Ruling parties issue whip to approve budget

Kathmandu, 23 Nov: Twenty-two ruling parties issued whips Monday asking lawmakers to be present in parliament Tuesday to approve the annual budget 2009/10.
Whips were issued after a joint meeting in Baluwatar,
The budget will be approved Tuesday.
Maoists said they won’t disrupt parliamentary proceedings for three days beginning Monday to approve the budget.
Maoists had been disrupting parliamentary sessions for five months.
But Maoist anti-government continues.
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CPN-UML politburo meets

Kathmandu, 23 Nov: The powerful CPN-UML politburo meets for the first time after the Butwal general convention earlier this year that elected Jhalanath Khanal chairman.
The meeting will review work of the government and controversy in the party statute, secretary Yubaraj Geywali said.
Discussions will also be held on differing perceptions of leaders towards Maoists.
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Donors complain

Kathmandu, 23 Nov: Donors, UN and the Association of International NGOs in Nepal (AIN) Monday issued an appeal to political parties and other stakeholders to respect 12 principles in the basic operating guidelines.
“We are particularly concerned when our staff and projects face challenges, such as pressure to provide donations, and financial assistance, as well as undue interference in tendering processes,” a joint statement said.
The appeal was issued to the government as well.
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Defence minister visiting China

Kathmandu, 23 Nov: Defence Minister Bidya Bhandari in visiting China in the first week of Paush [16 to 22 December], Rajdhani reports.
She couldn’t visit China immediately after her appointment on invitation of her Chinese counterpart because of poor health.
She is visiting New Delhi for two days for medical treatment before flying for China.
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Unidentified foreign aircraft flies over Kanchanpur

Kathmandu, 23 Nov: An unidentified foreign aircraft [jet] flew over Kanchanpur sky Sunday as well, Rajdhani reports.
The aircraft has made six unauthorized flights since Saturday.
There is an Indian air force base at Barely 90 km from Kanchanpur.
The army in Kanchanpur has reported to army headquarters.
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Army asks for Rs 800 million

Kathmandu, 23 Nov: Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal Sunday inspected the Nepal Army air base at Tribhuvan International Airport.
The army has asked for Rs 800 million for repair of aircraft and grounded helicopter, Annapurna Post reports.
The army has five aircraft and 21 helicopters.
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Nepal, India sign Pancheshwor

Kathmandu, 23 Nov: Water secretaries of Nepal and India Sunday signed an agreement in Pokhara to form a Pancheshwor Development Authority (PDA).
The Pancheshwor project was conceived 14 years ago in the Mahakali treaty.
The accord was signed after an extended three- day talks.
The PDA office will be located in Mahendranagar.
The chief executive of the PDA will be elected through open competition.
Water and energy ministers of both countries will meet January 2010 in January to pursue the project.
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