Security council to discuss Nepal

By Bhola B Rana

Kathmandu, 22 Oct: UNMIN Chief Karin Landgren Thursday asked Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal for official government position on the comprehensive peace process between Maoists and then parliamentary parties signed in New Delhi.
There are different interpretations to the vague agreement; the UN is not the final arbiter.
She asked for the position after Defence Minister Bidya Bhandari and others asked for the agreement’s review which she said was an obstacle in operating the Nepal Army.
Landgren called for the strict implementation of the agreement and not a review.
UNMOIN chief asked for the government position even as there is widespread dissatisfaction with UNMIN work in Nepal.
Replying to UNMIN criticism, the organization has says it has only soft presence in Nepal when millions of dollars have been spent.
UNMIN probably was suggesting only a military presence of the UN Nepal could effectively ensure the implementation of the peace agreement.
UN security council is reviewing the delayed peace process and the non-progress in drafting of the constitution within the 28 May deadline in New York next week.
There’s speculation the schedule for drafting the constitution may be rescheduled for the seventh time after five subject committees again failed to submit their reports to the main drafting committee.
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has expressed concern.
Landgren held discussions with Prime Minister
Nepal Thursday before proceeding UN headquarters.
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Maoist central leaders meet

Kathmandu, 22 Oct, Amid threats by Vice-chairman Dr Baburm Bhattarai to launch a movement in two days if demands aren’t met, central leaders are holding a meeting Thursday to discuss the threat and non-implementation of their demands by ruling parties.
A task force of three major parties was also scheduled to meet Thursday to draft a common resolution for discussions in parliament to discuss what Maoists call the unconstitutional act of the president to retain sacked Army Chief Gen Rukmangud Katawal.
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Army recruitment drive in Oct

Kathmandu, 22 Oct: Defence Minister Bidya Bhandari held discussions with senior officers of Nepal Army to fill in vacancies including Army Chief Gen Chatraman Singh Gurung Wednesday at the defence ministry, Rajdhani reports.
The supreme court had scheduled Wednesday on a writ challenging the army decision to fill in vacancies; a hearing has snow been scheduled for 18 November.
“The government is currently engaged in an exercise to resume recruitment, I have asked the Army to submit the number of personnel needed and the departments where positions are vacate,” The Kathmandu Post quoted Bhandari as saying after the meeting “I think we will resume recruitment within October.”
She said fresh recruitment can be carried out so long as the number remains within the 95,753 ceiling.
”We can’t keep the Army at a standstill by referring to clauses in the comprehensive peace agreement,” Bhandari added.
She earlier called for its review opposed by Maoists.
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Congress dissidents to take up Sujata promotion with PM Nepal

Kathmandu, 22 Oct: Congress will formally take up the issue of the promotion of Sujata Koirala with Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal, Rajdhani reports.
Congress lawmakers and central committee members have held three separate meetings in 24 hours.
They will push for necessary action against Sujata Koirala demanding an institutional decision.
After the formal protest, a political crisis will be created for the prime minister and even inside the Congress, according to political analysts.
Congress is preparing to draw the attention of the prime minister.
A meeting was held Wednesday at the residence of Dr Ram Sharan Mahat; Acting President Sushil Koirala and other central leaders were present.
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Top UML leaders attempt to end differences

Kathmandu, 22 Oct: Three top CPN-UML leaders- Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal, Chairman Jhalanath Khanal and KP Sharma Oli--met Wednesday at a hotel in the capital to sort out deep differences in the ruling party.
The trio met for the first time jointly after last year’s Butwal general convention which elected Khanal.
Differences are ideological and personal as well.
There was no firm agreement at the meeting.
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Govt. considering hike in electricity tariff

Kathmandu, 22 Oct: Energy Minister Dr Prakash Sharan Mahat said government is considering a hike in electricity tariff which, he said, hasn’t been raised for 19 years.
He revealed Nepal Electricity Authority is losing Rs 14 billion annually.
Dr Mahat said load-shedding will continue for another three years.
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Nepali cricket squad selected

Kathmandu, 22 Oct: Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) has selected 18 players for the ACC T-20 being hosted by UAE from 20 to 30 November.
Dipendra Chandhary, Ajaya Rajbanshi, Ram Kumar Pradhan, Binod Das, Sanjan Regmi, Paresh Lohini, Prakash Khadka, Gyanendra Malla, Sarad Veswakar, Shakti Gauchan, Basanta Regmi, Amrit Bhattarai, Rahul Kumar BK, Mahesh Chetri, Binod Bhandari, Chandra Saud, Naresh Budhayer and Mehboob Alam have been selected for a closed camp.
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MEDIA GOOGLE

“Nepal Majdoor Kishan Party Chairman Narayanman Bijukakchya said there’s no alternative of president’s rule if political parties are incapable of ending the present political deadlock.”

(Report in Rajdhani, 22 Oct.)