Nepal Army foiled Maoist takeover

By Bhola B Rana

Kathmandu, 23 Aug: In a frank admission by any senior political leader, ruling party Nepali Congress Acting President Sushil Koirala Saturday told reporters in Pokhara Nepal Army foiled a Maoist attempt to seize power while in government.
‘Maoist strategy was to capture state power from inside Baluwatar while in government.
“Because of the position of Nepal Army, the plan was foiled and Prachanda had to resign.
“Maoists conspired to state power by weakening the army. Maoists were dislodged from government after failure to retire eight generals and dismiss the army chief,” Koirala said.
Along with Nepali Congress the CPN-UML, now leading the government, were the harshest critics of the state army during the royal regime.
They are now the biggest defenders of Nepal Army while opposing unlimited integration of 19,000 plus combatants under UN watch in 28 camps and cantonments.
Koirala’s admission came amid Maoist charges the president and the army staged a coup to oust them power after barely nine months in office.
Maoists have demanded the discussion of the presidential action in parliament after registering a censure motion—a move opposed by ruling parties.
Maoists have threatened to disrupt parliament and continue street protests until their remands are met.
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Sujata Koirala again summoned by parliamentary party

Kathmandu, 23 Aug: Foreign Minister Sujata Koirala has again been summoned by the parliamentary party this week to personally explain why she didn’t accompany Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal on his just concluded visit.
The daughter of Nepali Congress Party President Girija Prasad Koirala declined to attend summons Saturday.
The parliamentary party is considering recalling her from government in which she heads the party team.
She claimed he was sick forcing her to opt out of the prime minister’s team.
But others said she demanded she be appointed deputy prime minister with her father’s support.
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