments followed the victory of a coalition led by Sonia Gandhi of Congress-I in India 24 hours earlier.
The Congress government engineered a ouster of 238-year-old monarchy with help of Nepali political parties.
”Nearly all but Maoists are outside government. I ask Maoists to join a national government,” CPN-UML Chairman Jhalanath Khanal said.
Maoists held non-violent anti-presidential demonstrations in the capital, Biratnagar, Nepalgunj and Dhangadi demanding a correction of the presidential action.
Prachanda addressed an overflowing crown of nearly 200,000 supporters at the Open Air Theatre amid fears of an outbreak of violence; New Road closed down out of fear.
“We won’t withdraw from the peace process. I ask other parties to promote national understanding.
“Conspirators comparing Maoists with LTTE in Sri Lanka and threatening to send Maoists to jungle won’t be spared by people. We fought for change .
“ From my experience as prime minister, those in Nepal Army, police Nepal’s bureaucracy are on behalf of the people and not feudals,”achanda told a cheering crowd.
He opposed presidential action.
Prachanda said Maoists won’t disrupt the parliament meetings to appoint a new prime minister.
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29 injured a bomb explosion on Janakpur-Jayanagar railway (BREAKING NEWS)


Kathmandu, 17 May: Twenty-nine persons were injured, some seriously in a bomb explosion in a first class compartment of the Jayanagar-Janakpur railway first class compartment a 9.30 in the morning.
The train was moving to Janakpur from Jayanagar.
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Shailendra Upadhaya attempting Everest at 80

Kathmandu, 17 May: Former Foreign Minister Shailendra Kumar Upadhaya is attempting to climb Mount Everest his spring at 80 years of age.
Upadhaya made the announcement Sunday.
He was also Nepal’s ambassador to the United Nations.
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Capital Maoist demonstrations against presidential action

By Bhola B Rana

Kathmandu, 17 May: Police have been put on high alert to prevent violence Sunday as Maoists hold a are holding a public demonstrations against a presidential order asking Army Chief Gen Rukmangud Katawal to continue in office even after dismissal by the Maoist-led government.
Police have deployed especially around presidential mansion, army headquarters and Singha Durbar already declared prohibited areas where demonstrations are banned.
Maoists said the action of President Dr Ram Baran Yadav was unconstitutional; Maoists in government have been obstructing parliamentary proceedings demanding correction of the presidential order.
CPN-UML and kingmaker MJF with 53 seats in parliament held discussions overnight to cobble a government.
During the inconclusive talks, MJF demanded a written commitment from CPN-UML a new government will implement eight Madesh demands for One Madesh One Pradesh.
Nepali Congress, CPN-UML, TMLP and NSP claim they have the support of 305 lawmakers in the 601-member parliament to form a government.
The four parties are promoting former CPN-UML General Secretary Madhav Kumar Nepal as a new prime minister.
Nepal lost a presidential race to Dr Yadav in 2008 after May’s first constitutional assembly elections.
Nepal was ditched by Maoists at the last moment; the party still opposes Nepal’s candidature for prime minister.
The signatures will be submitted to Speaker Subash Nemwang Monday, the parties claimed.
A two-week political stalemate continues after Prime Minister Prachanda resigned.
Maoists are attempting to abort a Nepal takeover by asking MJF to lead a government with the support of 12 more independent members.
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14 Indians killed for attempted abductions

Kathmandu, 17 May: Fourteen Indians have been killed—most of them were burnt alive in the terai-- in the last three weeks for alleged attempts to abduct children for their eyes and kidneys, published reports said.
One Nepali was also 15 killed so far.
One Indian woman was burnt to death of Mohottari Friday.
One Indian was held by villagers in Saptari Saturday and handed over to police for allegedly attempted abduction.
The feared abduction of children in the region has spread panic.

One killed and three missing in Jajarkot storm

Kathmandu, 17 May: One woman was killed and three are missing after heavy snowfall and storm in Jajarkot overnight.
Following a long dry spell that has destroyed winter crops and created food shortages, different parts of the country has started receiving rainfall bringing some relief to the people.
Sixteen-hour load-shedding has been gradually reduced.
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Three injured in Kapilvasthu bombing

Kathmandu, 17 May: Three persons were injured overnight when their home was bombed by an unidentified group in Kapilvasthu.
Some of the seriously injured have been airlifted to the capital for emergency treatment.
Violence continues in the south unabated.
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BJP leader Jashwant Singh wins in Darjeeling; other details

By Bhola B Rana

Kathmandu, 17May: Jashwant Singh, former foreign minister from India’s main opposition BJP, was declared elected Sunday from a parliamentary constituency in Darjeeling.
BJP supported the Gorkhaland movement of Nepalis of Indian origin for a separate state in the region adjoining east Nepal.
Singh follows developments in Nepal.
Congress-I routed BJP and communists in the staggered month-long elections whose results were announced Saturday.
“With the routing of BJP, the Hindu fundamentalist and reactionary force, the republican set-up in Nepal is safe and secure.
“As the Congress government will continue, I don’t think India’s foreign policy in Nepal change,” Foreign Department Chief of Maoists CP Gajurel was quoted in The Kathmandu Post as saying.
Former King Gyanendra held extensive discussions with BJP leaders, including projected leader LK Advani, during his three-week India tour earlier this year.
Octogenarian Advani announced retirement from politics after theparty’s disastrous electoral performance.
All predictions of a hung parliament in India were proved wrong after the ruling alliance led by Congress-I gained a 272-seat majority in the Lok Sabha.
The government led by Manmohan Singh engineered the ouster of monarchy in 2008 with the help of Nepal’s major political parties and Indian communists.
The election result gives Congress-I a big maneuvering space to continue its Nepal policy which the BJP charged the Singh government had previously abandoned to communists.
Indian communists in the federal government were frequent Nepal visitors during periods of intra-party fractions threatening the peace process.
They negotiated differences between parties as representatives of the government of India.
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MEDIA GOOGLE

“I am the army chief.”

(Lt Gen Kul Bahadur Khadka, Naya Patrika, 17 May)
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Abandoned bomb explosions injure three

Kathmandu, 16 May: Abandoned bomb explosions injured three, including two children in Pyuthan Saturday.
The children were working on a farm.
One person was injured in Sankhuwasabha.
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CPN-UML asks Maoists to join national govt.

Kathmandu, 16May: CPN-UML Chairman Jhalanath Khanal Saturday asked Maoists to join a national government under its leadership.
Khanal told a public meeting in Balaju there’s no alternative to such a government,
A top CPL-UML leader earlier said the party has already mustered the support of 307 legislators to form a majority government.
A two-week political stalemate continues after the resignation of Prime Minister Prachanda.
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CPN-UML claims majority o form government (BREAKING NEWS)

By Bhola B Rana

Kathmandu, 16 May: CPN-UML Saturday claimed it has garnered a majority support of 305 members in the 601- member parliament and CA to form a government to succeed the nine-month Maoist-led government of Prachanda.
The Prachanda government has resigned charging a presidential and army coup.
President Dr Ram Baran Yadav asked Army Chief Gen Rukmangud Katawal to continue after dismissal by the government four months before expiry of his tenure.
Maoists are demanding the presidential step be corrected.
Party Secretary Shanker Pokhrel said it collected the support after pledge of CPN (United) to lead a government led by Madav Kumar Nepal and other fringe parties; CPN (United) has five seats in parliament..
Pokhrel said the signatures will be submitted to Speaker Subash Nemwang Monday.
Inter and intra-parties continued to collect support for forming a new government amid a two-week political stalemate.
Former General Secretary Madhav Kumar Nepal – head of the party for 15 years-resigned in May 2008 after losing from two constituencies in Nepal’s first constituent assembly elections.
But he entered parliament after the resignation of one party member to be immediately appointed chairman of a constitution drafting committee; the process has been derailed with deep differences between parties; Maoists are trying to force a communist constitution.
Meanwhile, MJF is vertically on joining a government led by Nepal.
Most of the central committee members are backing Party Chairman Upendra Yadav to lead a new government with Maoists; a faction led by Bijaya Gachadhar with a majority in the parliamentary is pushing to join a government under Nepal.
The party could split on the issue.
Yadav joined the MJF quitting the Maoists while Gachadhar joined the terai-based party quitting Nepali Congress.
Maoists are abducting parliamentary proceedings.
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Two suspected abductors killed in Saptari

Kathmandu, 16 May: Two more suspected children abductors of children were set alight and killed at
Jagani VDC in Saptari Saturday.
One suspected abductor was torched earlier in the district.
Nearly a dozen of suspected abductors from India have been killed by locals.
The children are suspected of attempted abductions for their eyes and kidneys.
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Political stalemate continues, Maoists effort to stop Nepal takeover

By Bhola B Rana

Kathmandu, 16 May: A two-week political stalemate continues as Maoists Saturday attempted to stop the takeover of a majority government led by former CPN-UML Chairman Madav Kumar Nepal.
Prime Minister and Unified CPN(Maoist) Chairman Prachanda held hour-long discussions with RPP-Nepal Chairman Kamal Thapa and sought support for a government led by MJF—the kingmaker with 53 seats in parliament.
RPP-Nepal has four seats in the CA and parliament.
Nepal has collected the firm support of 286 legislators from Nepali Congress, CPN-UML, TMLP and 14 other fringe parties and independents.
Nepal need the support of 15 more members of parliament to from a government.
MJF is divided over extending support to a Nepal-led government.
Fisticuffs broke out at the party’s parliamentary meeting where a section led by Bijaya Kumar Gachedhar, lending support for Nepal, demanded correction of a central committee decision either to lead a new government or extend conditional outside support to a Nepal government.
MJD is demanding firm support for Madesh demands as a pre-condition for support for a new government.
But two parties of a three-party Madesh joint front—TMLP and NSP—have supported a government led to be led by Nepal.
Discussions on drafting a new constitution has been sidelined; no discussions of the delayed process have been held after the deadlock worsened by the publication of a video take revealing a Maoist game-plan to destabilize the Nepal Army into which they demand the integration of 19,000 combatants in camps under UN watch.
In the embarrassing video, Prachanda said Maoists had only 7,000 combatants whereas UN has verified 19,000 plus combatants.
Prachanda also said the party planned to purchase weapons from stipends being received by combatants from government and donor for a state takeover.
Prachanda also said the combatants would be integrated in the state army to start a rebellion; the revelation of such a plan comes immediately after a bloody rebellion in the Bangladesh army.
Maoists could still be integrated in the army in small numbers who would be overwhelmed by bigger presence of professional soldiers.
Prachanda said a rebellion in the state army after integration was possible because Maoist combatants are politically trained.

TRADE,COMMERCE, ECONOMY

Narendra Kumar Basnet elected

Kathmandu, 16 May: Narendra Kumar Basnet has been elected chairman of Himalayan Distillery by the board of directors.
Raj Bahadur Shah has been appointed managing director.
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Richard Powell writes to Girija

Kathmandu, 8 May: UN Assistant Secretary of State Richard Boucher has asked Nepali Congress President Girija Prasad Koirala to prioritize a resolution of the political crisis that may delay the drafting of a constitution.
His letter was delivered to Koirala Friday by US Ambassador Nancy J. Powell, a party source said.
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3 dead 40 injured in Saptari

Kathmandu, 8 May: Three persons were killed and 40 were injured, three seriously, in a vehicular accident involving a marriage party overnight in Siraha.
The injured are undergoing treatment at hospitals in the area.
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Richard Powell writes to Girija

Kathmandu, 8 May: UN Assistant Secretary of State Richard Boucher has asked Nepali Congress President Girija Prasad Koirala to prioritize a resolution of the political crisis that may delay the drafting of a constitution.
His letter was delivered to Koirala Friday by US Ambassador Nancy J. Powell, a party source said.
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3 dead 40 injured in Saptari

Kathmandu, 8 May: Three persons were killed and 40 were injured, three seriously, in a vehicular accident involving a marriage party overnight in Siraha.
The injured are undergoing treatment at hospitals in the area.
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s Richard Powell writes to Girija

Kathmandu, 8 May: UN Assistant Secretary of State Richard Boucher has asked Nepali Congress President Girija Prasad Koirala to prioritize a resolution of the political crisis that may delay the drafting of a constitution.
His letter was delivered to Koirala Friday by US Ambassador Nancy J. Powell, a party source said.
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3 dead 40 injured in Saptari

Kathmandu, 8 May: Three persons were killed and 40 were injured, three seriously, in a vehicular accident involving a marriage party overnight in Siraha.
The injured are undergoing treatment at hospitals in the area.
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s
Richard Powell writes to Girija

Kathmandu, 8 May: UN Assistant Secretary of State Richard Boucher has asked Nepali Congress President Girija Prasad Koirala to prioritize a resolution of the political crisis that may delay the drafting of a constitution.
His letter was delivered to Koirala Friday by US Ambassador Nancy J. Powell, a party source said.
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3 dead 40 injured in Saptari

Kathmandu, 8 May: Three persons were killed and 40 were injured, three seriously, in a vehicular accident involving a marriage party overnight in Siraha.
The injured are undergoing treatment at hospitals in the area.
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s
Richard Powell writes to Girija

Kathmandu, 8 May: UN Assistant Secretary of State Richard Boucher has asked Nepali Congress President Girija Prasad Koirala to prioritize a resolution of the political crisis that may delay the drafting of a constitution.
His letter was delivered to Koirala Friday by US Ambassador Nancy J. Powell, a party source said.
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3 dead 40 injured in Saptari

Kathmandu, 8 May: Three persons were killed and 40 were injured, three seriously, in a vehicular accident involving a marriage party overnight in Siraha.
The injured are undergoing treatment at hospitals in the area.
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s
Richard Powell writes to Girija

Kathmandu, 8 May: UN Assistant Secretary of State Richard Boucher has asked Nepali Congress President Girija Prasad Koirala to prioritize a resolution of the political crisis that may delay the drafting of a constitution.
His letter was delivered to Koirala Friday by US Ambassador Nancy J. Powell, a party source said.
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3 dead 40 injured in Saptari

Kathmandu, 8 May: Three persons were killed and 40 were injured, three seriously, in a vehicular accident involving a marriage party overnight in Siraha.
The injured are undergoing treatment at hospitals in the area.
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s
Richard Powell writes to Girija

Kathmandu, 8 May: UN Assistant Secretary of State Richard Boucher has asked Nepali Congress President Girija Prasad Koirala to prioritize a resolution of the political crisis that may delay the drafting of a constitution.
His letter was delivered to Koirala Friday by US Ambassador Nancy J. Powell, a party source said.
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3 dead 40 injured in Saptari

Kathmandu, 8 May: Three persons were killed and 40 were injured, three seriously, in a vehicular accident involving a marriage party overnight in Siraha.
The injured are undergoing treatment at hospitals in the area.
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s
Richard Powell writes to Girija

Kathmandu, 8 May: UN Assistant Secretary of State Richard Boucher has asked Nepali Congress President Girija Prasad Koirala to prioritize a resolution of the political crisis that may delay the drafting of a constitution.
His letter was delivered to Koirala Friday by US Ambassador Nancy J. Powell, a party source said.
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3 dead 40 injured in Saptari

Kathmandu, 8 May: Three persons were killed and 40 were injured, three seriously, in a vehicular accident involving a marriage party overnight in Siraha.
The injured are undergoing treatment at hospitals in the area.
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s
Richard Powell writes to Girija

Kathmandu, 8 May: UN Assistant Secretary of State Richard Boucher has asked Nepali Congress President Girija Prasad Koirala to prioritize a resolution of the political crisis that may delay the drafting of a constitution.
His letter was delivered to Koirala Friday by US Ambassador Nancy J. Powell, a party source said.
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3 dead 40 injured in Saptari

Kathmandu, 8 May: Three persons were killed and 40 were injured, three seriously, in a vehicular accident involving a marriage party overnight in Siraha.
The injured are undergoing treatment at hospitals in the area.
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s
Richard Powell writes to Girija

Kathmandu, 8 May: UN Assistant Secretary of State Richard Boucher has asked Nepali Congress President Girija Prasad Koirala to prioritize a resolution of the political crisis that may delay the drafting of a constitution.
His letter was delivered to Koirala Friday by US Ambassador Nancy J. Powell, a party source said.
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3 dead 40 injured in Saptari

Kathmandu, 8 May: Three persons were killed and 40 were injured, three seriously, in a vehicular accident involving a marriage party overnight in Siraha.
The injured are undergoing treatment at hospitals in the area.
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s
Richard Powell writes to Girija

Kathmandu, 8 May: UN Assistant Secretary of State Richard Boucher has asked Nepali Congress President Girija Prasad Koirala to prioritize a resolution of the political crisis that may delay the drafting of a constitution.
His letter was delivered to Koirala Friday by US Ambassador Nancy J. Powell, a party source said.
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3 dead 40 injured in Saptari

Kathmandu, 8 May: Three persons were killed and 40 were injured, three seriously, in a vehicular accident involving a marriage party overnight in Siraha.
The injured are undergoing treatment at hospitals in the area.
Nnnn























s Richard Powell writes to Girija

Kathmandu, 8 May: UN Assistant Secretary of State Richard Boucher has asked Nepali Congress President Girija Prasad Koirala to prioritize a resolution of the political crisis that may delay the drafting of a constitution.
His letter was delivered to Koirala Friday by US Ambassador Nancy J. Powell, a party source said.
nnnn

3 dead 40 injured in Saptari

Kathmandu, 8 May: Three persons were killed and 40 were injured, three seriously, in a vehicular accident involving a marriage party overnight in Siraha.
The injured are undergoing treatment at hospitals in the area.
Nnnn























s Richard Powell writes to Girija

Kathmandu, 8 May: UN Assistant Secretary of State Richard Boucher has asked Nepali Congress President Girija Prasad Koirala to prioritize a resolution of the political crisis that may delay the drafting of a constitution.
His letter was delivered to Koirala Friday by US Ambassador Nancy J. Powell, a party source said.
nnnn

3 dead 40 injured in Saptari

Kathmandu, 8 May: Three persons were killed and 40 were injured, three seriously, in a vehicular accident involving a marriage party overnight in Siraha.
The injured are undergoing treatment at hospitals in the area.
Nnnn























s Richard Powell writes to Girija

Kathmandu, 8 May: UN Assistant Secretary of State Richard Boucher has asked Nepali Congress President Girija Prasad Koirala to prioritize a resolution of the political crisis that may delay the drafting of a constitution.
His letter was delivered to Koirala Friday by US Ambassador Nancy J. Powell, a party source said.
nnnn

3 dead 40 injured in Saptari

Kathmandu, 8 May: Three persons were killed and 40 were injured, three seriously, in a vehicular accident involving a marriage party overnight in Siraha.
The injured are undergoing treatment at hospitals in the area.
Nnnn























s Richard Powell writes to Girija

Kathmandu, 8 May: UN Assistant Secretary of State Richard Boucher has asked Nepali Congress President Girija Prasad Koirala to prioritize a resolution of the political crisis that may delay the drafting of a constitution.
His letter was delivered to Koirala Friday by US Ambassador Nancy J. Powell, a party source said.
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3 dead 40 injured in Saptari

Kathmandu, 8 May: Three persons were killed and 40 were injured, three seriously, in a vehicular accident involving a marriage party overnight in Siraha.
The injured are undergoing treatment at hospitals in the area.
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s









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