Maoists declaring republics against spirit of constitution: PM Nepal

Kathmandu, 3 Dec: Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal Wednesday said Maoists are declaring ethnic autonomous republic against the spirit of the interim constitution.
“The Maoist, a responsible partying the CA, has decided to declare autonomous provinces from the street in its own way. It is against the spirit of the interim constitution and the CA,” Nepal said.
Nepal said this one day after President Dr Ram Baran Yadav, at a meeting with the premier, expressed concern at the proposed declaration.
Nepal asked Maoists to desist.
Nepali Congress Acting President Sushil Koirala said the Maoist declaration of 13 autonomous ethnic republics will unleash civil war.
“If Maoists set up autonomous regions as planned, the nation will surely be mired in crisis. It will then have to save the lives and property of citizens which will mean a state of civil war.” Koirala said.
Chairman Subash Nemwang said the declaration won’t be problematic if it was just a publicity stunt.
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President congratulates Bijukakchaya on wedding anniversary

Kathmandu, 3 Dec: President Dr Ram Baran Yadav Wednesday visited NMKP Chairman Narayanman Bijukakchaya at his Bhaktapur residence and offered best wishes on the 50th anniversary of his wedding.
The president also expressed concern at Maoist plans to declare 13 ethnic autonomous republics.
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Nepal Army officer to be sent back from Chad

Kathmandu, 3 Dec: The United Nations Department of Peacekeeping Operation (DPKO) is New York decided on Wednesday to take action against Maj. Niranjan Basnet deployed at the UN peacekeeping mission in Chad, The Kathmandu Post reports.
A highly places source said a DPKO meeting took the decision after confirming that Basnet was involved in the murder of Maina Sunwar in Kavre.
The district court concluded that Maina died due to torture and directed NA to suspend Basnet. The NA claims she was killed while trying to escape.
The source said Basnet’s service in the peacekeeping mission operation will be terminated and he will be returned to Nepal.
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Govt. revives aircraft deal with China

Kathmandu, 3 Dec: The present government has revived an aircraft deal with China put in cold storage by the government of Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala after the second popular movement, Rajdhani reports.
Government is preparing to purchase another aircraft. Nepal Army had paid Rs 390 million for the purchase of two MA-60.
Prime Minister will request China for aircraft for Nepal Army from the advanced money during his forthcoming China visit this month.
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TRADE, COMMERCE, ECONOMY

Direct Kathmandu, Mumbai flight starts

Kathmandu, 3 Dec: Jet Airways Wednesday began five weekly direct Kathmandu, Mumbai flights by Boeing 737-800 aircraft.
“We’re planning daily flights from next year,” Vice-President PK Singha said.
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Maoist petroleum workers call off stir

Kathmandu, 3 Dec: Maoist petroleum workers Thursday ended their week-long disruption of petrol distribution of fuel in the eastern region.
Petroleum dealers and Maoist workers reached an agreement Wednesday.
Minimum monthly wage was fixed at Rs 4,600; dealers will also provide insurance and appointment letters to workers.
The disruption has created petrol shortages in the east and the capital as well.
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MEDIA GOOGLE

“The CA wants to control the judiciary. It’s unfortunate that parliament wants to exercise final authority to interpret the constitution and law.”

(Retiring Chief Justice Min Bahadur Rayamajhi, The Himalayan Times, 3 Dec.)

“A constitution desired by the people can’t be drafted until the status of Maoist combatants and their weapons is settled.”

(Nepali Congress Vice-chairman Ram Chandra Paudel, Annapurna Post, 3 Dec.)
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