HLPM meets Tuesday

Kathmandu, 2 March; The high-level political mechanism of Nepali Congress, Maoists and UML meets Tuesday one day after ruling parties NC and UML agreed to a government change if the main opposition meets conditions.
The future of the nine-month government led by Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal is uncertain.
Maoists are insisting they should lead the government to draft a constitution by the 28 May deadline and complete the peace process.
Maoists have demanded a package solution to end a prolonged stalemate
Six subjects are on the agenda for Tuesday’s discussion.
NC and UML have demanded YCL, the paramilitary wing of Maoists and seized assets must be returned.
The two parties abandoned the pre-conditions before going for the 2008 April constituent assembly elections swept by Maoists.
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10 persons arrested in Janakpur

Kathmandu, 2 March: Ten suspects have been arrested in Janakpur to probe the overnight murder of Arun Simhaniya by a suspected armed terai outfit.
The search for killers have been extended to villages as well.
Simhaniya was publisher of Janakpur Today, operated a FM radio station and was chairman of Care Medical Nursing Home.
Uma Singh who was murdered one year ago worked with Radio Today operated by the media tycoon.
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Indian communist leader continues parleys

Kathmandu, 2 March: Controversial politburo member of CPI (Marxist) Sitaram Yechuri continued his political discussions with Nepali leaders Tuesday.
He began discussions by meeting ceremonial President Dr Ram Baran Yadav as a political crisis loons amid fears a constitution may not be promulgated by the 28 May deadline creating a political crisis.
He also held discussions with Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal Maoist leader Krishna Bahadur Mahara Monday.
He is scheduled to meet NC President Girija Prasad Koirala before concluding a three-day visit.
Yechuri held narrow down differences between Maoists and parliamentary parties after a system and government change five years ago.
He’s openly active in Nepali politics.
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Hailstorm causes widespread damage

Kathmandu, 2 March; A brief overnight hailstorm destroyed
Crops in and around the capital where many vehicles were crushed by uprooted trees along the streets.
Exact estimate of the damage hasn’t been ascertained as yet.
There were no casualties.
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Kathmandu, 2 March: Altogether 26,806 Bhutanese refugees have settled in USA, Australia, Canada, Norway, Switzerland, Denmark and Netherlands, Kantipur reports.
They were sent 15 February.
There are 10,8000 Bhutanese refugees in Nepal.
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TRADE, COMMERCE, ECONOMY

Kathmandu, 2 March: Altogether 33,492 tourists visited Nepal is February as arrivals jumped 33 percent compared to the same month the previous year.
Arrivals from South Asia jumped 12.1 percent.
Arrivals from China increased 242.5 percent.
Nepal this month launched Nepal Tourism Year 2011 to attract five million tourists.
Arrivals from Europe jumped 20.6 percent while arrivals from USA soared 53.2 percent.
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