Maoists start converging at city center

By Bhola B Rana

Kathmandu, 1 May: Hundreds of thousands of Maoists Saturday morning started marching to the Open Air Theatre in the capital where Chairman Prachanda is to address a public meeting to press the resignation of the 11-month-old government of Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal.
Maoists are converging in the city center from 18 points in the capital amid heavy police deployment to counter any violence.
Fifteen of 22 ruling parties Saturday supported the beleaguered prime minister and asked him not to reign under pressure as they asked Maoists to withdraw Saunday’s indefinite 3rd Janaandolan to push a national government under Maoist leadership.
A task force of the three biggest parties, including Maoists continued efforts to break a deadlock Saturday after two rounds of talks Friday didn’t yield results.
Even as Maoists said their mass mobilization and the 3rd Janaandocal will be peaceful, police Friday seized improvised explosive devices from a hotel in Putalii Sadak in the capital.
Eleven persons, including Sirjana Sijapati, a storekeeper of the 12th battalion of Maoist Basu Smriti Brigade, were arrested.
In New Delhi, Indian Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao Friday revealed Prime Minister Manmohan Singh came firmly behind the Nepal government,
The support was extended when the prime ministers of Nepal and India met at the sidelines of the 16th SAARC summit in Bhutan this week.
“In his dialogue with Prime Minister Nepal, Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh stressed his support for multiparty democracy in Nepal, support for democratic forces in that country and belief in the forward movement of Nepal’s constitution writing process.
“India supports a strong purposeful government in Nepal which Prime Minister Singh said he believed that Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal and his government can give the country at this moment,” she said.
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Everest marathon 29 May

Kathmandu, 1 May: This year’s Tenzing Hillary Everest marathon will be held 29 May, organizers said.
At least 55 runners will participate,
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Military deployed, police empowered to shoot below knee; other details

By Bhola B Rana

Kathmandu, 30 April: Military was deployed Friday to protect vital installations, like dams and telecommunication centers, nation-wide after deploying police units, Home Minister Bhim Rawal said.
The decision to deploy troops was taken at a meeting of the national security council met for the second time in 11 months after embattled and beleaguered Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal assumed office.
Police said 15,000 personnel have been deployed in the Valley and have orders have been issued to shoot below the knee if the situation gets out of control.
Police continued to recover sticks and other materials for aggressive activities from Maoists traveling in vehicles heading towards the capital.
Amid fear and growing tension, few people traveled in the public transport system in the capital Friday.
Shops in the inner and urban areas closed down shutters as Maoists went on an extortion drive demanding money and goods.
Two rounds of talks between leaders of Maoists, Nepali Congress and UML was inconclusive to break a deadlock to call off a Maoist mass mobilization Saturday against the government and the 3rd Janaandolan to establish a people’s republic was inconclusive late Friday night.
The second round of talks that began at a hotel in Lazimpat at 8 PM didn’t bear results until 11 PM.
Nepali Congress central committee emergency meeting backed beleaguered Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal saying the government shouldn’t resign under threat and duress..
The prime minister’s UML politburo meeting asked him to address the nation on the brewing crisis as its Chairman Jhalanath Khanal set pre-conditions to be met Maoists to urge Nepal to resign.
Khanal doesn’t have the support of the entire party.
KP Oli, a leader opposed Khanal and Maoists, returned from New Delhi Friday after consultations with Indian leaders and officials.
What’s certain is a constitution to institutionalize a republic that has already been declared by an un-elected and self-appointed parliament won’t be promulgated by the 28 May deadline.
The party asked Nepal not to resign but negotiate with the Maoists.
A large section of the party had earlier demanded Nepal’s resignation to pave the way for a Maoist-led government.
US POSITION
US government calls on all parties Friday to exercise restraint during the upcoming demonstrations, work toward consensus, and find a way through the current political impasse, a statement issued by the US embassy said. “Such a consensus would avoid a constitutional crisis and ensure that the hard work already invested in the peace process is brought to a fruitful conclusion.
“ Nepal has come a long way since the Comprehensive Peace Agreement was signed in 2006 and these gains should not be lost.
“I spoke with Maoist Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal today [Friday] and urged that he and the Maoist leadership do everything possible to ensure that the May Day rallies are conducted peacefully,” the embassy said on behalf of Ambassador Scott Delisi.
“During the past week, I have also had the opportunity to speak with senior government officials and representatives from the security services to urge them to show restraint and good judgment in their response to the protests.
“The priority now is for the UML, the Nepali Congress, the Maoists, and the other parties to work toward a permanent peace and resolve the critical issues facing the country – the drafting of a constitution and the conclusion of the peace process,” the statement added.
USA along with India and EU member states supported political parties to topple monarchy, declare a republic and bring Maoists into the political mainstream.
The drive has run into rough weather after Maoists emerged victorious in the 10 April 2008 constituent assembly elections.
They are driving a communist agenda to the regret of the so-called international community.
Nepal is heading towards uncertainty and a political crisis.
A constitution to institutionalize a republic can’t be promulgated by the 28 May deadline.
PM Nepal Thursday proudly said he has the support of India and the international community after discussions with his Indian counterpart Manmohan Singh in Bhutan as Maoists called him a puppet.
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Govt. won’t bow down to Maoists; other details

By Bhola B Rana

Kathmandu, 30 April: Prime Minister Madhab Kumar Nepal said
Friday government will adopt a defensive position to confront any violence during Saturday’s Maoist mass mobilization of cadres against the government.
He said government had no alternative and predicted the outpouring of Maoists on the streets could be violent and invited the main opposition for talks.
The premier told this to reporters after returning home from Bhutan where he attended the 16th SAARC summit.
He said government can’t stay silent to the possible outbreak of violence.
and added Maoists were attempting to impose authoritarian with threats and guns.
Nepal claimed Thursday he had the full support of India and the international community as Maoists charged his regime for being a puppet of India.
He said this after a meeting with his Indian counterpart Manmohan Singh in Thimpu.
Meanwhile, a hastily called cabinet Friday decided the government won’t surrender amid threats.
Government sources said Nepal consulted cabinet colleagues on demands for his resignation by Maoists.
Maoists Friday took out a motorcycle rally Friday ahead of Saturday’s mass mobilization of thousands of activists for anti- governments and pressure to form a national government under its leadership.
A Maoist meeting of central leaders decided Friday Chairman Prachanda will lead such a government.
The party took the decision as the prime minister said he was ready to step down but not to make way for Prachanda, according to .
Spokesman CP Gajurel.
Indian Ambassador Rakesh Sood Thursday evening discussed Saturday’s mass mobilization with the Maoist chairman.
“The ambassador urged Dahal to exercise maximum restraint to avoid a confrontation,” The Kathmandu Post quoted an Indian embassy official as saying.
Businesses in the inner city closed down Friday protesting Maoist extortions.
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KP Oli returns

Kathmandu, 30 April: UML leader KP Oli returned home Friday after discussions with Indian leaders and officials in New Delhi where he had gone Wednesday.
He held discussions with Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee who was the anchor for Nepal for the Indian government during movement to topple monarchy and declaration of a republic.
The game-plan has run into rough weather after Maoists emerged victorious in the April 2008 constituent assembly elections.
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Military team arrives for joint exercise

Kathmandu, 30 April: A US military team flew in Thursday night for a joint military exercise with Nepal Army at the Mountain Warfare Training School in Mustang,
US soldiers will train Nepali counterparts on skills to help people during floods while US soldiers will be trained in high altitude rescue.
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Boarding schools re-open

Kathmandu, 30 April: Boarding schools re-opened Friday after a forced six-day closure by Maoist students opposing a 25 percent hike in fees coinciding with the beginning of the new academic year.
Schools suspended the hike and decided with negotiate a ‘scientific’ fee structure.
Government has formed a three-member negotiating team to negotiate with school management and Maoist students.
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PM Nepal returns Friday

Kathmandu, 30 April: Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal returns home Friday after leading the Nepali delegation to the eight-nation SAARC summit in Bhutan.
The summit ended Thursday.
His immediate concern will be to manage the mass mobilization of hundreds of thousands of Maoists and an indefinite nation-wide strike from Saturday to topple the government.
Maoists are demanding a national government under its leadership to replace the 11-month Nepal government.
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UML leader KP Oli in India

Kathmandu, 30 April: UML leader KP Oli flew for India Thursday amid a brewing political crisis and is expected to have talks with Indian leaders.
Army Chief Gen Chatraman Singh Gurung briefed OLi in the latest security situation before he flew for New Delhi.
Oli is a firm critic of Maoists and his party chairman Jhalanath Khanal.
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Maoist legislator dead

Kathmandu, 30 April: Maoist legislator Damodar Chaudhari died Thursday.
Following his death, there are now four vacancies in the 601-member parliament and the constituent assembly.
The seats were vacant following the death of Girija Prasad Koirala and the expulsion of two Maoist rebel lawmakers.
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Govt., Maoists heading towards conflict

By Bhola B Rana

Kathmandu, 29 April: Government and main opposition Maoists are heading towards a confrontation amid lame international concerns.
The so-called international community encouraged and supported such a direct conflict between the royal government and political parties, including Maoists four years ago.
Maoists and seven parties emerged victorious.
But now foreign forces don’t desire such a direct clash with opposing forces now to increase their influence and presence.
Two days remain for parties to resolve the crisis.
Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal discussed the Maoist strike with his Indian counterpart in the Indian capital Thursday on the sidelines of the 16th SAARC summit.
Reports of the meeting are conflicting with one report saying Singh and the international community supported the beleaguered 11-month government of Nepal while another said Singh urged the Nepali prime minister to work together with Maoists.
Anyway, it’s a disgrace for Nepal to seek foreign support for the continuance of a government at home when Maoists charge the incumbent regime for being a puppet regime.
Twenty-two ruling parties Thursday asked Maoists to call off their mass mobilization and indefinite strike beginning Saturday demanding a national government under its leadership.
Maoists resigned from government 11 months ago without facing parliament as 22 parties united behind Madhav Kumar Nepal following the retention of sacked Army Chief Gen Rukmangud Katawal by President Dr Ram Baran Yadav.
The coalition partners in government said a democratic government can’t be toppled by street protests and mobilization of people with sticks and khukris.
Deputy Prime Minister Bijaya Kumar Gachedhar and Nepali Congress Spokesman Arjun Narsingh KC said after the meeting of parties.
Maoists are mobilizing heir cadre four years after toppling King Gyanendra and the then constitution that promoted constitutional monarchy.
Nepali Congress and UML then joined Maoists in encircling the Valley for government, regime and system change; the two parties now oppose Maoist mobilization.
Seven parties and Maoists toppled the royal regime after a 12-point accord signed in New Delhi and negotiated at Noida in the outskirts of New Delhi where top Maoist leaders were staying under close watch and protection of the government of India.
Maoists have declared their final aim to establish a people’s government by toppling the Madhab government.
They said this as a tradition has been established in the last 20 years to topple governments and shred constitutions through such protests after 1989 and most recently following royal rule four years ago.
Nepal’s transition from monarchy to a republic is proving torturous and difficult.
Surprisingly, UN and western countries that in the past defended the right to peaceful protests are against it now.
A delegation of EU ambassadors and representatives of member states Thursday today asked Chairman Prachanda to withdraw the strike call,
During royal rule, they promoted and defended the right of ‘peaceful’ protests.
An Indian and international effort to topple monarchy and declare a republic by supporting political parties has run into rough weather with people suffering as a result of uncertainty, economic turmoil and an emerging political crisis. .
Maoists asked government not to mobilize all security agencies during the 1 May mass mobilization and ensuing indefinite nation-wide general strike they call the third Jana Andolan to push a national government under its leadership.
They said they have a right to peaceful protest.
Maoists said they will discuss the matter with security agencies.
The request to the government and security agencies to give them free movement during the mobilization as government concluded violence may erupt.
Maoist activists and a lodge owner were arrested at Sundhara Thursday in the capital after police recovered bottles, petrol and cloth, marbles and slings –materials to prepare fire bombs.
Thousands of activists of the main opposition have entered the Valley with sticks, khukris and possibly weapons and explosives to participate in the anti-government protests.
Maoists have targeted urban areas for their anti-government protests they claim is to promulgate a constitution by the 28 May deadline even as major parties differ on fundamentals to be incorporated in a basic law.
Maoists also claim a constitution can be promulgated only under a government headed by them—the largest political party.
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Maoists call of closure of boarding schools
Kathmandu, 29 April: Maoist students Thursday called off their five-day forced closure of boarding schools after 25 percent hike in admissions coinciding with the new academic year.
Schools are expected to re-open Friday.
Schools withdrew a decision to hike fees and implement a ‘scientific’ adjustment within 30 days.
An agreement was reached Thursday between schools, Maoist students and a three-member government negotiating committee formed Wednesday.
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Supreme court orders not to implement decision to chiefs of constitutional bodies

Kathmandu, 29 April: Supreme court Thursday issued an interim order not to implement a decision of the constitutional council to appoint chiefs of four constitutional bodies and their deputies.
The decision of the council headed by Prime Minister Madhab Kumar Nepal and in which main opposition leader Maoist Chairman Prachanda was absent was challenged as illegal in the apex court on behalf of the chairman.
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Lightning kills four in Ilam, Pyuthan

Kathmandu, 29 April: Lightings in Ilam and Pyuthan killed four persons in Ilam and Pyuthan Thursday.
Nepal has receiving pre-monsoon rains beginning wioth the annual rainy season.
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ADMIRAL ROBERT F. WILLARD cautions restrains during Maoist demonstrations

Kathmandu, 29 April: U.S. Navy Admiral Robert F. Willard, Commander of the United States Pacific Command, concluded his official visit to Nepal Thursday, the US embassy said.
During the visit he met with senior Nepal Army officials, Defense Minister Bidhya Devi Bhandari and Home Minister Bhim Rawal.
During these meetings, he thanked them for Nepal’s valuable role in international peacekeeping missions, discussed human rights issues, and offered continued U.S. support for humanitarian assistance and disaster preparedness.
He also discussed the current political situation and reiterated the United States’ position that all parties should exercise restraint during the planned upcoming demonstrations and work to fashion a permanent peace through dialogue and constructive consultations.
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Details of PM Nepal, Manmohan Sngh talks

Kathmandu, 29 April: Prime Minister Mdhav Kumar Nepal and his Indian counterpart Manmohan Singh Thursday held discussions in Thimpu on the sidelines of the 16 SAAC summit.
Singh asked Nepal to move ahead with Maoists and ‘showed special interest’ in the mass mobilization of youth by Maoists Saturday, the government chief’s advisor Rajan Bhatarai said.
Singh said India wanted the peace process completed and a constitution promulgated.
In reply, Nepal told Singh government and ruling parties were continuing their efforts for the peace process and constitution but problems had cropped up.
The summit ends Thursday.
PM Nepal returns home Friday.
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Ruling parties united behind govt.


Kathmandu, 29 April: Twenty-two ruling united behind the beleaguered government of Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal concluding Maoists have decided to capture start power through the streets.
The support came after a two-and-a-half hour meeting called by Nepali Congress.
The parties decided to work with the government to meet the Maoist challenge.
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Maoists disrupt plus two exams

Kathmandu, 29 April: Maoists Thursday disrupted plus2 examinations conducted by the Higher Secondary School Board.
Maoists entered schools to disrupt examinations and made public questions papers of English before examinations were scheduled to begin.
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Ruling coalition meet

Kathmandu, 29 April: Ruling 22 coalition parties met Thursday morning at the Nepali Congress parliamentary party to draw up strategies to tackle strategies to handle the Maoist show of force of May Day and an indefinite strike the following to press demand for a national government under its leadership.
The ruling coalition meets two days ahead of the Maoist mass mobilization of its cadre.
The meeting comes after a meeting of two largest coalition parties-Nepali Congress and UML and a national debate between the three biggest parties aired by television and radio stations Wednesday as the nations is heading towards a national crisis.
It’s unlikely a constitution will be promulgated by the 28 May deadline and Maoists have threatened to bring down the government from the streets.
Chairman Prachanda and Vice-chairmen Mohan Baidya Kiran and Dr Baburam Bhattarai represented the Maoists at the debate hosted by FNCCI and media organizations.
Acting President Sunsil Koirala, central committee members Dr Ram Sharan Mahat and Krishna Prasad Shitaula represented Nepali Congress while Chairman Jhalanath Khanal, General Secretary Ishwor Pokhrel and politburo member Pradip Geywali spoke o behalf of UML which leads the government.
The three parties and leaders repeated old stances and no new suggestions were offered to break the prolonged political stalemate.
Congress and UML asked Maoists to withdraw their mass mobilization of cadre and indefinite strike call from 1 May.
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EU envoys meet Prachanda

Kathmandu, 29 April: Ambassadors and representatives of EU member states held a half-hour collective discussion with Maoist Chairman Prachanda two days ahead of the party’s mass mobilization of cadre on the streets on May Day and an indefinite nation-wide strike the following day.
The envoys expressed concern with developments.
The meeting comes after a collective meeting with the prime minister and a call to extend the mandate of UNMIN which ends 15 May.
The donors of the UNMIN want its continued the continued presence in Nepal .
Western donors are concerned with developments in Nepal with the failure of parties to institutionalize a republic even in four years; the transition has been a tortuous process and the future is uncertain.
India, EU and USA supported Nepal’s political parties to abolish monarchy and declare a republic.
The EU is continued for the continued presence of UNMIN even as its presence hasn’t been fruitful or helpful.
There’s no guarantee its continued presence will help the pace process.
Donors are putting pressure of the government to extend the mandate on UNMIN even as a visiting top UN diplomat threatened to withdraw blaming Nepali’s parties instead for the emerging crisis.
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Schools closed down for fifth consecutive day

Kathmandu, 29 April: Maoists forced the closure of boarding schools nation-wide for the fifth consecutive days Thursday protesting a hike in fees with the beginning of a new academic year.
Education ministry formed a three-member talks team headed by Joint Secretary Mahashram Sharma to re-open schools.
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Record ascent by Korean woman challenged

Kathmandu, 29 April: Spanish climber Edurue Pasaban on Tuesday reaffirmed her doubts her South Korean rival’s claim to have become the first woman to scale the 14 world’s highest peaks, AFP reports out of Madrid.
Contacted by satellite telephone at her camp on another mountain, Pasaban said she doubts that Oh Eun-Sun reached the top of Mount Kangchenjunga in 2009 as claimed.
“Our doubts emerged when she presented some photos, and other climbers shared them,” she said.
The picture shows her standing on a bare rock but those taken by Pasaban’s team shows them standing on snow.
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PM Nepal hold talks with Indian counterpart

Kathmandu, 29 April: Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal held talks Thursday morning with his Indian counterpart Manmohan Singh in Thimpu, Bhutan, in the sidelines of the 16th summit of the eight-nation SAARC.
They discussed the current political situation, constitution and Maoist activities, reporters said from the Bhutanese capital.
Nepal held separate talks Wednesday with Afghan President Hamid Karzai and Bangladesh Prime Minister Seikh Hasina.
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Maoists stage march past and motorcycle rallies

Kathmandu, 29 April: Maoists Thursday morning staged march pasts and rallies shouting anti-government protests ahead of Saturday’s show of strength to topple government and from a national government under it.
Thousands of Maoists bussed into the capital camped at open places, schools, factories and party palaces amid complaints from business of extortion to maintain the cadre.
Movement of vehicles was obstructed by the rally staged by the YCL.
State security agencies have been put on high alert.
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Paras rules himself out as future king

Kathmandu, 29 April: Former Crown Prince Paras told reporters Wednesday in Birgunj monarchy could stage a comeback.
He said this in response to a question: Is there a possibility of monarchy staging a comeback.
“You’ve seen the popular wave. I feel, it depends on the people,” the prince who lives mostly in Singapore said.
Paras said this as former King Gyanendra said monarchy is still alive.
But he ruled himself out as a future king.
“I’ll not be personally. Its for the institution to say not the individual. Whatever we do will be don’t by the institution. That’s important, I feel,” he said in reply to a question: If people want to make you king?
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Hearing to confirm chiefs of constitutional bodies out off

Kathmandu, 29 April: A parliamentary hearing by a committee to confirm appointments to constitutional bodies, including its chiefs was put off Wednesday.
Speaker Subash Nemwang called off the scheduled hearing.
The hearings were put off after the recommendations by the constitutional council chaired by Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal was challenged in a writ at the supreme court.
The recommendations were made by the council without the presence of Chairman Prachanda, the leader of the main opposition.
Prachanda said he learnt of the appointments only through newspaper reports although the prime minister claimed he had personally called Prachanda to the meetings over telephone.
Meanwhile, Minilal Yadav, the son-in-law of Presdient Dr Ram Baran Yadav was appointed Sunday commissioner of CIAA.
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Kathmandu metropolitan city has new CEO

Kathmandu, 29 April: Ananta Raj Pokhrel assumed office Wednesday as the new CEO of Kathmandu metropolitan city.
He is a government secretary.
Without local elections for over three years, local bodies are run by government offices.
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TRADE, COMMERCE, ECONOMY

New management takes over Nepal Bank Ltd.

Kathmandu, 29 April: New management appointed by Nepal Rashtra Bank (NRB), the central, bank, has taken over management of Nepal Bank Ltd, the country’s oldest commercial bank.
Director of NRB Mashwer Lal Shrestha leads a three-member management committee with Bimal Raj Khanal and Krishna Raj Silwal as members.
The team led by Director Binod Ayetra appointed two years ago has been recalled.
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Janata Bank launched

Kathmandu, 29 April: Janata Bank Nepal Ltd started operations from its office in Baneshwor Wednesday.
Its issued capital is Rs 2 billion and paid-up capital is Rs 1.4 billion.
Finance Minister Surendra Pandey inaugurated the bank.
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Everest Bank Ltd profit up

Kathmandu, 29 April: Everest Bank Ltd, a joint venture with Punjab National Bank earned a net profit of Rs 631.8 million in Q3 of the current fiscal year ending 14 April.
The bank earned a Rs 447.9 million net profit in the corresponding period the previous year.
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PN Nepal addressed SAARC summit

Kathmandu, 28 April: Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal Wednesday addressed the 16th SAATC summit in Thimpu, Bhutan, Wednesday.
The eight-nation South Asian regional organization is also marking the silver jubilee celebrations of its founding.
Nepal highlighted the impact of climate change and fighting regional poverty in his address.
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Govt. to discuss common approach to Maoist mass mobilization

Kathmandu, 28 April: A meeting of the 22-party ruling coalition is being held Thursday to develop a common approach to the mass mobilization of hundreds of armed youth in the capital and other urban areas Saturday coinciding with May Day and an indefinite nation-wide strike the following day.
The decision was made at a meeting of leaders of Nepali Congress and UML, the two leading members of the coalition that toppled the Maoist-led government of Prime Minister Prachanda 11 months ago.
Maoists shave mobilized activists to topple the government of Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal and replace it with another led by it.
The mass mobilization has heightened fears of a bloody clash on the streets as government put all security agencies on high alert even threatening to mobilize Nepal Army.
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Nepal, US defence cooperation discussed


Kathmandu, 28 April: Army Chief Gen Chatraman Singh Gurung Wednesday discussed continued US military assistance to Nepal Army with visiting US Navy Admiral Robert F. Willard.
They also discussed human assistance to the state army under US foreign military financing, the army headquarters said.
They discussed help, including supply of vehicles to the Nepali peacekeeping contingent in Dafur, Sudan.
They discussed further development of military assistance.
The visiting admiral held separate discussions with Defence Minister Bidya Bhandari and Home Minister Bhim Rawal.
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New British ambassador

Kathmandu, 28 April: John Anthony Tucknott has been appointed new British Ambassador to Nepal, the British embassy said.
He replaces Dr Andrew Hall.
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Nervousness and uncertainty build-up in capital

By Bhola B Rana

Kathmandu, 28 April: Uncertainty and nervousness has increased in the capital as people started to build-up stocks of essential supplies before Saturday’s mass mobilization of activists by Maoists to create an environment to topple the government and form a national unity government under its leadership.
Motorists and motorcyclists are waiting in long queues to fill tanks with petrol.
The largest political party has also announced an indefinite strike from Sunday to press demands for completing the peace process and promulgating a constitution by the 28 May deadline even as major parties differ on fundamentals to be incorporated in it.
Metropolitan police said 20,000 activists have already been bussed in the valley from districts as more daily arrivals.
Maoists have put them in government buildings, schools, factories lodges, Pashupatinath area and open spaces even demanding donations from schools and businesses.
Following the government’s order to all security to remain on high alert, Maoist PLA Commandant Nanda Kishore Pun ordered his combatants to remain on high alert as well.
Government Spokesman and Communication Minister Shanker Pokhrel Tuesday warned the army could be mobilized if Nepal Police and Armed Police Force can’t manage the security threat.
Maoists trained cadre to use of khukris and sticks for what they call self-defense.
Maoist combatant Santosh Rai was arrested in Bharatpur, Chitwan, Tuesday with a grenade and a pistol en route to the capital. Police have also used sticks being transported in vans.
Leaders of Nepali Congress and UML met Wednesday on discuss ways to tackle the Maoist mobilization of its cadre. The government held similar consultations with 10 other ruling parties this week.
Police Wednesday began evicting some Maoists from government buildings
as the main opposition said it will bring out people on the streets on other areas besides the capital.
Ambassadors of EU member states Tuesday held separate meetings with leaders of Nepali Congress and UML and asked them to show concern with the stalemate and asked them to be flexible and negotiate.
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Maoists seize land of Padma Sundar Lawati

Kathmandu, 28 April: Maoists Tuesday seized 50 ropanis of land belonging to Padma Sundar Lawati at Adma.Panchthar, his home district.
Lawati is a monarchist and co-chairman of RPP.
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Boarding schools closed for fourth consecutive day

Kathmandu, 28 April: Maoists forced the closure of boarding nation-wide for the fourth consecutive day Wednesday demanding the annulment of hike in admission fees beginning with the commencement of the new academic year.
Talks between government, PABSON, the umbrella organization of schools and Maoists haven’t yielded results.
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Bijaya Kumar Gachedhar acting PM

Kathmandu, 28 April: Deputy Prime Minister Bijaya Kumar Gachedhar, who is also chairman of MJFL is acting officiating as the prime minister in the absence on Madhav Kumar Nepal who is leading the Nepali delegation to the 16th SAARC summit in Bhutan.
Foreign Minister Sujata Koirala is the other deputy prime minister.
She was promoted deputy prime minister after joining the Nepal government as prime minister.
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1st woman to climb world’s 14 tallest peaks

Kathmandu, 28 April: South Korea’s Oh Eun-Sun, 44, scaled the 8091 meters high world’s 10th tallest peak Annapurna Main Peak Tuesday to become the first woman to climb all the world’s 14 tallest 8000 meter high peaks.
The event was broadcast live on South Korean television from the top of the mountain in west Nepal.
“Mansae [hurrah].” she said after stepping on the summit.
Italy’s Reinhold Messner is the firs climber to scale the world’s tallest peak.
Oh beat Austria’s Edurne Pasaban, 36, to become the first woman to climb the tallest peaks in seven continents.
Pabasan is attempting to climb Sisha Pangma in Tibet to complete her dream after capturing Annapurna this spring.
Veteran climbing chronicler Elizabeth Hawley told AFP in Kathmandu the South Korean woman’s feat was ‘disputed’.
Her claim of ascending the 8036 Ganherbrum III 13 years ago is doubted by climbers.
The 14 tallest peaks lie in Napal, Pakistan and Tibet.
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Second ranking officer didn’t receive US admiral

Kathmandu, 28 April: Lt Gen Toran Bahadur Singh didn’t receive visiting Admiral Robert F. Willard at the airport on arrival at the invitation of Army Chief Gen Chatraman Singh Gurung Tuesday as is the normal practice.
The second ranking officer of Nepal Army has been accused of rights violations during the Maoist people’s war.
The UN and several western countries, including USA and Great Britain, have pressed investigation of the charges after be was cleared by a military tribunal.
Singh was promoted ignoring international pressure.
The visiting admiral was instead received at the airport by Maj. Gen Gauran SJB Rana.
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Top Maoist leader Krishna Bahadur Mahara has high-level discussions with US officials in Washington DC

Kathmandu, 28 April: Krishna Bahadur Mahara, Chief of the Foreign Department of UCPN (Maoist), has returned after a formal week-long invitation of the US government, Nagarik reports.
He held discussions with top US government leaders.
This is the first is the first visit of Maoists on the invitation of the US government as Washington still puts Maoists on its terrorist list.
The visit in the third week of Chaitra [end of March and beginning of April]
fruitful.
This is the first was by our party on US government invitation,” Maoist senior source said.
The visit has improved relations between Maoists and US government.
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MEDIA GOOGLE

“Toys, my dear child!”

(Chairman Prachanda watched by concerned PM Nepal and NC Acting President Suhshil Koirala dangles khukris before a sick child on a republic cradle, cartoon in Kantipur, 28 April)

“Leaders of the right and left might yet find it easy to live without a permanent constitution. What scares the is the prospect of being crammed into something akin to a people’s constituent assembly only to rubber-stamp Maoist decisions.”

(Maila Baje, People’s Review, 28 April)
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ADMIRAL ROBERT F. WILLARD VISITS NEPAL
Kathmandu, 26 April: U.S. Navy Admiral Robert F. Willard, Commander of the United States Pacific Command, arrived in the capital Tuesday for a multi-day visit.
During his first visit to Nepal, he will meet with senior Nepal Army and government officials, as well as members of Nepali civil society to discuss disaster preparedness, Nepal’s role in international peacekeeping missions, and human rights issues, the US embassy said.
U.S. Pacific Command (USPACOM) is responsible for protecting and defending, in concert with other U.S. Government agencies, the territory of the United States, its people, and its interests.
With allies and partners, USPACOM is committed to enhancing stability in the Asia-Pacific region by promoting security cooperation, encouraging peaceful development, responding to contingencies, and deterring aggression. This approach is based on partnership, presence, and military readiness. Headquartered in Hawaii, USPACOM is one of six Unified Combatant Commands of the Armed Forces of the United States.
Also, this week, a team of nine U.S. military trainers will arrive via U.S. Air Force aircraft to participate in a joint U.S.-Nepal training activity which will focus on humanitarian assistance and disaster response, particularly water rescue.
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Envoys discuss the future of UNMIN


Kathmandu, 28 April: The British Ambassador Tuesday called a meeting of UN Security Council members represented in Nepal (China, France, Japan, Russia, USA and UK) for a discussion with the Representative of the UN Secretary General, Karin Landgren, the British embassy said.

The envoys were concerned that as yet there was no clarity on whether the Government of Nepal wished to extend UNMIN beyond its current mandate of 15 May 2010.

Dr Andrew Hall recalled the willingness of the international community to support Nepal, and urged that there should be clarity and consensus among the parties as to what kind of support they wanted. He said, “I urge the Government and the Unified CPN-Maoist to reach a consensus without delay.”

The Representative of the Secretary General briefed the meeting on the upcoming report of the Secretary General and the expected discussion of Nepal in the UN Security Council next week.

At the meeting concerns were expressed that the current political environment appeared to have prevented the parties from reaching an agreement on the future of UNMIN and the role they wished it to play in support of the peace process.

Government representatives it may consider the extension of the mandate with a revision.
Government is dissatisfied with the functioning of UNMIN.
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SAARC summit begins in Thimpu Wednesday

Kathmandu, 28 April: A two-day 16th summit of the eight-nation SAARC begins in Thimpu Wednesday.
Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal is heading the 25-member Nepali delegation to the summit of South Asian nations.
Bhutan is hosting the annual summit for the first time.
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President hosts reception for first time

Kathmandu, 28 April: Amid an emerging political crisis, President Dr Ram Baran Yadav held a reception for leaders of major political parties Tuesday and asked them to forge an understanding to break a prolonged deadlock, participants said.
Maoists boycotted the reception.
A crisis is brewing as a deadline to promulgate a constitution by the May 28 deadline won’t be met.
Maoists have mobilized hundreds of thousands of youth and trained them to handle sticks and khukris for a May Day rally in urban areas, including lthe capital, to press for a constitution and a national government under its leadership.
Fearing violence, government has put all security agencies on high alert.
Maoists have called a nation-wide strike after 1 May to press their demands for the ouster of the government of beleaguered Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal.
Nnnn

Appa Sherpa appointed goodwill ambassador for environment for SAARC

Kathmandu, 28 April: Appa Sherpa, who has climbed the 8848 meters high Mount Everest for a record 19 times was declared SAARC’s goodwill ambassador of the South Asian in Thimpu Tuesday.
The grouping’s 16th summit begins Wednesday.
The effects of climate change is a major topic of discussion at the summit.
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Maoist student activists close down schools for second day

Kathmandu, 26 April: Maoist student activists closed down boarding schools for the second consecutive day Monday demanding annulment of a decision to hike fees with the beginning of the new academic year.
Students of 10,000 schools have been affected by the forced closure.
PABSON Monday asked education officials to create an atmosphere for the re-opening of schools.
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PM Nepal consults 10 ruling parties

Kathmandu, 26 April: Beleaguered Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal Monday held consultations with 10 parties of the ruling coalition aafter an overnight meeting with senior ministers and security chiefs to tackle a show of strength by Maoists 1 May to topple the government.
Army Chief Gen Chatraman Singh Gurung was also present
Maoists have threatened to take to the streets on May Day to create an atmosphere for the formation of a national government under its leadership.
Nepal said he won’t oblige Maoists by resigning.
The country is heading for a political crisis as it’s now certain a constitution to institutionalize a republic declared by unelected parliament won’t be promulgated by the 28 May deadline.
No discussions have been held in the last several days to promulgate a constitution.
Instead, politics is centered around toppling and retaining the government.
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Visiting US diplomat holds discussions with PM Nepal

Kathmandu, 26 April: Visiting US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia Robert O. Blake Jr. held discussions with Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal as the country heads towards a political crisis being created by the failure to promulgate a constitution by the 28 May deadline.
USA firmly backed political parties to topple monarchy and declare a republic.
A constitution has to be promulgated to institutionalize a republic which has already been declared by an unelected parliament.
Blake leaved for Bhutan to lead a US observer team at the SAARC summit.
PM Nepal leaves for Thimpu, the Bhutanese capital, to lead the Nepali team to the summit of eight South Asian nations.
Bhutan is hosting for annual summit for the first time.
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Maoists boycott parliament

Kathmandu, 26 April: Main opposition Maoists boycotted parliament Sunday protesting the appointments of chiefs of constitutional bodies by the constitutional council headed by the prime minister.
Main opposition leader Chairman Prachanda wasn’t present at the council meeting which made the appointments.
He claimed he came to know of the meetings only through news reports.
A writ was filed at the supreme court Sunday of the chairman’s behalf claiming the appointments were illegal and unconstitutional.
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Maoists close down schools nation-wide

Kathmandu, 25 April; Maoist student activists Sunday forcibly closed down schools nation-wide protesting a 25 percent hike in fees coinciding with the beginning of the new academic year.
Maoists said they won’t sit down for talks to withdraw their protests until fees are reduced.
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Foreign minister flies for Thimpu

Kathmandu, 25 April: Foreign Minister Sujata Koirala flew for Thimpu, Bhutan, Sunday to participate in a conference of foreign ministers of the eight-nation SAARC beginning Tuesday.
A conference of foreign secretaries began in Bhutan Saturday.
Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal leaves for Bhutan Tuesday to lead the Nepali delegation to the summit being hosted the for the first time by the Buddhist kingdom.
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Top US diplomat for South Asia arrives

By Bhola B Rana

Kathmandu, 25 April: US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia Robert O. Blake Jr. arrived Sunday for a two-day visit amid a brewing political crisis as a deadline for the promulgation of a constitution by the 28 May deadline won’t be met.
The US along with India and EU countries supported a movement to topple the 238-year-old monarchy to establish a republic.
A republic can’t be given the official seal without the promulgation of a republican constitution.
The game-plan to establish a republic went astray when Maoists emerged victorious in the 10 April 2008 constituent assembly elections defeating parliamentary parties.
The so-called international community was surprised by the result as it expected Nepali Congress and UML to sweep polls.
Maoists haven’t abandoned their agenda to establish a Stalinist communist state in the Himalayan state.
“During his April 25-26 stay here, Blake will meet political leaders, government officials and civil society representatives to discuss the peace process, constitution drafting, human trafficking and economic development,” A US State Department statement said.
Blake visits Nepal following arrivals of top officials from London and Norway.
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Second govt. appeal to Maoists in two days to withdraw mass mobilization

By Bhola B Rana

Kathmandu, 23 April: For the second time in two consecutive days, government Friday asked Maoists to stop training of youth in paramilitary exercises and withdraw planned mass mobilization of thousands of activists in urban areas, including Kathmandu, coinciding with May Day.
Maoists intensified their drive Friday for the mobilization to pressurize the government to form a national unity government under its leadership.
Government, after a cabinet meeting, said Maoists will be rebels responsible for any consequences.
Cabinet decided to take a firm stance against Maoist mass mobilization as the main opposition party leaders said it was launching a drive for a people’s republic.
Government Spokesman Shanker Pokhrel said it will act in self-defense against Maoists plans.
Government again appealed to Maoists to stop training youth in physical and military exercises.
Pokhrel said government has received reports of uncontrolled consequences four follow the Maoist mobilization.
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Govt. finally makes appointments in constitutional bodies

Kathmandu, 23 April: Maoist Chairman Prachanda, the leader of the main opposition, wasn’t present when the constitutional council filled in vacancies in constitutional bodies Friday after a long delay.
Names of Nilkantka Uprety, Baburam Acharya and Bhanu Acharua were recommended as chiefs of election commission, CIAA and auditor’s general’s office respectively.
Their deputies were also recommended.
Udaya Nepal Shrestha was appointed chairman of the public service commission.
The president will appoint them, after confirmation by a parliamentary hearing committee.
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Three members of a family commit suicide

Kathmandu, 23 April: Three members of Gurung family committed suicide at a village in Argakanchi Friday by swallowing poison, police said.
A mother and her two children died.
The father of the children had gone abroad for work.
Such mass suicides have become regular occurrences mainly because of poverty.
But the reason for the fresh suicides weren’t immediately known/
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270 prisoners being released

Kathmandu, 23 April: Altogether 270 prisoners are being released on democracy day marking the toppling of the royal regime.
The cabinet took a decision Friday.
The government has failed to institutionalize a republic after toppling monarchy.
Maoists and ruling parties are blaming each other for the failure.
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Maoists destroy UML office in Parasi

Kathmandu, 23 April: Angry Maoists Friday destroyed the UML district office in an arson attack in Parasi Friday.
Documents were also destroyed in extensive damage.
Maoists and UML clashed after the death of a Maoist labourer at Gurkha Brewery Ltd that manufactures Danish Toborg and Carlsberg beet under franchise
The parties were pressing recruitment of their activities in the plant.
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Cabinet discusses additional security

Kathmandu, 23 April: The cabinet met Friday morning to discuss additional security measures as Maoists threatened to come out of the streets 1 May in a show of force to push a national government under its leadership. .
Maoists said they will come out massively in urban areas, including the capital of May Day.
Government is preparing to tackle the situation that’s being created by the Maoist mobilization of people.
The cabinet Thursday ordered security agencies to be on high alert.
It’s almost certain the deadline to promulgate the constitution will be missed..
Maoist Vice-chairman Narayan Kazi Shrestha called the government move a regressive threat to democracy to thwart right of protests.
Government Thursday asked Maoists to stop recruitment and training of youth for paramilitary exercises ahead of the mass deployment of thousands of youth.
Maoists are training youth to handle kukris and sticks for what they call self-defense.
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Another hike in prices of POL products

Kathmandu, 23 April: Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) for the second time in six weeks hiked the prices of petrol, kerosene and diesel with immediate effect.
Petrol price was hiked Rs 1.75 per liter and prices of diesel and kerosene were increased by Rs 1.60 per liter.
Petrol price is now Rs 82 per liter while price of diesel and kerosene is now Rs 63 per liter.
With the increase of prices of POL products, government increased transport fares 10 percent.
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Maoists close down Pokhara

Kathmandu, 23 April: Maoists Friday closed the resort town of Pokhara claiming its student activist was arrested and falsely charged for attempted murder.
Dinesh Paudel was arrested and charged for assaulting a UML student activist.
Police escorted vehicles carrying tourists in and out of the town.
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US ambassador hold discussions with defence minister

Kathmandu, 23 April: USA has offered to help in upgrading the defence ministry.
One day after meeting Army Chief Gen Chatraman Singh Gurung, US Ambassador Scott H. DeLisi Friday offered the help to Defence Minister Bidya Bhandari, her press secretary Subash Devkota said..
Bhandari was positive to the offer, Debkota added.
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Foreign secretary flies for Thimpu

Kathmandu, 23 April: Foreign Secretary Madan Bhattarai flew for Thimpu Thursday to participate in a conference of foreign secretaries of the eight-nation SAARC beginning Saturday.
Foreign ministers of the south Asian regional grouping meet Tuesday head of the summit.
Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal leaves for the Bhutanese capital Tuesday to lead the Nepali delegation.
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Kingfisher begins New Delhi, Kathmandu flights Saturday

Kathmandu, 23 April: Indian private airlines Kingfisher will begin flights between New Delhi and Kathmandu from Saturday.
The flights were scheduled to begin 20 March.
The airline will begin Mumbai, Kathmandu flights 30 June, according to Tri Ratna Manandhar, Deputy Director of Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal.
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Ambar Gurung appointed chancellor

Kathmandu, 23 April: Noted singer and musician Amber Gurung has been appointed chancellor of Nepal Music and Drama Academy.
Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal made the appointment.
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Rolpa fire continues killing one person

Kathmandu, 23 April: Firefighters of Nepal Army, Nepal Police and Maoist combatants continued their Herculean effort to bring a raging community forest fire at Gairi gaon in Rolpa under control Friday.
One person has been killed and 500 persons have been displaced by the fire that started Wednesday.
The fifth Maoist division headquarters at Tila has been threatened.
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TRC bill tabled

Kathmandu, 23 April: Government tabled a delayed bill to form a truth and reconciliation (TRC) in parliament Thursday.
Minister of State for Peace Dilli Bahadur Mahat tabled the bill.
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US envoy meets army chief

Kathmandu, 23 April: US Ambassador Scott H. DeLisi held discussions with Army Chief Gen Chatraman Singh Gurung Thursday.
US is yet to resume military assistance suspected to Nepal Army dyring the royal regime even though India has resumed supplies.
DeLisi assumed office Sunday.
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Govt. directs security agencies to develop integrated approach

By Bhola B Rana

Kathmandu, 22 April: The cabinet discussed the security situation Thursday and directed all security agencies to develop an integrated strategy to tackle fresh Maoist recruitment and training of youth.
The cabinet reviewed Maoist activities and the security situation.
The cabinet decided to draw the attention and ask and Maoists to stop activities to train youth and develop paramilitary force against the spirit of the comprehensive peace agreement, Spokesman Shanker Pokhrel said after the cabinet meet.
The cabinet decided such activities will negatively impact peace process, drafting of the constitution and will have negative impact on relationswith parties
The cabinet decision came amid widespread press reports Maoists are conducting training of youth in warfare as the party decided to launch a street movement to capture state power.
Maoists minimized the training as physical training for self-defence while the cabinet categorically called it paramilitary training.
Maoists have 19,000 plus combatants in 28 cantonments and satellite camps observed by UNMIN and have mobilized the paramilitary YCL.
Nepali Congress central committee meeting Wednesday objected to the fresh training and mobilization of youth by Maoists.
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US envoy continues consultations with political party leaders

Kathmandu, 22 April: US Ambassador Scott H. DeLisi continued consultations with political party leaders Thursday by holding discussions with Acting Nepali President Sushil Koirala.
DeLisi held talks Wednesday with the party’s parliamentary party leader Ram Chandra Paudel.
He is also expected to hold discussions with the party’s top leader Sher Bahadur Deuba.
There’s dispute in the party on who’s the top leader following the death of Girija Prasad Koirala.
DeLisi began his consultations with Nepali Congress leaders by first meeting Paudel.
The US envoy, who presented his credentials to President Dr Ram Baran Yadav Sunday, began parleys with party leaders by first meeting Maoist Chairman Prachanda.
Maoists are Nepal’s biggest political party.
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Bhutanese refugee protest

Kathmandu 22 April Bhutanese refugees begin relay stage sit-in at a camp in
in Sanischere, ,Jhapa, asking the government to highlight the issue of refugees at the SAAC summit to be held this month in Thimpu, Bhutan.
They decided to state an hour-long sit-in every day until 28 April.
A memorandum to be passed on to Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal to the camp management asking him to highlight the refugee issue.
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US ambassador holds discussions with Maoists

Kathmandu, 21 April: US Ambassador Scott H. DeLisi held discussions with Maoist Chairman Prachanda Wednesday.
US has direct relations with Nepal’s Maoists even as Washington puts Maoists on its terrorist list.
DeLisi assumed office Sunday after presenting his credentials to President Dr Ram Baran Yadav.
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One labourer killed

Kathmandu, 21 April One labourer injured in a clash Tuesday between Maoist and UML workers at the Gorkha Brewery in Nawalparasi died Wednesday while undergoing treatment at a hospital in the capital.
One dozen workers were injured in the clash.
Maoists closed down Nawalparasi in protest Wednesday.
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Ang Chiring Sherpa leaves for Everest Base camp

Kathmandu, 21 April: Ang Chiring Sherpa, 38, left for Everest base camp Wednesday in a bid to complete his mission to climb the seven highest summits of the seven continents within 50 days.
He has climbed six summits in six continents in 26 hours and 12 hours.
Mount Everest, the world’s tallest peak, is 8848meters high.
Ang Chiring currently lives in USA.
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Nagraj, who abducted and killed child, arrested

Kathmandu, 21 April: A child abducted from a school in the capital 13 months ago was killed in India, Annapurna Post reports.
Rajeshwor Singh Nagraj was arrested for abduction and murder in Sarlahi Sunday and brought to Kathmandu.
He’s a member of the Terai Cobra group.
He demanded Rs 3.5 million over telephone in ransom.
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11 policemen sentenced

Kathmandu, 21 April: Special police court Tuesday sentenced 11 policemen to five-year prison terms for holding hostage senior officers in two barracks two years ago.
The senior officers were held hostage in Banke and Parbat.
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Indian Ambassador Sood in New Delhi for political consultations

Kathmandu, 21 April: Indian Ambassador Rakesh Sood left for New Delhi Tuesday for political consultations as a political crisis looms.
He held consultations with Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sujata Koirala before flying to the Indian capital.
Nepal will be engulfed in a political crisis if a constitution isn’t promulgated by the 28 May deadline when the two-year tenure of the constituent assembly (CA) ends.
The constitution has to be promulgated to institutionalize a republic.
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2000 European tourists stranded

Kathmandu, 21 April: Nearly 2,000 European tourists waiting to return home have been stranded in Nepal after the Icelandic volcano eruption, Nepal Samacharpatra reports.
Nepal is losing 400 European tourists every day with cancellation of flights.
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HPLM meets

Kathmandu, 21 April: High-level political mechanism of Maoists, Nepali Congress and UML meets under the chairmanship of Prachanda Wednesday to discuss among other issues, the extension of a tenure of the constituent assembly (CA) which ends 28 May.
UML parliamentary party called for extension of the two-year tenure concluding a constitution can’t be promulgated by the deadline another 39 days.
Maoists have demanded a formation of a national government under its leadership as a pre-condition for the extension of the deadline.
Nepali Congress central committee is meeting before the mechanism meets to discuss its position.
Nepal is heading towards a political crisis.
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Maoists close down accounts departments

Kathmandu, 21 April: Maoist student activists Wednesday closed down accounts departments of boarding schools for the third successive day nation-wide Wednesday demanding 25 percent hike in admission with the beginning of academic session.
Maoists have threatened complete closure of schools from next week if the hike isn’t reversed.
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PM meets Carter Center consultant

Kathmandu, 20 April: Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal Tuesday held consultations with consultant of Carter Center Peter Burleigh.
Burleigh is a retired US diplomat with extensive experience in South Asia.
He headed the US embassy in New Delhi temporarily until the appointment of an ambassador by President Barack Obama.
Burleigh served in Nepal as a charge de’ affairs under Ambassador Carol Laise in the 1970’s.
The consultations were held one day after Nepal’s party-the CPN-UML, said a constitution won’t be promulgated by the 28 May deadline.
The party called for national consensus to extend the tenure of the constituent assembly which also ends 28 May.
Nepal is heading towards a political crisis as Maoists demanded the resignation of the 11-month Nepal government to form a national government under it.
Even if such a government is formed a constitution can’t be promulgated within the deadline because of differences on fundamentals to be incorporated in the basic law.
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Twin Otter emergency landing

Kathmandu, 20 April: All 18 passengers and crew of a Nepal Airlines were unhurt when a Twin Otter made an emergency landing at Kangel airport in Solokhumbu in the Mount Everest region Monday.
The slightly damaged aircraft was plying between Kathmandu and Phaplu.
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Rs 194.3 million collected by leasing Himalayan peaks

Kathmandu, 20 April: Government this spring has collected Rs 194.3 million in revenue by issuing permits to 77 expeditions to scale Himalayan peaks, including Mount Everest, to foreign expeditions, the Tourism Ministry said.
Twenty-five teams have received permits to climb the 8848 meters high Mount Everest.
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Meeting of here top parties inconclusive

Kathmandu, 19 April: A meeting of the country’s three biggest parties to find a way to promulgate a constitution by the 28 May deadline was inconclusive Monday.
Parliament and constituent assembly Chairman Subash Nemwang convened the meeting.
An extended meting of the UML parliamentary party Monday concluded a constitution won’t be promulgated by the deadline and called for a national consensus to extend the tenure of the assembly.
Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal complained at the meeting his government wasn’t receiving support from the party amid calls from some partymembers for the resignation of the government.
Maoist parliamentary party meeting Monday demanded the resignation of the prime minister.
The resignation has been a consistent demand of Maoists.
Maoists said a the peace process can be concluded and a constitution can be promulgated by a government led by it.
There’s no such possibility because of differences on fundamental principles between major political players.
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Army forms inquiry team

Kathmandu, 19 April: Nepal Army has formed an inquiry team to investigate reports a contingent of the Ranger battalion Sunday morning encircled a police outpost at Maharajgunj.
The army said its attention has been drawn to Monday’s press reports on the incident.
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Vitamin A and de-worming medicine administered

Kathmandu, 19 April: Vitamin A and de-worming medicine were administered to an estimated four million children under five years nation=wide Monday.
The campaign will continue Tuesday.
The campaign’s aim is to prevent malnutrition to increase resistance of children to diseases.
Nnnn

TRADE, COMMERCE, ECONOMY

Curbs on silver exports

Kathmandu, 19 April: Nepal Rashtra Bank through a notification 13 April curbed imports on silver.
The central bank has already curbed gold imports to curb the flight of convertible currency.
Silver importers now need the permission of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association.
Nnnn

18 percent increase in people going abroad for jobs

Kathmandu, 19 April: There’s been an increase of 18.5 percent of persons going abroad for employment in the first nine months of the current fiscal year. Nagarik reports.
Altogether 220,795 traveled abroad seeking work.
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Home Minister Rawal to implement govt. prove report

Kathmandu, 19 April: Home Minister Bhim Rawal has been assigned to implement a report of a government appointed committee investigating the shooting to death of three Dalit women in the Bardiya National Park by Nepal Army.
The cabinet asked Rawal to implement the finding Sunday.
Government hasn’t made public the report.
While charges have been leveled the women were criminally shot dead the Nepal Army said claimed the women were poachers.
Nnnn

Army begins filling in vacancies

Kathmandu, 19 April: Nepal Army Monday began filling vacancies in technical positions Monday.
The army announced 271 vacancies.
The army says the recruitment isn’t against the spirit of the comprehensive peace treaty as claimed by Maoists.
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MEDIA GOOGLE

“Clamoring for promulgation of the constitution by 28 May simply shows their [leaders of three parties] reluctance to tell the people trust among people.”

(Irrigation Minister Balkrishna Khand, The Kathmandu Post, 19 April)
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Ministerial commission formed to review commission report on persons killed in Maoist people’s war

Kathmandu, 18 April: Cabinet Sunday formed a five-member ministerial task force to review a report on a commission that investigated deaths and injuries of persons during the 10-year Maoist people’s war.
Ruling Nepali Congress Sunday demanded its activists killed and injured in the violent communist revolution be declared martyrs and be compensated.
The government decision and the demand of the Congress have added a new dimension to the resolution of demands of the victims of the war on both sides.
Attention so far has been focused mainly on compensating Maoist victims.
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Four dead, more than 30 injured in Chitwan bus accident

Kathmandu, 1u April: Four persons were killed and at least 30 were injured, 12 seriously, in a bus accident at Rampur in Chitwan Sunday.
Two persons were killed and 14 others were injured in a tractor accident in Palpa Sunday.
Vehicular accidents on hill highways have become regular occurrences.
Authorities aren’t giving priority to curb them.
Nnnn

UML debate ends

Kathmandu, 18 April: Discussions at the UML parliamentary party meeting ended Sunday with 17 more lawmakers speaking Sunday.
PM Madhav Kumar Nepal, Chairman Jhalanath Khanal; and UML ministers will address concerns raised by 109 UML parliamentarians Monday.
A sizeable section of the party had demanded the resignation of PM Nepal to make way for a national government with Maoists.
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UML parliamentary party meet starts

Kathmandu, 18 April: The prolonged parliamentary party meeting of the UML which is leading the government continued Sunday.
Seventeen lawmakers are scheduled to speak at Sunday’s session after with Chairman Jhalanath Khanal and beleaguered Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal will respond to points raised by lawmakers.
The party has 109 members on the 601-member parliament.
A sizeable section in the party has demanded the resignation of the prime minister to make way for the formation of a national government with Maoists.
The meeting is also discussing the party strategy after 28 May when a constitution has to be promulgated to institutionalize a republic which has already been declared.
With only 40 days remaining to promulgate the constitution, it’s unlikely the deadline will be met.
Major parties have deep differences on fundamental principles to be incorporated in a constitution.
Nepal is entering an uncertain future.
There’s been opposition to calls for the extend by parliament the extension of the two-year tenure of the constituent assembly which also ends 28 May.
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MJFN preparing for a decisive anti-govt. movement

Kathmandu, 18 April: Second-ranking leader of the MJFN Jayaprakash Prasad Gupta said his party is preparing for the third phase of a decisive movement against the government in terai.
The movement will be launched after complete reports are received from the districts, he said.
The party said government hasn’t implemented two separate agreements on regional demands.
MJFN is close to Maoists.
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Military personnel involved in gruesome Palpa murders

Kathmandu, 18 April: Military personnel were involved two months ago in the murders of four members of a family, Kantipur reports from Palpa.
Tara Balami, the chief suspect, is in police detention.
His three accomplices are escorted by military officers to the police office for investigation.
Those killed were Yam Kumari Bagale, 56, her 26-year-old son Tulsi Gharti, his son and daughter.
Nnnn

Three parties agree to extend UNMIN tenure

Kathmandu, 18 April: The three major political parties—the UCPN (Maoist), the Nepali Congress (NC) and the CPN-UML—have agreed to revise the current mandate of the United Nations Mission in Nepal (UNMIN) while also extending its tenure, The Kathmandu Post reports.
The tenure of the UN body expires on May 15. “The three parties have agreed o revise UNMIN’s mandate in the changed context,” NC leader Ram Sharan Mahat said today [Saturday]. ‘However, our opinion differs from that of the Maoists on the issue of monitoring of Nepal Army,” he said.
The NC and the UML are in favour of withdrawing the monitoring of the army by UNMIN. However, the main opposition party, the Maoists want the army monitored until the peace process is completed.
Such a move will require the revision of the peace agreements between the government and the Maoists as they contradict the comprehensive peace agreement and the agreement on monitoring and management of arms and armies.
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MEDIA GOOGLE


“Persons I like the most are King Birendra, BP, Sushila Aama and Samrat [with whom she is engaged].”

(Manisha Koirala, Kantipur, 18 April)

UML activist commits suicide in party headquarters

Kathmandu, 18 April: Degendra Rajbansi, 65, a UML activist, committed suicide at the party head office at Balkhu Saturday, police said.
He was found hanging from a tree.
Rajbansi is a veteran of the Jhapa uprising when the then ML started a bloody peasant’s movement from the district during the panchayat regime.
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Basantapur Durbar Square a no-vehicle zone

Kathmandu, 18 April: Basantapur Durbar Square on the World Heritage List will be a no-vehicle zone from Sunday.
The local administration declared the area free of vehicles Saturday.
Ambulances and emergency vehicle services will be permitted.
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Khas Chetris launch paramilitary wing

By Bhola B Rana

Kathmandu, 18 April: Khas-Chetri Eketa Samaj, dissatisfied with Maoists made public its security outfit in Biratnagar, Rajdhani reports fro Itahari.
It’s been named Khas-Chetri Security agency.
The Samaj said only those with long experience in security agencies are recruited.
It’ll defend its declared goals and counter parties and other organizations obstructing the activities of Samaj.
The Samaj confirmed the outfit’s paramilitary nature.
The main objective is to defend Nepal state and Chhetris.
Membership will be given only to those with long experience in military, police, Indian and British Gurkhas.
New entrants will be given military and warfare training by former police and military veterans.
The organization was launched from Jhapa and will be expanded slowly.
The organization’s structure resembles the Nepal Army.
Retired policeman Chetnath Thapa is chief of the Jhapa unit.
The present members don’t require training Thapa said..
‘It can take up arms especially against foreign intervention and attempts at national disintegration,” he added.
The Khas population in Nepal is 6.3 million.
Commanders said Maoists have deceived in establishing the rights of Khas Chetris.
The Samaj has established in seven eastern districts some in the west to far.
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Unilateral construction of dams in Bihar

Kathmandu, 18 April: Bihar state government with the permission of the federal government has started constructions of dams along the Nepal-India border, Rajdhani reports from Mohottari.
The Nepali side hasn’t shown much concern despite the inundation it will it will cause in Nepal.
Bihar State Bagmati Irrigation Scheme has started the drive to build dams.
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Maoists on nation-wide training drive

Kathmandu, 18 April: Maoists have started imparting political and physical training in the districts as the party decided to launch a movement to displace the government, Kantipur reports from Kathmandu, Rolpa, Dandeldhura and Sindhuli.
Maoists said the training is being given for ‘self-defense’.
The training is being imparted in Rolpa, Dandeldhura, Kailali and other districts as Maoist leaders said a conspiracy isbeing hatched against peace and constitution drafting.
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Another fire in the capital

Kathmandu, 17 April: Firefighters doused a fire that erupted at the godown of Nepal Bank Ltd in New Road Saturday at 6.45 in the morning.
The storeroom was stacked with old documents.
A cigarette butt may have started the fire.
The main building of the country’s oldest bank is safe; the storeroom is located behind the main building.
Three houses were completely destroyed overnight in a fire at Naradevi in mid-summer.
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Distribution of salaries of Maoist combatants continues

Kathmandu, 17 April: Government Saturday continued the distribution of salaries and allowances of 19,000 plus combatants for the second day.
The distribution held up for three months that began from Nawalparasi Friday continued at Shaktikhor in Chitwan in the presence of Maoists and UNMIN.
Peace Minister Rakam Chemjung represented the government.
Altogether 3,936 combatants are registered with UNMIN at the camp.
Government stopped the distribution for three months demanding a fresh headcount of former combatants fearing many had deserted the camps before official discharge.
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One killed in Rautahat

Kathmandu, 17 April: One person was killed and four others were injured
at a Sangramput village in Rautahat Saturday.
Parbati Ram died.
The dispute erupted over the sharing of water from a tube-well in the village with heavy Dalit population.
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Eight Tibetans held

Kathmandu, 17 April: Eight Tibetans, including six women, were arrested at Dolakha for illegally entering Nepal from Tibet Friday.
They were transiting to India.
Fifty-eight Tibetans have been detained by police in Dolakha this year.
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TRADE, COMMERCE, ECONOMY

Food price inflation over 18 percent

Kathmandu, 17 April: Year-on-year food inflation is estimated at over 18 percent, Nepal Rashtra Bank (NRB) said.
Overall consumer price inflation is estimated at 12.6 percent, the central bank added.
“High food prices are driving overall high consumer price inflation which is currently estimated at 12.6 percent,” NRB said.
The bank predicted food prices are likely to rise until the winter crop is harvested in the next two to three months.
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Revenue collection reached Rs 126.53 billion

Kathmandu, 17 April: Government collected Rs 126.53 billion in revenue in the first nine months of the current fiscal year—n increase of 28.2 percent compared to the same period the previous year, Nepl Rashtra Bank said.
Government’s target was to collect Rs 122.83 billion.
Revenue collection increased as imports soared.
Rs 25 billion was collected from customs.
The target is to collect Rs 177 billion in revenue this fiscal year.
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MEDIA GOOGLE

“The present government must quit if it fails to take the peace process to its conclusion and to draft a new constitution.”

(RPP-Nepal Chairman Kamal Thapa, The Rising Nepal, 17 April)

‘Integration of the ex-Maoist rebels would end the credibility and professionalism of the Nepal Army. So, politically indoctrinated fighters should not be integrated in the army.”

(Defence Minister Bidya Bhandari, The Himalayan Times, 17 April

Maoists not to bring no-confidence motion against govt.

Kathmandu, 16 April: Maoist politburo Friday decided not to bring a no-confidence motion against the government in the current winter session of parliament while agreeing to intensify anti-government street protests.
Prachanda himself said a no-trust motion won’t be brought against government at the end of the politburo meet.
He said the constituent assembly tenure can’t be extended without a government change.
The Maoist pre-condition is important because Maoists will stop an attempt to extend the tenure of the assembly after 28 May without the party leadidng a government.
The two-year tenure of the assembly ends in May.
The politburo decided Friday to create an environment for the formation of a national unity government..
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New govt. proposal to integrate Maoist combatants

Kathmandu, 16 April: Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal has presented two alternatives to integrate and rehabilitate 19,000 plus combatants in state security agencies and society.
Maoists weren’t present at a meeting of a special committee on supervision, integration and rehabilitation of Maoists combatants chaired by the prime minister Friday.
Maoists were holding a meeting of their politburo.
PM Nepal Friday presented another proposal to complete integration in another one month.
Nepal first presented to complete integration by the end of April.
Six parties were invited to the committee meeting.
Five parties agreed to Nepal’s proposal.
Nepal proposed sending off combatants with Rs 175,000 to Rs 200,000,
Maoists demanded two million rupees for each combatant who didn’t to join state security agencies...
Nepal also proposed integration of only 3,000 plus Maoist combatants or one combatant per weapon in UNMIN containers.
Altogether 3,475 weapons are in UNMIN containers.
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Distribution of salaries of Maoist combatants begins


Kathmandu, 16 April: Distribution of salaries and allowances of Maoists delayed for three months began at the fourth division of Maoists in Nawalparasi Friday.
UNMIN, government and Maoists were present. .
Government team was led by Peace Minister Rakam Chemjung.
UNMIN which earlier refused to provide an exact headcount of fighters is overseeing the distribution.
Government succeeded to drag UNMIN in the process.
Government demanded fresh data from UNMIN claming about 40 percent of verified combatants had deserted cantonments and camps.
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One more Maoist argument for govt. to quit

Kathmandu, 16 April: Maoists Thursday presented one more argument for the government to quit after UML Chairman Jhalanath Khanal said a constitution won’t be promulgated by the 28May deadline.
“The government has lost its moral authority to continue in office,” said Maoist spokesman Dinanath Sharma after Khanal’s statement.
Congress leader Sher Bahadur Deuba said: “The peace process is more important than drafting the constitution.”
Only42 days remain for the constitution to be promulgated within the deadline.
Khanal asked leaders Thursday not to ’lie’ to the people by saying a constitution can be launched within the deadline.
Irrigation Minister Bal Krishna Khand revealed Friday Congress, UML and Maoists parties reached a secret agreement before Girija Prasad Koirala died to extend the constituent assembly tenure by six months.
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President meets Congress troika

Kathmandu, 16 April: President Dr Ram BaranYadav Thursday held political discussions with the troika of the Nepali Congress.
Collective discussions were held with Sher Bahadur Deuba, Acting Party President Sushil Koirala and parliamentary party leader Ram Chandra Paudel.
The president has been holding consultations with leaders of 25 political parties in the constituent assembly expressing congress at the delay in concluding the peace process and drafting a constitution.
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US Ambassador DeLisi arrives
Kathmandu. 15 April: Scott H. DeLisi, the new U.S. Ambassador, arrived in Kathmandu Thursday. US embassy said.
“I am very happy to be here. I look forward to building on the long-standing friendship between our two countries and strengthening the bonds of goodwill between our two peoples,” he said in an arrival statement
Ambassador DeLisi is scheduled to present his credentials Sunday.
He succeeds Nancy J. Powell, who was promoted in the State Department.
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MEDIA GOOGLE

“ The Nepali Congress struggle for relevance has become particularly heartening in the aftermath of the Girija Prasad Koirala’s death, Look at the senior most leader of the party affirmed the other day. Forget that Krishna Prasad Bhattarai advocates the restoration of the monarchy and the 1990 constitution. He isn’t even a member of the party.”

(Maila Baje, People’s review, 15 Aug.)

“.. .Gyanendra Shah wasn’t about to acquiesce in the retention of a monarchy wherein others got to choose who sat on the throne. Instead. he chose to redefine the debate on whether the monarchy needed Nepal more or vice versa.”

(Maila Baje, People’s Review, 15Aug.)
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Another shooting incident in terai

Kathmandu, 15 April: In another shooting death in the terai, the body of a an activist of NSP (D) was recovered Thursday at a village in Mohottari.
Ram Iqbal Yadav was shot dead in the central terai district.
He was shot Wednesday.
His motorcycle has also been recovered.
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Nepali Congress pre-conditions to work with Maoists

Kathmandu, 15 April: Top Nepali Congress leader Sher Bahadur Deuba said he’ll demand Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal’s resignation and deliver it to Maoists if conditions are met for formation of a national government.
“If Congress conditions are met, I’ll demand Madhav Nepal’s resignation and deliver it to Maoists. More than the government, peace and constitution are the main issues,” Deuba told a reception at the residence of parliamentary party leader Ram Chandra Paudel coinciding with New year 2067.
Paudel said: “An environment for agreement and unity will be created if our demands are fulfilled. Discussions will be held after we receive the work plan of Maoists.
Acting Party President Sushil Koirala was also present on the occasion.
“Our bottom line is clear. First Maoist combatants should be integrated.
The Three Nepali Congress leaders set four conditions for government change
They are: renunciation of violence, an announcement of an action plan to return seized assets, scrap YCL and management of Maoist combatants.
Congress abandoned the pre-conditions for disbandment of YCL and return of seized assets before the April 2008 constituent assembly elections.
The party has revived the two pre-conditions after being routed in the assembly elections by Maoists.
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Campaign to enroll students in schools

Kathmandu, 15 April: A government campaign was launched Thursday to enroll students in schools nation-wide with the beginning of a new academic year.
An estimated eligible 250,000 students haven’t been enrolled.
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Top three parties huddled in meetings

Kathmandu, 15 April: The country’s three biggest parties are huddled in discussions as the country heads towards a crisis with leaders predicting a constitution won’t be promulgated by the 28 May deadline
UML parliamentary party continued Thursday with discussions centered around the work of the government led by the party.
A section close to Maoists is demanding resignation of Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal who they charge is a stumbling block to the formation of a national government.
Only 29 on 109 lawmakers have spoken so far.
The Nepali Congress central committee is also meeting to discuss the party’s general convention sometime in August to elect a leadership following the death of President Girija Prasad Koirala.
Maoist politburo is meeting to make public details of its anti-government protests.
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Constitution won’t be promulgated within deadline: Jhalanath Khanal

Kathmandu, 15 April: UML Chairman Jhalanath Khanal categorically said Thursday the constitution won’t be promulgated 28 May.
This is the first time a leader of three top political parties said this frankly.
Khanal is also a member of the three-party high-level political mechanism attempting to unlock a prolonged political deadlock.
He said this as leaders of other political parties are assuring people a constitution can be promulgated by the 28 May deadline.
The UML chief said there’s no environment for the promulgation is a constitution within the deadline.
Only 43 days remain for the basic law’s promulgation.
“We can’t promulgate the constitution within the deadline. Some people are saying it can. This is a reality; parties can’t lie to the people,” Khanal told a group that visited his house urging the launch of a constitution by 28 May.
He urged understanding for a new consensus.
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Four dead in Sunsari tractor accident

Kathmandu, 15 April: Four persons, including an Indian national, died in a tractor accident in Sunsari Thursday morning.
An Indian national was among the killed.
The tractor was transporting a marriage party.
In Indian labourer was killed and six others were injured in an explosion at a gas station in Bara Thursday.
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Top US admiral coming

Kathmandu, 15April: Admiral Robert F. Willard, Commander of the US Pacific Command, was invited Wednesday to visit Nepal.
The invitation was extended by Army Chief Gen. Chatraman Singh Gurung.
Government cleared the visit 11 April, an official army announcement said.
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Norwegian special envoy in town

By Bhola B Rana

Kathmandu, 15 April: After Great Britain, Norway, an inconsequential international player from oil-rich Scandinavia, has sent a special envoy to Nepal as the peace process falters and a deadline to draft a constitution by the 28 May deadline won’t be met.
A stream of visitors from the West has been arriving as the Himalayan state strategically located between China and Nepal heads towards a political crisis.
The constitution has to be promulgated to institutionalize a republic declared by an unelected and self-appointed parliament.
Norway, with money power, has been attempting to play a decisive role in Nepal’s politics with its close and unnatural links with Maoists.
Development Minister Eric Solheim said he maintained close contacts with Maoists whey’ they were in the jingle’ but in effect spent most of their time in the urban jungle of India during the 10-year people’s war.
Norway, a constitutional monarchy under leftists, lobbied for a republic with Nepal’s major parties to shred the 1990 constitution which pushed multi-party democracy and constitutional monarchy.
The wisdom of King Birendra’s initiative to invite Scandinavian countries into Nepal to help development efforts when they were rejected by India is now being questioned.
Solheim cancelled his Nepal visit when Girija Prasad Koirala died.
Toire Toreng instead arrived.
Toreng is a former Norwegian ambassador to Nepal.
To recall, Norwegians failed miserable to negotiate an agreement between Israel and Palestinians in West Asia and diplomats from the small Scandinavia state are unwanted in Sri Lanka where the government has quashed a separatist movement of Tamils.
Toreng held discussions with Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal Wednesday.
The government is making all-out effort to integrate and rehabilitate Maoist combatants. The work plan, modality and code of conduct have been tabled at the special committee on supervision, integration and rehabilitation of Maoist combatants,” the prime minister’s press advisor Bishnu Rijal quoted Nepal as telling the envoy, according to the Himalayan Times.
‘We won’t leave a single stone unturned in our effort to find common ground among political parties for concluding the peace process and promulgating the constitution on time.
“It’s impossible for the government alone to take the peace process to a logical end. All political parties must be equally responsible and demonstrate maximum flexibility to find common ground,” Rijal quoted the government as saying.
A top US State Department official is also scheduled to visit Nepal this month.
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MEDIA GOOGLE

“Nepali politics is being conducted without a referee; somebody should be above parties as an honour. Misunderstanding between parties has increased without monarchy.”

(Former national football captain and RPP-Nepal Chairman Kamal Thapa, Gorkhapatra, 15 April)

‘When people are dying on the streets and if blood starts freely flowing, Nepal Army, a national army which has responsibility for national security, can’t stay at home or in the barracks just watching.”

(Former Army Chief Gen Rukmangud Katawal, Gorkhapatra, 15 April)

“The constitution must be promulgated by the 28 May deadline. Otherwise, the achievements of the democratic movement will be meaningless.”

(Surya Bahadur Thapa, Annapurna Post, 15 April)
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Prachanda, Sood meet

Kathmandu, 14 April” Hour-long discussions were held between Chairman Prachanda and Indian Ambassador Rakesh Sood Wednesday.
They discussed the delayed peace process and constitution drafting besides the party’s India policy, a party source said.
The meeting comes one day after Sood’s concern with Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal at the cancellation of a contract to an Indian company to print machine readable passports.
Maoists withdrew their one-day nation-wide strike this week protesting the passport deal forcing the government to cancel the contract.
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Three killed, 10 injured in another bus plunge

Kathmandu, 14 April: here passengers were killed and 10 were injured when a bus plunged into Trisuli river in Chitwan Wednesday morning.
The bus was heading for the capital from Birgunj.
Such bus accidents have become daily occurrences.
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Maoist politburo meet rescheduled

Kathmandu, 14 April: Wednesday’s scheduled meeting of the Maoist politburo was postponed for Thursday.
The meeting was rescheduled citing busy schedule of leaders.
The meeting was to discuss details of anti-government protests andplans to topple Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal.
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Maoist politburo meet

Kathmandu, 14 April: Maoist politburo begins later Wednesday.
Maoists will draw up plans to topple the government from parliament and the street.
The standing committee earlier decided to topple the government.
The main opposition could bring in a no-confidence against the government of Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal.
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28,687 Bhutanese refugees resettled

Kathmandu, 14 April: Altogether 28, 687 Bhutanese refugees from camps in east Nepal have been resettled abroad until 9 April, Nepal Samacharpatra reports from Birtamodh.
The process started 13 months ago.
(Note: Nearly 108,000 refugees are in camps in Jhapa and Morang.)
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MEDIA GOOGLE

‘I don’t believe Prithvi Narayan Shah is God; I don’t worship him. I have to accept my father even though he may be the biggest drunkard.”

(Modhnath Prashit, Janaastha, 14 April)

PM Nepal implicitly calls Maoists extremists ruling out resignation

By Bhola B Rana


Kathmandu, 14 April: Obviously and implicitly referring to Maoists as extremists, Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal rules out demands for resignation and said in a New Year 2067 message Wednesday he won’t bow down to ‘any form of extremism’.
Maoists have called for the pull down of Nepal’s 10-month government.
“I am determined that peace, democracy and a forward movement ahead may be achieved only by defeating all forms of extremism,” the beleaguered government chief said.
“I urge all parties to maintain firm commitment and consensus on supremacy of constitution, rule of law, establishment of inclusive and just social-political system, federalism, secularism, autonomy of judiciary, pluralism, press freedom and principle of check and balance.
‘I am ready to assimilate any consensual conclusions coming from an open and frank meeting.
‘If we sit on the table with an open mind and heart, we can erase mistrust and reach a new conclusion by agreeing on one another’s points.” Nepal added.
President Dr Ram Baran Yadav said unity and reconciliations were the only solutions for the problem calling for dialogue by presenting all issues before the table.
Former King Gyanendra in his message urged correction of weaknesses
to move ahead.
He said ‘Nepal nation’s nationalism, uniqueness and freedom of the citizen shouldn’t be restricted’ adding they are god points of democracy.
The former king said ‘It’s our religion Nepal state be administered by the person with whom people are willingly happy’.
He said this as the former king earlier said monarchy wasn’t yet dead in Nepal—a statement decried by ruling and opposition parties that opted for a republic that has yet to be institutionalized in a constitution.
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Further details of supreme court’s decision on presidential action

Kathmandu, 14 April: A two-man bench of the supreme court Tuesday couldn’t decide on the legality of President Ram Baran Yadav’s decision to retain Army Chief Gen Rukmangud Katawal who was sacked by Prime Minister Prachanda.
Opinion on two writs challenging the presidential decision was divided after a six-month hearing.
Justice Damodar Prasad Sharma didn’t agree with the opinion of Justice Rajendra Koirala the writ petition. Should be dismissed.
Prime Minister Prachanda resigned May 2009 after the presidential intervention.
A full bench of the supreme court will give its final verdict following the division in the bench.
Maoists said the decision of a ceremonial president was unconstitutional.
The two justices agreed the supreme court could discuss official communications between the president and prime minister.
The justices also agreed the court could discuss the legality of a presidential action.
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Education official sacked

Kathmandu, 14 April: Birendra Kumar Das, general manager of Janak Educational Material Center Limited, has been sacked by its board for irregularities.
He’s been replaced by Ramchandra Silwal.
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TRADE, COMMECE, ECONOMY

Nepal growth rate only 3.5 percent

Kathmandu, 14 April: Asian Development Bank (ADB), Nepal’s largest multilateral donor, forecast Tuesday Nepal’s growth rate in 2010 will be 3.5 percent and will increase to 4.5 percent in 2011.
The bank said this while releasing the Asian Development Outlook 2010.
Nepal’s low growth rate was the result of political instability, declining export, heavy imports and failure to drastically improve agriculture and industrial sectors, the Manila-based bank said.
‘Nepal also needs to scale up capital spending on infrastructure and social sectors to support peace process and growth reducing the rising inequality in economic, social and human development as shown by the 2004 Nepal Living Standard Survey,” ADB Country Director Barry J. Hitchcock said while releasing the report.
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MEDIA GOOGLE

“Nepali Congress has a clear concept. The tenure of the constituent assembly shouldn’t be extended. We should move ahead with the mandate of the people.”

(NC Acting President Sushil Koirala, Ghatana ra Bichar, 14 April)
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Three more persons killed, 37 injured

Kathmandu 13 April: Three persons died and 37 injured Tuesday in a bus accident at Sindhuli in continuing vehicular deadly accidents.
The bus was heading for Sindhuli from Kavre
Two children were among the dead.
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Kamal Thapa,president hold discussions

Kathmandu, 13 april" RPP Nepal Chairman Kamal Thapa held political discussions with President Dr Ram Baran Yadav Tuesday.
Thapa raised demand for a lreferendum of constitutional monarchy and a Hindu state.
Thapa reminded the president on pro,mulgating a constitution on time.
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New Year 2067 Wednesday

Kathmandu, 13 April: Wednesday is Nepali New Year 2067.
Two leaders of ruling parties Tuesday on new year eve asked leaders not to people by saying a constitution will be promulgated by the 28 May deadline.
Those making the calls were Dr Ram Sharan Mahat of Nepali Congress and UML leader Pradip Geywali.
Differences remain between major parties on fundamental concepts to be included in a constitution which has to promulgated to institutionalize the declaration of a republic by an unelected and self-appointed parliament.
The two-year tenure of the constituent assembly which has to promulgate a constitution ends 28 May.
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Further details on MPPs

Kathmandu, 13 April: The Indian embassy said the ‘politicization’ of the passport issue was ‘regrettable’.
In an obvious more to pressurize government, the embassy said work on printing passports had already started.
The supreme court Tuesday extended an interim order to government
not to implement a previous government not to print passports in India for another 13 days.
Hearings of the legality of the original government continues.
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Supreme full court to hear legality of presidential action

Kathmandu, 13 April: A full bench of the supreme court will now decide the legality of ceremonial President Dr Ram Baran Yadav’s decision to retain Army Chief Gen Rukmangud Katawal who was sacked 11 months ago by a Maoist-led government of Chairman Prachanda.
The decision challenged by two advocates was referred to the full bench after opinions of two judges clashed at a hearing Tuesday.
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Further details of PM, Sood meeting

Kathmandu, 13 April: Indian embassy statement Tuesday said it was ‘dissatisfied’ with the decision of the government to cancel a contract with an Indian government security press to print machine readable passports (MRPs) for Nepal.
The embassy said ‘its attention; had been drawn to the government decisions.
The statement was issued following a meeting between Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal and Ambassador Rakesh Sood.
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