President to first push consensus govt.; other details

By Bhola B Rana

Kathmandu, 1 July: President Dr Ram Baran Yadav will ask political parties to attempt form a consensus government following Wednesday’s resignation by Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal.
Low sound bites of the president’s conversation with the government chief was heard over a television network Wednesday as the head of state received Nepal’s resignation at the presidential palace.
If political parties can’t form a consensus government under article of the interim constitution, the president will then ask parties to form a majority government.
Maoist standing committee meeting Wednesday formed a three-member talks committee headed by Chairman Prachanda to form a national unity government under UCPN (Maoist).
Vice-chairmen Baburam Bhattarai and Mohan Baidya are other members of the team for talks with other parties as a call was made the party should be invited for forming a government.
Lobbying will start for government formation of a consensus or majority government.
Major constituents of the ruling parties, including Nepali Congress and UML, are skeptical of a consensus government under Maoists; Congress leader Krishna Prasad Shitaula said his party won’t join a government led by the main opposition.
MJFL Chairman and Deputy Prime Minister Bijaya Kumar Gacheddhar is pushing a ‘democratic coalition government’ led by Madesh parties.
NEPAL LASHES MAOISTS
Nepal hit out at Maoists in his resignation address Wednesday accusing the main opposition for obstructing parliamentary proceedings and creating uncertainty through strikes ignoring its own pledge.
The prime minister accused Maoists for ‘indecent and undemocratic’ onslaughts accusing it for continuing extortion, issuing threats and continuing ‘illegal activities’.
Nepal also accused UCPN (Maoist) for not implementing to dismantle paramilitary YCL and return seized assets—demands UML and Nepali Congress themselves abandoned for the April 2008 constituent assembly elections.
The ruling parties demanded its strict implementation following their rout in elections at the hands of the Maoists.
Nepal said Maoists pledged their support for multi-party politics without accepting the identity of other parties.
The premier claimed during his rule ‘comparatively law and order situation improved’ while listing other achievements of his government.
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Two traders shot dead in Rukum

Kathmandu, 1 July: Two traders were shot dead overnight in Rukum.
Purna BK and Narayan Buda were shot dead by n armed group and three were injured.
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Jhalanath Khanal returns home

Kathmandu, 1 July: UML Chairman JhalanathKhanal returned home Thursday morning after an angiogram at Saheed Gangalal Heart Center.
He spent the night at the hospital.
He was admitted there Wednesday for observation after complaining of chest pain at party headquarters where a standing committee meeting was being held.
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Nagaland home minister detained at airport

Kathmandu, 1 July: Nagaland Home Minister Imkong I. Imnchen was detained by authorities at Tribhuvan International Airport Wednesday with IRs 200,000 in illegal 1,000 and Rs 500 currency notes as he was boarding a morning flight for New Delhi.
He took another flight for the Indian capital six hours later following investigation; the money was seized.
He arrived in Nepal Sunday with family to attend a wedding reception
Telephonic conversation was held between officials of airport police, police headquarters, home ministry and the Indian embassy for a conciliatory resolution, Kantipur reports.
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Taranath Ranabhatt leads front of former legislators

Kathmandu, 1 July: Taranath Ranabhatt, speaker of parliament of the restored multi-party system after 1990, was unanimously elected chairman of the 41-member working committee of former parliamentarians front.
Ranabhatt was elected by a general convention while Shanker Nath Sharma was elected general secretary.
Ranabhatt was the second speaker of parliament after Damannath Dhungana.
He headed a probe team that pinned responsibility of Crown Prince Dipendra for the Narayanhiti royal palace massacre in which the entire family of King Birendra and Queen Aishwarya were killed.
The Nepali Congress activist from the west was expelled by Girija Prasad Koirala from the party for refusing a party directive to resign as speaker during the royal regime.
He continued as chairman even during the royal rule of King Gyanendra after parliament completed its five year tenure as per constitutional provision that said the speaker continues to remain in his post until fresh parliamentary elections.
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Singapore, Brunei should directly recruit Gurkhas: Supreme court

Kathmandu, 1 July: A division bench of the supreme court directed government Wednesday to sign separate agreements with the governments of Brunei and Singapore for the recruitment of Nepalese soldiers in Singapore army and Brunei Army.
The Gurkhas are deployed for security duties at the royal palace in Brunei and the president’s mansion in Singapore besides protecting vital installations in the two south-east Asian countries.
The British government, which directly recruits Nepal’s Gurkhas for its army, sub-contracts the soldiers to Brunei and Singapore.
A public interest was filed by Om Prakash Aryal at the court challenging the practice since the Rana period.
Nepal has a tripartite agreement only with India and Great Britain for the recruitment of its citizens for foreign deployment.
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Journalist abducted

Kathmandu, 1 July: Keshab Bohara, a radio journalist attached with Radio Mandavi, was abducted from Tiram in Pyuthan Wednesday.
He complained of threats from Maoists after reporting on a land dispute in the district.
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Sushil Koirala returns Saturday

Kathmandu, 1 July: Acting Nepali Congress President Sushil Koirala returns home Saturday, Rajdhani reports.
He left New York for United Kingdom Tuesday after a regular check-up of his tongue.
He’s staying in the UK for four days.
(Note: Koirala was treated for tongue cancer three years ago at a New York hospital. Koirala returns home amid a political crisis triggered by the resignation of Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal Wednesday night.)
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Ruling parties could cobble up a new ‘democratic coalition; other details

By Bhola B Rana

Kathmandu, 30 June: Leaders of the incumbent government said Wednesday the ruling coalition will attempt to form another ‘democratic coalition’ which will keep Maoists away from a consensus government.
Following the resignation of Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal, Vice-chairman Baburam Bhattarai staked a Maoist claim to lead a government of consensus.
Nepali Congress leader Krishna Prasad Shitaula rules out his party joining a Maoist-led government.
‘I don’t see a possibility of a government with Maoists,’ he said revealing Nepal didn’t consult his party before the resignation.
The NC was informed of the resignation only, he said.
Shitaula said there was a possibility of ‘a new majority government under this coalition’ and added, ‘We’ll have to wait land see.’
The former home minister said Maoists can’t lead a government with their weapons and fighters intact.
UML Chairman Jhala Nath Khanal said the ‘leadership of the new government will be discussed’.
Deputy Prime Minister and MJFL Chairman Bijaya Kumar Gachedhar staked a claim to lead a new coalition ‘which will ‘be better than the coalition with big parties’.
Government Spokesman Shanker Pokhrel (UML) said a new ‘democratic coalition ‘ will be led by present ruling parties ruling out a ‘consensus government’.
Uncertainty continues with the resignation of Madhav Kumar Nepal with a heightened tussle to bring down the government as ruling parties attempt to assemble another coalition without Nepal.
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President asks council of ministers to continue; other details on Nepal resignation

By Bhola B Rana

Kathmandu, 30 June: President Dr Ram Baran Yadav Wednesday asked the council of ministers to continue until the formation of a new government team following the resignation of Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal ‘with immediate effect.
Nepal held his last consultative meeting with ted ruling coalition party leaders before be went on the air announcing he was quitting in a nationally televised address.
The government chief said he attempted for one month to form a national unity government by consulting political parties, including Maoists, but got no response.
He accused the main opposition of extortion, threats and renegading on a promise to bring the 19,000 plus former Maoist combatants under the special committee headed by the government chief.
Nepal wished the successor government success in drafting a constitution to institutionalize a republic which has already been declared while hoping the delayed peace process will be completed.
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Maoists say Nepal’s resignation positive; more details of premier’s resignation

By Bhola B Rana

Kathmandu, 30 June: Maoist Vice-chairman Baburam Bhattarai said Wednesday’s resignation of Prime Minnister Madhav Kumar Nepal was a positive step.
“It was late but a positive step,” Bhattarai said.
“This has opened the way for a national unity government. We’ll make an effort as the largest party,” he added.
The candidate for prime minister from the main opposition called for ‘system of consensus’ as majority system failed to deliver a constitution even in two years.
Spokesman Dina Nath Sharma said a ‘new chapter’ had begun.
Earlier, Nepal said he was clearing the way for consensus to conclude the peace process and draft a constitution.
The premier said he faced ‘undignified’ behaviour from Maoists since he assumed office and faced opposition on the street, parliament and even ghaeroes.
Nepal announced his intention at a standing committee meeting of his UMP party; the meeting was immediately put off. (more)
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Details of Nepal resignation

By Bhola B Rana

Kathmandu, 30 June: The prime minister went to meet Prime Minister Dr Ram Baran Yadav after the address.
Nepal said he couldn’t let the state of indecision continue and it was getting late to present the annual budget in parliament.
Efforts for an attempted solution with Maoists were inconclusive, he said.
He said his experience with main opposition Maoists was ‘bitter’.
Nepal succeeded the nine-month government led Maoist Chairman Prachanda who quit without facing parliament to test the successor government had a majority in the legislature.
Prachanda quit following his failure to implement several decisions which he couldn’t implement under domestic or international pressure.
He failed to follow through replace an Indian bhatta at Pashupatinath temple, the holiest Hindu shrine in Nepal.
The Maoist-led government replaced the bhatta and a Nepali Brahmin.
The issue at Pashupatinath is not the traditional bhatta to conduct daily pujas and rituals but transparency in the management of offerings at the temple.
Prachanda had to resign when he couldn’t implement his own government to sack Army Chief Gen Rukmangud Katawal who was retained by President Dr Ram Baran Yadav.
Analysts said the Prachanda government attempted to disrupt the entire command structure of the state army which retaining his command of the PLA.
A direct confrontation between the government and the army was real—the army won when the executive prime minister resigned and Katawal continued. More
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PM NEPAL RESIGNS (BREAKING STORY)

By Bhola B Rana

Kathmandu, 30 June: Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal resigned Wednesday after 13 months in office.
Nepal said he resigned despite a majority in parliament with the support of 22 parties.
He announced the resignation in a 10-minute address to the nation attempting to list the achievements of his administration.
He hit out the Maoists who relentlessly pressed for his resignation demanding a national unity government under the main opposition.
Maoists said they will obstruct the coming budget session of parliament and wouldn’t let the government present its plans and programmes and the annual budget. More
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3 killed in Okhaldunga landslide

Kathmandu, 30 June: Three persons died and seven were injured in a landslide at Aptar in Okhaldungs Wednesday morning.
Two are missing.
A landslide roared down a hilltop past a hotel above the village.
Rescue teams haven’t reached the site until late afternoon.
Monsoon has just set in..
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Other details of govt. facility for Kumari

Kathmandu, 30 June: Government will also bear the monthly education expense of Goddess Kumari.
Government also increased the monthly expense of Kumari 25 percent.
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Parliamentary committee summons premier, home minister

Kathmandu, 30 June: Parliament’s state management committee Wednesday summoned Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal and Home Minister Bhim Rawal to depose before it on the deteriorating law and order situation.
The summon comes after a reprimand from the National Human Rights Commission which noted the security situation has deteriorated with killings and abductions.
Date for the deposition hasn’t been fixed.
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Ban on tree felling extended

Kathmandu, 30 June: Nation-wide felling of trees was extended by the cabinet from two to four months following widespread destruction of forests.
The previous two-month ban had no effect.
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Govt. stipend for Kumari increased

Kathmandu, 30 June: Government stipend for Goddess Kumari was increased 25 percent by the government Wednesday.
Stipend was hiked for Bhairab and Ganesh as well.
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Bardiya Congress leader shot, injured

Kathmandu, 0 June: Bardiya Congress leader Kittu Yadav, who was shot and injured overnight, has been rushed to Lucknow for treatment.
Yadav was a vocal anti-Maoist.
Three persons have been detained for questioning.
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House captured by YCL demolished amid clash

Kathmandu, 30 June: A house captured in Maoist YCL in Teku was demolished Tuesday on order of the court and with the assistance of police and metropolitan authorities amid clashed between Maoists and police.
YCL captured the hose and established its office in the building owned by Shobakar Neupane.
YCL continued the building’s occupation even after Neupane won custody of the house after a long court battle.
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20 civil servants scale Yala peak in Langtang region

Kathmandu, 30 June: Twenty government officials preparing to scale the 8848 meters high Mount Everest, the world’s tallest peak in 2011, climbed Yala peak in Langtang region Monday, an official announcement said.
The team is led by Lilamani Paudel, secretary at the Office of the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers.
Paudel was previously secretary at the ministry of tourism that gives out permits to foreign expeditions to scale Nepal’s Himalayan peaks.
The first team of Nepali officials to collectively attempt a Himalayan peak at home trained for three days before setting off for Yala from the capital.
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Petrol shortage in the capital

Kathmandu, 30 June: Vehicle owners have been inconvenienced for several days in the capital with long hours of wait at filling stations to fill up tanks in cars and motorcycles.
There’s been a shortage of petrol in Nepal following a hike of prices in India from where Nepal imports POL products.
Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) says India has halved exports to Nepal following the price rise.
NOC says it will still take several days for the supply to normalize.
Although NOC says shortage is the result of supply disruption, the oil importing monopoly uses alibis like its loss and leveling of cross-border prices to increase fuel price in Nepal.
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Naxalites kill 26 Indian policemen

Kathmandu, 30 June: In a major Naxal attack, 26 CRPF personnel were today [Tuesday] shot dead and seven were injured in an ambush in a remote area of Chhattisgarh’s Narayanpur district, PTI reports from Raipur.
Heavily-armed Maoists opened fire with automatic weapons from a hilltop when a 63-member security contingent was returning from road opening duty on foot, Union Home Secretary G.K. Pillai said in New Delhi.
The attack which also left seven personnel including four special police officers of the Chhattisgarh police injured, took place at Daurai Road area, about 300 km from here at around 3 PM.
It comes nearly three months after the worst April six Dantewda massacre by Maoists which left 75 personnel of the force and one Chhattisgarh police dead.
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Trees worth Rs 600 million felled illegally

Kathmandu, 30 June: About two million cubic feet of trees—double the amount sanctioned by Banke district forest office—have been felled, Gorkhapatra reports from Nepalgunj.
A parliamentary sub-committee of parliament’s natural resources committee, also consisting of journalists, conducted a study of community and natural forests in Banke.
Officials were involved in the racket.
Trees, not ready for felling, and khair were illegally cut.
(Note: A team of parliament’s natural resources committee with Shanta Chandhary left for the terai Wednesday to study the unbridled destruction of forests.)
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MEDIA GOOGLE

“We surrendered to someone to teach a family member a lesson forgetting that tiger will also devour us. The tiger named Delhi is today trying to devour Maoists and especially Prachanda. Sooner or later, if they don’t behave like slaves, Nepali Congress and UML leaders will be kicked out, like Gyanendra and Prachanda.”

(Rabindra Mishra, Nagarik, 30 June)

‘There’s no dispute in the chairman leading the government but the party is ready to also search for an agreement.”

(Maoist Vice-chairman Mohan Baidya, Nagarik, 30 June)

“There’s no environment to work; secretaries can be killed anywhere, anytime.”

(Central Chairman Bhawani Ghimere of VDC Rights Manch, Kantipur, 30 June)

“If any country feels insecure, it can check goods coming through its territory for its interest. Editors of other newspapers visit me regularly. But newspapers of your publication don’t come frequently to me.”

(Indian Ambassador Rakesh Sood telling Publisher of Kantipur Publications ,Janaastha, 30 June)
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Details of govt. effort to end crisis

Kathmandu, 29 June: In the first government bid to break a prolonged political impasse, Deputy Prime Minister Bijaya Kumar Gachedhar held separate discussions
with UML Chairman Jhalanath Khanal and NC Vice-chairman Ram Chandra Paudel.
Gachedhar, who is chief of MJFK, led a team of 10 ministers from different parties supporting the coalition as they talked with the top leaders of two ruling parties.
The government team and two leaders discussed issues that are aggravating the political crisis, including integration and resettlement of 19,000 Maoist combatants.
Gachedhar said the prolonged deadlock shouldn’t propel an economic crisis.
Ruling and opposition parties have failed to negotiate an outlet.
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Heavy rain causes destruction in Sankhuwasabha

Kathmandu, 29 June: At least 400 persons of 56 houses were displaced following heavy rain that lashed Sichuwala khola VDC is the eastern hill district of Sankhuwasabha, local officials said.
Two schools, VDC development office and a suspension bridge were washed away.
The VDC is two days’ walk from district headquarters.
The damage could be worse.
Monsoon has just set in.
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More VDC secretaries resign

Kathmandu, 29 June: Seventy-three VDC secretaries from Parbat and Dolakha districts resigned collectively by submitting their resignations to the local development officers of the hill districts Tuesday.
They citied lack of security at work.
The secretaries who conduct administrative functions have receiving threats from local groups pushing autonomy.
The threat has spread nation-wide especially in the hill districts.
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Load-shedding reduced further

Kathmandu, 29 June: Load-shedding will be reduced to 14 hours a week from Wednesday, Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) announced Tuesday.
The weekly power will be reduced from 35 to 14 hours with the arrival of the monsoon.
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Govt. efforts to end deadlock

Kathmandu, 29 June: Government Tuesday made its first effort to end a prolonged political deadlock.
A 10-member team of ministers from parties representing parties in government and headed by Deputy Prime Minister Bijaya Kumar Gachedhar held consultations with UML Chairman Jhalanath Khanal who has been saying Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal must go even though both are from UML.
Gachedhar is Chairman of MJFL and has pushed a government led by Madesh parties if the three big parties fail to form a successor government of Nepal.
The ministerial team is holding discussions with Ram Chandra Paudel, NC Vice-chairman and leader of the parliamentary party.
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SLC result Friday or Saturday

Kathmandu, 29 June: This year’s SLC result will be published Friday or Saturday.
“We are planning to publish the results on Friday or Saturday,” Chitra Debkota, Controller of the Office of the Controller of Examinations told The Rising Nepal.
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National Paddy Day celebrated

Kathmandu, 29 June: National Paddy Day was celebrated Tuesday coinciding with Ashad 15 by eating beaten rice with curd and planting paddy, the country’s staple food.
Nepal, once a rice exporting nation, started observing National Paddy Day from 2004.
Rice production this year fell to 4 million tons from 4.5 million tons the previous year—a 11 percent fall.
Production declined mainly because of bad monsoon and non-availability of fertilizers especially during the planting season.
Paddy has been planted this year only in 14 percent farmland so far with inadequate monsoon, Gorkhapatra reports.
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Maoist extended central committee meet in November

Kathmandu, 29 June: An extended central committee meet of main opposition Maoists will be held sometime in November,
The party’s standing committee which met Monday following a politburo meet took the decision.
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BJP leader LK Advani arriving next month

Kathmandu, 29 June: At the invitation of Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sujata Koirala, senior BJP leader L.K. Advani is arriving here next month, The Kathmandu Post reports.
According to sources, the date of his proposed visit to Kathmandu is around July-end.
(Note: Advani, had in the past, expressed a desire to visit Nepal for a darshan of Pashupatinath.)
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PM’s love for publicity

Kathmandu, 29 June: Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal
has established a new record for his personal publicity, Kantipur reports.
Ten books in Nepali and English have been published of his speeches, photographs of his meetings and achievements during his tenure.
All his predecessors didn’t do this on government expense.
In the panchayat era, only the royal palace published publicity books.
Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal’s first address was published in booklet form.
Three books have been published of his visits; their English editions have also been published.
A booklet was earlier when the government completed 100 days.
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TRADE, COMMERCE, ECONOMY

Muscat Bank opening representative office

Kathmandu, 29 June: Dubai-based Muscat Bank has applied to Nepal Rashtra Bank (NRB) to open a representative office in Nepal, The Kathmandu Post reports.
It presently maintains a liaison office.
Citibank had opened a representative office in Nepal which was closed a few years ago.
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MEDIA GOOGLE

“Learnt the king without a crown is en route to view the bhoto…That’s why the traffic jam.”

(One stranded cyclist tells a stranded motorcyclist, cartoon in Nagarik, 29 June)

‘I’ll not resign even in the next for one year if Maoists their threats and bickering.”

(PM Nepal, Annapurna Post, 29 June)

Prachanda confirms ‘encirclement by ‘one’s own”

Kathmandu, 28 June: Maoist Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal aka Prachanda confirmed Monday ‘encirclement’ by ‘one’s own’ at a gathering in the capital Monday.
Such encirclement by such people was ‘very painful‘, he said, more painful than the encirclement by ‘foreigners and enemies’.
The statement confirms he’s facing criticism in his party from top party colleagues.
A published report Monday said vice-chairmen Mohan Bidya, Bburam Bhattarai and General Secretary Ram Bahadur Thapa, unhappy wih his public utterances and style of functioning, have charged Dahal for not working collectively and have formed an alliance against him.
Prachanda’s trusted militant leader Barsha Man Pun has abandoned the chairman, the report said, and joined Bhattarai.
Prachanda has run the party with an iron fist.


Maoists ask Nepal govt. to resign, create environment for national unity govt.

Kathmandu, 28 June: Main opposition Maoists warned Monday the ‘unilateral’ summoning of parliament 5 July ’without consultation will invite confrontation’.
This was stated in a written statement issued by Spokesman Dinanath Sharma after President Dr Ram Baran Yadav summoned the legislature 5 July after consulting Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal Monday.
The standing committee asked the Nepal government to resign and create an environment for the formation of a ‘national unity government’.
The committee, which met after a politburo meet concluded, decided to prevent the passage of the annual budget in parliament ‘at any cost’.
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Kashi Tiwari cremated

Kathmandu, 28 June: Hindu leader Kashi Tiwri was cremated at along a river at Rani ghat in Birgunj Monday after his body was picked up three days after his murder.
Hindu Youth Federation withdrew an indefinite strike of the town with the cremation.
Six persons, including a Maoist activist, have been apprehended for investigation amid charges Maoists were behind the assassination.
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MEDIA GOOGLE

“Because they are ministers.”

(CIAA Spokesman Ishwari Piudel on why the anti-corruption agency hasn’t acted against persons failing to submit asset details required by law, The Kathmandu Post, 28 June)

President summons parliament 5 July

Kathmandu, 28 June: President Dr Ram Baran Yadav summoned the delayed session of the budget session of parliament 5 July.
The president made the announcement after consultations with embattled Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal Monday.
The session with be tumultuous with main opposition Maoists threatening to obstruct proceedings like last year.
The major purpose will be push the proposed Rs 350 billion annual through parliament before the beginning of the fiscal year 2010/11 17 July.
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Body of slain Hindu leader lifted from Birgunj for cremation

Kathmandu, 28 June: The body of Kailash Tiwari, Chairman of Hindu Youth Federation, was lifted from Birgunj for cremation later Tuesday three days after he was shot dead.
The Federation, demanding investigation and punishment of those responsible, for blamed Maoists for the killing.
The organization also lifted a strike slapped on the town to protest the murder.
A Maoist leader has been arrested for investigation.
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Maoist leader apprehended in Parsa

Kathmandu, 28 June: Jalim Miya, Chief of Muslim Mukti Morcha affiliated with Maoists, was apprehended overnight from his home in Jagannathpur in Parsa for investigation into Saturday’s murder of Hindu Youth Federation (HYF) Chairman Kashi Tiwar.
He was taken into custody on leads provided by four persons during interrogation, police said.
HYF has lodged a complaint with local authorities charging Maoists were behind the murder.
Tiwari hasn’t been cremated even three days after his shooting and his body has been kept on display at Birgunj.
The Federation is demanding action and follow-up action before thebody is lifted.
Hindus forcibly evicted Maoists from their camp in Birgunj during an indefinite nation-wide anti-government strike that fizzled out in six days earlier this year.
Maoists were enraged.
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Parliament likely to meet 5 July

Kathmandu, 28 June: Government and parliament are consulting to convene a delayed session of parliament 5 July, Speaker Subash Nemwang said Sunday.
Nemwang told this to reporters after consulting Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal.
Maoists said they will obstruct proceedings for the second time in two years; this was confirmed by the speaker.
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Only 11 months remain to promulgate a constitution

By Bhola B Rana

Kathmandu, 28 June: A tripartite agreement signed exactly one month
ago on 28 May by Maoists, Nepali Congress (NC) and UML to extend the two-year elected mandate of the constituent assembly (CA) until 28 May 2011 to draft a republican constitution has created new problems instead of breaking a prolonged political stalemate.
The three parties met and agreed to draw up a new schedule to complete draft a constitution to institutionalize a republic declared by a self-appointed, unelected parliament by toppling the 238-year-old Shah dynasty established by Prithvi Narayan Shah.
Maoists now say even the CA proceedings won’t proceed until Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal resigns as stipulated in the written tripartite agreement which hasn’t been signed by Nepal.
Main opposition Maoists now are pressing for the implementation of all three points of the written agreement, including the resignation of Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal, and said no work will be taken up.
Work in parliament and the CA has come to a standstill.
The entire attention of parties in parliament has been centered around either toppling government or clinging on to power.
Maoists contend the peace process will be concluded and a republican will be promulgated if only the party with 40 percent seats in the CA and parliament is in government.
How?
Differences on fundamental principles to be incorporated be incorporated in the proposed continue won’t fade away with Maoists joining the government.
Efforts haven’t been made to address these fundamental and difficult issues.
The issue is not promulgating a constitution in the remaining 11 months.
The need now is to issue a DEMOCRATIC constitution that will preserve democracy and democratic structures in the 21st century.
The real fight is between liberal democratic values and Draconian communism; the earlier this is realized the better.
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Nepali women leave to climb remaining seven highest summits

Kathmandu, 28 June: A group of Nepali women who scaled the 8848 meters high Mount Everest in 2008, is flying for Australia Monday to complete a campaign to climb the seven tallest summits in seven continents.
The team coordinated by Shailee Basnet will begin its effort by first attempting the 2228 meters high Mt. Kosciuszko in Australia.
Italy’s Reinhold Messner is the first climber to complete a dream of alpinists to set foot atop the highest summits in all continents.
Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal Sunday handed over a Buddha statute to the team to be gifted to new and first Australian woman Prime Minister Julia Gillard; President Dr Ram Baran Yadav handed the national flag
to be planted atop the Astralian peak.
Other expedition members are: Asha Kumari Singh, Channu Shrestha, Nim Doma Sherpa, Pujan Acharya, skydiver Maya Gurung, Ngawang Phuti Sherpa and Usha Bista.
Three women hail from Dolakha.
The expedition sponsored by Nepal Mountaineering Association, North Face, non-resident Nepalis, Nepal Tourism Board and organizations related to mountaineering.
The team will raise awareness during interactions in educational institutions and communities on the adverse impact of climate change in the Hmalaya with the highest mountains in the world.
By 2011, the expedition will also attempt Elbrus in Europe, Kilimanjaro in Africa, Denali in USA, Acocangua in South America and Vinson Massif in Antartica.
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Maoist team leaves for China Tuesday

Kathmandu, 27 Nov: A Maoist team headed by Vice-chairman Nrayan Kazi Shestha and Foreign Department Chief Krishna Bahadur Mahara leaves for China Tuesday for a 10-day visit, Shrestha said.
The team is visiting the northern neighbour at the invitation of the Communist Party of China.
Other team members are: Lokendra Bista, Hitraj Pandey, Santosh Budamagar, Khagraj Bhatta, Krishnadeb Singh Danuwar, Pawanman Shrestha, Satya Pahadi, Durlab Pun and Prachanda’s daughter Ganga Dahal.
The team begins the China visit by flying to Lhasa.
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Congress asks govt. to convene parliament

Kathmandu, 27 June: Nepali Congress has asked government to call parliament into session immediately.
“I ask government to immediately convene parliament,” Nabindra Raj Joshi, Spokesman of Nepali Congress (NC) parliamentary party Nabindra Raj Joshi said in a statement Sunday.
Maoists say they will obstruct the budget session and prevent the passage of the annual budget 2010/11.
Government called the parliament into session after consulting SpeakerSUbash Subash Nemwang but later renegaded to collect support of parties for government plans and programmes.
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Collective leadership against Prachanda

Kathmandu, 28 June: Three senior leaders have alerted Maoist Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal for sidelining collective leadership even as the party has adopted multi-party process, Kantipur reports.
Vice-chairmen Mohan Baidya, Baburam Bhattarai and General Secretary Ram Bahadur Thapa are collectively alerting Dahal, a top source told Kantipur.
Their conclusion is the party has suffered a bid damage in the last one year as a result of Dahal’s behaviour and statements as Dahal sidelined collective leadership.
This has made the trio serious.
A new realignment has emerged in Maoists following the dissatisfaction.
“A new alignment has emerged in the party. Now whatever the chairman says won’t prevail,” the top source said.
The two vice-chairmen have come closed and Ram Bahadur Thapa is behind them.
A source close to Baidya said this alliance will emerge stronger at the forthcoming expanded party meeting.
Barsha Man Pun, previously close to Dahal,is now Bhattarai’s advisor.
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MEDIA GOOGLE

“The prime minister hasn’t been able to take up various issues concerning ministers. Concerning ministers, he should act like he has acted with secretaries.”

(Congress leader Dr Ram Sharan Mahat, Deshantar, 28 June)

‘This government couldn’t succeed; it couldn’t complete the peace and promulgate a constitution; it couldn’t complete its commitment; that’s why there no reason to assist it.”

(UML Chairman Jhalanath Khanal, Annapurna Post, 28 June)
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Bidya Bhandari says only 3,400 Maoist fighters will be integrated

Kathmandu, 27 June: One day after Maoist politburo demanded integration of all 19,000 Maoist combatants in Nepal Army, Defence Minister Bidya Bhandari said Sunday only 3,400 former combatants will be integrated in security agencies.
Tough talking Bhandari all combatants can’t be integrated adding attractive packages
Making public details of the politburo decision Sunday, Chairman Prachanda said another option for government would be to create another security agency with former fighters of the PLA.
He also rejected recruitment of Nepal Army with fighters meeting state standards of state security agencies.
The integration and resettlement to be completed six months after the sighing of the comprehensive that was to be completed in six months has been extended to three years; the process, with the fresh Maoist decision, will lengthen the process without an agreement in sight between government and the main opposition.
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VDC secretaries resign collectively

Kathmandu, 27 June: All 120 secretaries of VDCs of the hill districts of Kavre and Sankhuwasabha districts have resigned collectively following threats from the Samyukta Morcha.
VDC secretaries from districts have demanded security at work if VDCs are to carry out responsibilities.
Secretaries from Mohottari in the terai also revealed they’ve received threats as well.
Immediate autonomy is being demanded by districts in hills and terai.
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Maoist leaders return from USA

Kathmandu, 27 June: Maoist leaders CP Gajurel, Top Bahadur Rayamajhi and Pampha Bhusal returned home from USA Sunday after being recalled by the politburo.
They had gone there to attend a State department sponsored on Nepal with party approval.
But they were recalled after Agni Kharel, who said he had received an invitation and visa from the US embassy, didn’t join his colleagues,
Kharel said unspecified obstructions were placed after the visa issuance—denied by US Ambassador Scott DeLisi.
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Rato Machindranath festival ends

Kathmandu, 27 June: Rato Machindranath festival, the country’s longest, ended Sunday evening with the display of the bhoto in the presence of Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal accompanied by President Dr Ra, Baran Yadav at Jawalakhel Sunday.
The idol was to be carried on a ‘khat’ to a temple by devotees in Bungamati , for reinstallation at the temple.
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No agreement with Maoists to form state restructuring commission

Kathmandu, 27 June: There was no agreement between ruling parties NC and UML and main opposition UCPN (Maoist) Sunday to form a state restructuring commission, NC leader Dr Ram Sharan Mahat said.
The commission formation was suggested by the ruling parties.
Maoists said there was be no progress drafting a constitution until Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal resigns and a national unity government formed.
The formation wasn’t even discussed.
The commission could recommend a new federal structure for incorporation in a constitution by 28 May 2011 to institutionalize a republic.
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Three-party meet ends abruptly

Kathmandu, 27 June: A meeting of Maoists, NC and UML ended abruptly Sunday without discussing constitution drafting after the 28 May tripartite agreement.
The first meet agreed to push constitution drafting after the 28 May accord that signed a three-point agreement.
Maoists said Sunday work of drafting can’t proceed until the government chief resigns.
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A rejuvenated PM hit back at party and some sections in it

By Bhola B Rana

Kathmandu, 27 June: A rejuvenated Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal, who had considered resigning under mounting Maoist pressure has now started hitting out at his party and some members close to Maoists almost calling them traitors.
Nepal has not only resurrected but has even said he won’t resign.
“A tendency has emerged to view Maoists as revolutionaries and let down the party. The tendency to surrender to Maoists must end.
“These persons who are saddened when Maoists are in an awkward position and are encouraged when they are on the upswing are harming the party.
“They are happy when legs of UML activists are smashed and consider the leg smashers as revolutionaries. Such tendencies prevail in the party; there’s need for new awareness in the organization,” the government chief, who was once general secretary said.
‘Others didn’t understand the conspiracy, moves and disgruntling
of the Maoists; some friends in the UML also didn’t.
“Some leaders in UML said the prime minister should resign and kneel down to Maoists and also spread rumours there will be civil war, bloodshed in the country.
“I learnt I would be encircled and dragged by 25,000 to force my resignation. Am I such a coward I can’t defend the country and can’t face the challenge to capture power?” he angrily said in Lalitpur Saturday calling Maoists leg smashers.
The main opposition brought Nepal to parliament after he laws defeated from two constituencies in constituent assembly elections in April 2008 to make him chairman of the main constitution drafting committee.
Eventually he landed in Baluwatar.
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Further details of Maoist demand for PLA

By Bhola B Rana

Kathmandu, 27 June: Taking a tough position that’s likely to be rejected by government, Maoist politburo Saturday demanded all 19,000 PLA combatants should be integrated in Nepal Army or a separate security with them should be launched.
“We haven’t said anything about exact numbers in the modality of the comprehensive peace agreement (CPA). All verified by UNMIN are qualified for integration. This is the spirit of the CPA.
“It’s against the spirit of the CPA to specify numbers. We’ve concluded to specify numbers is not take the peace process to its conclusion,’ Chairman Prachanda said after conclusion of the 10-day politburo meet.
The Maoist chief said the politburo decided to start discussions with other political parties to ‘integrate a separate unit of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) or another force’.
He said referring to integration in CPA: ”The modality doesn’t specify the security force. Modality should be specified by political understanding.’”
The leader of the main opposition rejected integration in state security agencies calling for setting up standards for integration.
He rejected the present standards for recruitment of Nepal Army, Nepal Police and the Armed Police Force (APF).
Prachanda, who’s still the PLA chief said: “Ruling parties have mentioned standards of the existing security agencies for recruitment. Nepal’s peace agreement has it’s own specialties and accepted norms. There should be standard norms not for recruitment but for integration. We didn’t come to an agreement for integration of PLA.”
The politburo took the policy decision on the PLA after being empowered by the standing committee and as ruling parties said only limited numbers of the former fighters will be integrated in state security agencies as individuals if they meet their recruitment norms.
The fighters are in 28 cantonments and satellite camps under limited UNMIN watch.
Maoists are obviously using the former fighters as a bargaining chip for negotiations with the government by hardening party position.
The integration, resettlement that should have been completed in six months hasn’t been completed even in three years.
Western nations are funding their stay in the camps by contributions to a peace fund managed by the government.
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MEDIA GOOGLE

“The whole country is paying the price of political instability. At this stage I’m on a standstill. If these sort of political gimmicks go on, I am insecure. My family is at risk and I cannot work in that situation. I have burnt our hands already and we can’t be in fire again. Today it is very difficult to continue and consolidate what we have, forget about expansion or reinvestment. Forget about any diversification, both horizontal and vertical.”

(Tycoon Rajendra Khetan, The Himalayan Times, 27 June)

Rato Machindranath photo display Sunday

Kathmandu, 27 June: The bhoto of Rato Machindranath is being displayed at Jawalakhel Sunday.
A public holiday in the Valley has been announced.
The president, prime minister and senior government officials will view the bhoto displayed from three corners of the chariot at as they run shoulders with thousands of devotees.
The country’s longest festival ends with the display.
Pre-monsoon showers this year have been normal.
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Birgunj deserted

Kathmandu, 27 June: The border town of Birgunj was deserted Sunday one day after Hindu Yuba Manch Chairman Kashi Tiwari was gunned down by assailants in his hometown.
A strike was called to protest the killing.
He’s being cremated Sunday.
Tiwari came into prominence after a brutal attack on Maoists during the failed nationwide six-day crippling nationwide to bring down the government of Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal.
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President chief guest at the Shanghai Expo closing ceremony

Kathmandu, 27 June: President Dr Yam BaranYadav will be chief guest at the closing ceremony of the Shanghai Expo on 31 October, Annapurna Post reports.
Foreign Secretary Madan Kumar Bhattarai said the programme for the president’s visit has been fixed.
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TRADE, COMMERCE, ECONOMY

Nepse loses 11.54 points

Kathmandu, 27 June: Nepse lost 11.54 points at the end of five-day trading last week.
The market opened at 474.99 points Sunday and closed at 463.45 points Thursday.
Altogether 428,700 shares were traded in 5,158 transactions for Rs 143.61 million as turnover increased 38.42 percent compared to the previous week.
Commercial bank shares lost 14.39 points.
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MEDIA GOOGLE

“There’s shortage of players to convert goals in Nepali political football. Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal doesn’t leave the goalpost, Maoist Chairman Prachanda only runs around the field; he can’t score a goal and doesn’t pass the ball to others to convert. Jhalanath Khanal, Sher Bahadur Deuba and Ram Chandra Paudel are only in the reserve. The referee doesn’t blow the whistle when there’s a foul.”

(TV newsreader and former woman soccer player Ram Singh, Annapurna Post, 27 June)

”Be clean! You’ve got a delay, corruption and bootlicking tick on your back.”

(Observing the tick on the official’s back through a magnifying glass, PM Nepal, who has a bigger buffalo on his back, tells an official, cartoon in Annapurna Post, 27 June)
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Nothing will move until PL resigns: Maoists

Kathmandu, 25 June: Amid hardening positions, Maoist Chairman Prachanda said Saturday nothing will move ahead, including the presentation and approval of the annual budget in parliament until Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal resigns.
He said this while detailing the outcome of the main opposition’s 10-day politburo meet.
‘The character of the government should be changed to a caretaker government,” he said.
The leadership of a national government was left open.
Letting Dr Baburam Bhattarai reply, the party vice-chairman said,” The party will decide this.”
There’s a dispute in the party whether Prachanda or alternate candidates, including Vice-chairman Dr Baburam Bhattarai should lead such a government.
As it became clear a unity government isn’t likely to be formed soon, Prachanda left options open for formation of unity or majority government.
‘We’ve decided keeping both options open,” Prachanda said.
Maoist chief demanded the implementation of the 28 May tripartite agreement.
RESIGNATION OPTIONAL: PM Nepal
Meanwhile, PM Nepal said Saturday his resignation was a ‘personal issue’ and it won’t come on demand adding it’s wrong to claim government’s utility has ended.
“Government will be stronger with each threat,” he said asking for at last ‘minimum understanding’ to move forward.
Nepal charged UML Chairman Jhalanath Khanal and Bamdeb Gautam for attempting to place Maoists in government by ‘splitting’ the party.
“Was there a split? Was there blood-letting?” he asked after a botched indefinite blockade.
Maoist politburo decided all qualified 19,000 plus former fighters should be integrated into Nepal Army even as government said publicly it’s not ready to take not more than 4,000 to 7,000 fighters.
Maoist position on integration and resettlement has hardened after the politburo meet.
The process that was to be completed in six months after the comprehensive peace agreement (CPA) has lingered for three years.
The politburo was authorized by the standing committee to adopt modalities for integration and completing the peace process.
The vague CPA doesn’t specify exact numbers to be integrated and resettled and Nepali Congress leaders claim there was an unwritten agreement between Girija Prasad Koirala and Prachanda to integrate only 3,500 fighters.
Maoists have decided to convene a meeting of an expanded central committee following meetings outside the capital to explain party decisions.
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Hindu leader shot dead in Birgunj

Kathmandu, 26 June: Hindu Yuba Sangh Chairman Kashi Tiwari was shot dead in Birgunj Saturday.
He died while undergoing treatment at hospital.
Assailants fired four rounds and fled.
Hindus are active in the town even after the declaration of a republic.
Former King Gyanendra this month visited the central terai districts of Parsa, Bara and Rautahat and offered puja and prayers at temples in the central terai districts.
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Three Nepali Congress activists injured in clashes with Maoists

Kathmandu, 26 June: Ten Nepali Congress activists and policeman Anil Thapa were injured in clashes between Maoists the ruling party workers at Dhungadade in Gorkha district Saturday, the party said.
Seven persons have gone missing.
Fifty to 60 Maoists attacked a motorcycle convoy of five heading for the capital, the party added.
The dispute broke over appointment of a school management committee at a village.
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Rato Machindranath bhoto display Sunday

Kathmandu, 26 June: The Rato Machindranath bhoto will be displayed from the chariot at Jawalakhel Sunday at five in the afternoon.
The chariot was pulled there Thursday amid disruptions.
The festival invoking rain started 20 May.
Devotees thronged to Jawalakhel Saturday to offer worship; there a festive atmosphere in the area.
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Selection for closed camp

Kathmandu, 26 June: Eight players have been chosen by Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) for a closed camp for the ICC World Cricket League Division 4 being played 14-21 August in Italy.
Paras Khadka is capital and Gyanendra Malla his deputy.
Others are: Shakti Gauchan, Sharad Veswakar, Mahesh Chettri, Anil Kumar Mandal, Amrit Bhattarai, Basanta Regmi, Binod Das, Sanjam Regmi, Rahul BK, Manjeet Shrestha, Mehboob Alam, Pradeep Ayree, Naresh Budhayer, Binod Bhandari, Bhuwan Karki and Pushpa Thapa.
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Next budget around Rs 350 billion

Kathmandu, 26 June Finance Minister Surendra Pandey revealed Saturday ahead of the budget presentation, the size of the budget of fiscalyear 2010.11 will be around Rs 350 billion.
Eighty percent of it will be financed through internal resources, he a gathering in the capital Saturday.
With a political standoff, the budget could be presented through ordinance.
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MEDIA GOOGLE

“The size of the population minister is nine [eight sons and on daughter]. I feel ashamed and fearful people might say why listen of population talk from such a minister.”

(Minister of State for Population Khadga Bahadur Basyal, Annapurna Post, 26 June)
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Abducted man freed handcuffed in Chitwan

Kathmandu, 26 June: Bishnu Nath Adhikari, 34, abducted from Dhading 35 days ago was found handcuffed along a highway in Chitwan overnight.
Democratic Security Force Nepal claimed responsibility.
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Amid US denial, Maoist leader says he got invite, visa for US travel

By Bhola B Rana

Kathmandu, 26 June: Amid denial by US Ambassador Scoot H. DeLisi. Maoist politburo member Agni Sapkota said he received invitation and visa for travel to USA to attend a 10-day US State Department sponsored conference on Nepal in Boston.
A Maoist daily mouthpiece claimed Saturday there was a ‘conspiracy even though a visa was first given’ while there was ‘a conspiracy en route’.
“The embassy gave us visas in phases for the visit. Two received visas 22 July. one 23 July and I received it 24 July [Thursday],” politburo member Sapkota told Janadisha daily newspaper Saturday.” But they extended the invitation and they exerted pressure,” without going into details
But Sapkota didn’t board a flight for the Gulf that evening after receiving the visa saying there was pressure; three other Maoist colleagues boarded a flight.
‘The matter was discussed seriously and the conclusion was this was a party issue and not against me personally,” he told the newspaper.
Maoist politburo meet Friday recalled three top leaders CP Gajurel, Pampha Bhusal and Top Bahadur Rayamajhi have reacted the USA to attend the seminar.
Maoists are still on the US terrorist list but are given visas selectively.
“Fourth proposed participant could not be approved for travel due to serious and specific human rights allegations associated with his conduct during the insurgency.
“Although the Maoists remain on two US terrorist lists and are generally precluded from providing substantive support to the UCPN-M, the US government will authorise exceptions for them to participate in US government-funded programmes that support the peace process.
“Given the importance we attach to the search for lasting peace process in Nepal, we welcome the UCPN-M’s participation in the collaborative negotiations programme and we sought special clearances necessary for them to travel to the United States despite their inclusion on our list of terrorist organizations.
“Despite the disappointing withdrawal, the collaborative negotiation programme will continue,” DeLisi hoped in a statement Friday.
Maoist politburo meet Friday recalled the three Maoist leaders even before the meeting got off in Boston; representative of ruling parties NC and UML are participating.
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6 of 21 Nepali students homebound from New Delhi

Kathmandu, 26 June: Twenty-six Nepali students studying in troubled Kyrgyzstan have been repatriated to India on government expense, Nepali embassy in New Delhi said.
Twenty-one students have reported to the embassy until Friday six of whom have already left for home.
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Another charge against FAO

Kathmandu, 26 June: With the onset of monsoon. INSEC charged the UN agency FAO this year has again distributed sub-standard food to generally poor students in the far-West.
The human rights watch Nepali body charged FAO for distributing sub-standard food to thousands in region where hundreds died in 2009.
An open feud broke out with UN threatening to suspend food aid to Nepal.
INSEC said this week food distributed at two primary schools in Jajarkot were substandard.
INSEC, quoting the district education office, said flour gifted to Saraswati Primary School and Ramchandra Primary School were adulterated with sand.
Students fell sick after consumption.
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Maoists seize 88 bighas farmland

Kathmandu, 26 June: Maoists have intensified an assets seizure drive when ruling parties NC and UML have set a pre-condition for return of assets for formation of a national unity government, Rajdhani reports from Bardiya.
A Maoist-affiliated organization Friday captured 88bigas farmland in Rajapur island in Bardiya Friday planting party flags.
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Sushil Koirala undergoes health check-up in New York

Kathmandu, 26 June: The health condition of Nepali Congress Acting President Sushil Koirala is good after a regular health check-up at a cancer hospital in New York, Gorkhapatra reports quoting Private Secretary Laxman Dhakal.
He was treated for tongue cancer at the hospital there years ago.
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MEDIA GOOGLE

“The present government declared the ordinary people who were killed during the insurgency from the Maoists as martyrs [nearly 1,600 plus]… and this is an honour to the insurgency victims and their families.”

(PM Nepal, The Rising Nepal, 26 June)


“Currently, UML is leading everywhere in government, parliament and s street.”

(Party Chairman Jhalanath Khanal, Annapurna Post, 26 June)
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India releases 11 of 39 newsprint consignments (DEVELOPING STORY)

By Bhola B Rana

Kathmandu, 25 June: India Friday evening released 11 of 39 consignments of newsprint held at Kolkata port following, Kantipur Publications said.
The remaining consignments imported from Canada and South Korea are expected to be released Monday, an official announcement said.
The release followed a meeting between newspaper management and Indian Ambassador Rakesh Sood Friday.
The consignment destined for land-locked Nepal was held for nearly one month on pretext of revenue investigation.
The detention raised a controversy and stir in Nepal with lawmakers saying the hold-up was against the spirit of a bilateral transit treaty.
This is the first time India has acted against a ‘hostile media’ by intercepting newspaper import.
Regular publication of supplements of The Kathmandu Post and Kantipur was adversely affected with the intervention following newsprint shortage.
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Further details of Maoist leaders’ recall [MORE DETAILS]

Kathmandu, 25 June: Agni Sapkota, who also flew for USA Thursday to participate in the State Department sponsored seminar didn’t get a visa, Maoists said.
Three other party who left Thursday were recalled in protest by the politburo.
It wasn’t immediately clear why Sapkota joined three colleagues without a visa in the first place.
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TRADE, COMMERCE, ECONOMY







Tourism Sales Mission to South Korea concludes



Kathmandu, 25 June: A tourism sales mission to South Korea jointly by Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) and Nepal Embassy in South Korea in Gwangju Seoul from June 22-23, 2010 ended successfully, NTB said.





The sales mission appraised Korean travel writers and entrepreneurs on positive trends in Nepal and how Nepal’s tourism industry has rejuvenated after the launching of Nepal Tourism Year 2011.
Four Korean renowned mountaineers who have successfully climbed all 14 8000 meter high peaks were honoured.
Nepal recorded 15,803 arrivals from South Korea in the year 2009. The air arrivals for the first five months of 2010 from South Korea registered a growth of 42.8 % increase over the same period last year.
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Maoists recall US-bound squad

Kathmandu, 25 June: Maoists Friday recalled a four-member squad that flew for the USA Thursday to participate in a seminar on Nepal sponsored by the Statement Department, Spokesman Dina Nath Sharma said.
The team consisting of top leaders, including woman leader and former minister Pampha Bhusal, were among 23 leaders from other parties, including ruling NC and UML/
The team departed with party approval.
The main opposition justified the recall on ground another top leader Agni Kharel was denied a visa for entry into USA which still puts Maoists on its terrorist list.
Bhusal who was denied a visa earlier was given the document this time.
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Maoists still effort for national unity govt.

Kathmandu, 25 June: With hopes for a national unity government dwindling, an extended meeting of the Maoist politburo decided to effort its formation, party sources said.
There was no mention of a previous call for such a government under the leadership of Chairman Prachanda.
The leadership dispute has been kept open; it will be decided after there’s agreement on such a government with other parties, party sources said.
The politburo decisions will be announced through a news conference Saturday.
There were internal demands to announce an alternative candidate for premier.
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MEDIA GOOGLE

“”… the three-time former premier [Sher Bahadur Deuba] is not about to concede defeat. The fact that Deuba was sacked twice—failing to hold elections for the first time and inability to bring in the Maoists to talks the second—does not seem to be a disqualification. Paudel [Ram Chandra] has little beyond the party’s history to peddle. The Nepali Congress cannot get any more democratic or socialist than it already claims it has.”

(Maila Baje, Nepali Netbook, 25 June)
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Newsprint hold-up leads to supplement publication suspensions; other details

By Bhola B Rana

Kathmandu 25 June: With newsprint shortage following a hold-up of 1,000 tons of basic raw material for newspapers by giant neighour India, Kantipur Publications Friday announced indefinite suspension of supplements of daily newspapers The Kathmandu Post and Kantipur.
“We deeply regret that we had to halt the publication of our weekly Friday supplement Corporate due to shortage of the newsprint brought about by its hold-up in Kolkata. A supplement Hallo Sukrabar, published by our sister publication, Kantipur, has also been halted,” an announcement in The Kathmandu Post said.
Nearly, 1,000 tons of newsprint imported by the management of the newspapers have been held up at Kolkata port for nearly one month allegedly for revenue investigation.
Officiating Foreign Minister and Energy Minister Dr Prakash Sharan Mahat and Commerce Minister Rajendra Mahoto deposed parliament’s public accounts committee Friday and told the committee work had started to release the consignment.
The two ministers told the committee government received delayed information on the detention and acted immediately after it was highlighted by the two newspapers this week.
The committee had summoned Deputy Prime Minister Foreign Minister Sujata Koirala who is currently in UAE.
Committee members alleged Indian intelligence Raw engineered the episode while Dr Prakash Chandra Lohini of RJP said Indian embassy statement on the incident was threatening.
Following a two-and-a half-hour discussion, the committee directed the government to effort the early release of the held-up consignment and determine why the import was intercepted in the first place.
Commerce Secretary Purusottam Ojha told the committee there was shortage of officials at the port to inspect the import.
Government had asked the consulate general in Kolkata to intervene to release the consignment,
An Indian newspaper Thursday said Indian advertisements to the newspapers with the largest circulation in Nepal had been stopped.
“In Kathmandu, the unprecedented stoppage of newsprint is being seen as an attempt to pressure the two newspapers—Kantipur and the Post—to adopt a more favourable attitude to the Madhav Kumar Nepal government, which India is backing against the Maoists. Along with the delay in clearing newsprint supplies, the fact that major Indian companies have stopped advertising in both newspapers is also being seen as evidence of pressure tactics,” The Hindu said.
Indian embassy in Kathmandu has for four decades denied Indian government advertisements to newspapers considered ‘anti-Indian’.
With the recent entry of Indian multi-national companies, Indian embassy diplomats have recently worked behind-the-scene exerting pressure on private companies to deny advertisements to newspapers considered ‘hostile’.
Your blogger, a journalist with four decade experience, has experienced this even as a newspaper co-publisher with close connections with Nepali newspaper editors and publishers.
The publication started lobbying for international and national support.
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Delayed Maoist politburo meet begins

Kathmandu, 25 June: A delayed meeting of the Maoist politburo to be addressed by Chairman Prachanda began Friday.
The Maoist strongman had sought the extension for discussions with office bearers to incorporate differing views in his address; the politburo meet began 15 June.
Prachanda was scheduled to address the politburo Thursday.
The standing committee empowered the politburo to adopt the official party modalities for the integration and resettlement of 19,000 plus combatants and concluding the peace process.
Differences surfaced on who in the party should lead a government of national unity to replace the year-old government of Madhav Kumar Nepal.
A section sought an alternate to Prachanda.
Vice-chairman Narayan Kazi Shrestha majority politburo members favoured renewing an armed struggle if Maoist demands aren’t met; the main opposition has decided to disrupt parliamentary proceedings and stop the passage of the government’s annual plans and programmes and the annual budget.
Government, to counter Maoists, is considering an option to present the budget through ordinance.
The main opposition will make public its party position public after the meet.
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Home Minister Bhim Rawal leaves for Pakistan later Friday

Kathmandu, 25 June: Home Minister Bhim Rawal for Pakistan later Friday to attend a meeting of SAARC home ministers.
Curbing regional terrorism is an agenda of the conference.
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Nepal seeks extension from ICAO

Kathmandu, 25 June: Foreign ministry wrote to International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Thursday asking the UN agency to extend a deadline to replace hand-written passports with machine readable passports (MRPs) until 1 January 2011.
ICAO asked Nepal had to introduce MRPs by 1 April 2010 to help curb terrorism.
The process was dragged into controversy after the cabinet awarded contract to India without an international tender; government overturned its own decision drawing New Delhi’s ire.
An international tender was called by the foreign ministry 18 May to print MRPs.
Control and ownership of information has serious security implications.
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Rato Machindranath pulled to Lagankhel

Kathmandu, 25 June: The chariot of Rato Machindranath was pulled to Lagankhel in Jawalakhel Thursday evening.
The bhoto is displayed four days after it’s towed there.
The original bhoto is on display at a museum in Los Angeles.
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Joint committee to promote Nepal, UAE ties

Kathmandu, 25 June: Nepal and UAE Thursday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to strengthen bilateral ties.
Foreign Minister Sujata Koirala signed the MoU Nepal’s behalf.
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Politicos flew to USA Thursday to attend a US State Dept Nepal seminar in Boston

Kathmandu, 25 June: Twenty-three leaders and lawmakers, including four Maoists, flew for USA Thursday, at the invitation of a NGO, Nagarik reports.
Maoist leaders CP Gajurel, Top Bahadur Rayamajhi, Amik Serchan and Pampha Bhursal boarded a Gulf Air flight.
Three leaders each of NC and UML are participating in the seminar.
Congress leaders Arjun Narsingh KC, Ramesh Lekhak, Suphaprabha Ghimere along with UML leaders Pradip Geywali, Lucky Sherpa and Sahana Pradhan also boarded the flight.
Hridesh Tripathi of TMLP and Anil Anil Kumar Jha of NSP flew for the USA as well.
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Indian censor board’s no to Nepali film on its Maoists

Kathmandu, 25 June: Indian Censor Board has refused to certify “Flames of the Snow”, a documentary on Nepal, for public screening, The Kathmandu Post reports.
The board said thee film tells about the Maoist movement in Nepal and justifies its ideology.
It feels that ‘keeping in view the recent Maoist violence in some parts of the country, the permission of its public screening cannot be given,” said Ananda Swaroop Verma, producer of the film as well as a journalist.
Produced under the joint banner ‘GRINSO” and Third World Media, the 125-minute film has been produced by Verma and directed by Ashish Srivastava.
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TRADE, COMMERCE, ECONOMY

China duty free exports for Nepali goods from next week

Kathmandu, 25 June: At a time when several Nepali products are still nowhere in the international market, China is providing duty-free facility to Nepal from next week, RSS reports.
According to the Chinese Foreign Ministry, China is providing duty free facility from 1June to 33 underdeveloped countries, including Nepal, Bangladesh and the Maldives of South Asia.
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20,000 tons of sugar from India

Kathmandu, 25 June: Government is to import 20,000 metric tons of sugar form India, Annapurna Post reports.
There’s shortage now, but sugar is being brought in now to meet increased demand in dasain, tihar.
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NTIC 2010 launched

Kathmandu, 25 June: Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal Thursday made public the Nepal Trade Integration Strategy (NTIS) 2010.
Nineteen goods and services have been identified with highest export potential.
Cardamom, ginger, honey, lentil, tea, noodles, medicinal herbs, essential oils, handmade paper, silver jewellery, iron and steel, pashmina and wool products have been identified as high-potential export items.
Tourism, labour, information technology, business process outsourcing (BPO) services, health services, education, engineering, agro-food and hydro-electricity have export potential in service sector.
Nepal assured government will promote identified goods and services.
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MEDIA GOOGLE

“Don’t accept undue conditions put forth by foreigners across the negotiating table.”

“PM Nepal’s directive to secretaries, The Rising Nepal, 25 June)

“You should also discourage the tendency of using jazzy cars, go on junkets abroad and attend parties hosted by diplomats.”

(PM Nepal’s directive to secretaries, The Rising Nepal, 25 June)
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Foreign, commerce ministers summoned; other details

By Bhola B Rana

Kathmandu, 24 June: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sujata Koirala and Commerce Minister Rajendra Mahoto have been summoned to parliament’s public affairs committee Friday to depose on a hold-up of 1,000metric metric tons of newsprint of Katmandu Publications at Kolkata port for 27 days.
The committee Thursday also summoned secretaries of the two ministries for deposition.
The hold-up figured in discussions at the committee Thursday with Dr Prakash Chandra Lohani of RJP charging India was retaliating against the cancellation of a contract to the Indian government awarded without international tender.
Kantipur, a vernacular daily published by the publication, published a letter of Indian Ambassador Rakesh Sood lobbying for the contract.
The Indian embassy said Wednesday the customs examination of the transit consignments is routine.
“Customs examination of transit consignments is a routine administrative measure and the imputation of motives in such a matter by two newspapers [The Kathmandu Post and Kantipur] is highly regrettable.” an embassy statement said.
The routine examination has taken 27 days.
The two newspapers broke the story this week and have lobbied for help. with government as well, for the immediate release of the consignment.
Continuing hold-up could threaten the publication of newspapers amid charges the Indian move was an attempt to muzzle the press.
Committee members said the action was vindictive and regretted the embassy statement; other speakers said the interception violated the Indo-Nepal transit treaty for the free movement of goods to a land-locked state.
Most of land-locked Nepal’s international trade, export and import, is routed through the nearest Indian port.
If charges prove true, this is the first time India has targeted a private business for punitive action.
India has regularly used its clout, mainly against the government, to push its interests.
Communication Minister Shanker Pokhrel said government has asked the consul general in Kolkata to negotiate the release of the newsprint to ensure the interrupted publication of newspapers published by the business house..
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DPM Bijaya Kumar Gachedhar said smaller parties should be given a chance

Kathmandu, 24 June: Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of MJFL Bijaya Kumar Gachedhar reiterated Thursday smaller parties should be given an opportunity to lead the government if three big parties fail.
He laid the claim at a meeting of 16 small parties.
“Three parties should still lead the government. They have no moral authority to continue should then fail,” he told the meet.
Gachedhar laid claim to lead the government after returning this week from New Delhi where he consulted Indian political leaders.
The MJFL is the fourth largest party in parliament/constituent assembly.
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Single women international conference

Kathmandu, 24 June; Nearly 500 single women from 13 countries began a two-day conference in the capital Thursday to push for their rights.
Organizers said the participants will chalk out a programme for adoption.
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Another shooting in the capital

Kathmandu, 24 June: Nobody was injured in another shooting incident in the capital Thursday behind the Maitidevi temple.
One of two motorcyclists opened fire in probably a gang war, police said.
Three persons were detained for questioning.
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Chairman Prachanda to furnish replies Friday; other details

Kathmandu, 24 June: Maoist Chairman Prachanda Friday will furnish replies to points raised politburo members in a prolonged meeting that began 15 June.
Thursday’s meeting was rescheduled for Friday to find a consensus on issues discussed as the party chief held discussions with colleagues.
The standing committee had empowered the party organ to decide modalities on major issues like the delayed integration and resettlement of 19,000 Maoist combatants and concluding the peace process.
The chief of the main opposition will make public the decisions of the politburo at the conclusion of the meet.
Vice-chairman Narayan Kazi Shrestha said majority members demanded the formation of a national unity government under Prachanda.
The party, he threatened, will again launch an armed struggle is such a government isn’t formed and said it will obstruct parliamentary proceedings to prevent the tabling of the budget and its passage.
The embattled government of Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal is awaiting the party decision to announce its next moves.
The government has completed draft of its policy and programme that was to be announced earlier this month.
The budget session has been delayed for nearly three weeks.
The next fiscal year begins 17 July.
The ruling coalition is even contemplating introducing the annual budget 2010/11 through ordinance should Maoist obstruct parliamentary proceedings.
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Butwal closed down

Kathmandu, 24 June: Industries and market closed down in Butwal Thursday to protest Wednesday’s murder of trader Ramesh Bhandari and his wife Asha.
Three assassins drove away in a motorcycle with stolen money.
Security forces have been deployed heavily as search for killers continues.
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Two school boys swept away by river in Budhanilkantha

Kathmandu, 24 June: Two students of Himalayan Boarding School were swept away by a swollen river in Budhanilkantha Wednesday as they were returning home from school.
The bodies of brothers Sanjaya and Buddha Lama were recovered downstream.
The monsoon has set in.
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Govt. expands BNP buffer zone

Kathmandu, 24 June: The cabinet Wednesday expanded Bardiya National Park (BNP) adding 180 more sq km to the 244 sq km buffer zone.
Total area of the BNP is 968 sq km and hosts among other animal species, the endangered tiger and one-horned rhino.
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SAIEVAC secretariat in Kathmandu

Kathmandu, 24 June: A secretariat of South Asia Institute to End Violence Against Children (SAIEVAC) will be established in Kathmandu.
This was decided by the third meet of the body in the Nepalese capital Wednesday.
A governing board is also being formed with representatives of government, children, international agencies and civil society to supervise and oversee the secretariat’s work.
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Thai govt. construction in Lumbini

Kathmandu, 24 June: Thai government is constructing a Thai garden, pavilion, chaitya, pond, drarma-chakra and rock garden at the Lumbini Monastic Zone.
Thai Ambassador Maria Sangiampongsa and Vice-chairman of the Lumbini Development Trust (LDT) Acharya Karma Sangho signed an agreement Wednesday in the capital to execute the project.
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New secretary at ministry of peace and reconstruction

Kathmandu, 24 June: Dhruba Sharma has been appointed secretary at the Ministry of Peace and Reconstruction by the cabinet Wednesday.
He was transferred from the Office of the Prime Minister.
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US embassy issues visas for Maoist leaders to attend a seminar in USA

Kathmandu, 24 June: Maoist leaders Top Bahadur Rayamajhi, Agni Sapkota, Pampha Bhusal and Secretary CP Gajurel have been granted visas by the US embassy to attend a 10-day seminar in Boston.
Twenty-three top leaders, including Maoists, are participating in the
Seminar organized by State Department, Tufts University Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy and a Nepali and a US NGO.
Bhusal was denied a visa when he was a minister in the Prachanda government.
“It appears that the Obama administration has become liberal towards,” said Gajurel, according to The Himalayan Times.
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Nepal signs UN convention

Kathmandu, 24 June: Nepal has become the 125th country to sign a UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage.
“’This is a great step as it demonstrates the government’s commitment to preserve and promote the diverse living heritage of the people of Nepal, where cultural heritage is largely cultural practice, and where cultural practice means cultural identity,” said Nepal’s UNESCO Representative Alex Plathe.
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Seven Maoist combatants held in capital

Kathmandu, 24 June: A special intelligence squad of Nepal Polcie detained seven Maoist combatants from PLA Third Division of Shaktihhor, Chitwan Wednesday evening from a cafe in Durbarmarg, The Himalayan Times reports.
They were carrying a shotgun, two bullets and two knives.
The shotgun did not have UNMIN sticker said a police officer.
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UN bodies ask released Maoist fighters to report

Kathmandu, 24 June: Different bodies of the United Nations based in Nepal have urged the UCPN-Maoist’s former PLA combatants to participate in various rehabilitation programmes, RSS reports.
The UN bodies urged the former PLA combatants to participate in the rehabilitation programmes after there was minimum participation of the former PLA fighters in the programmes carried out by these organizations.
A total of 4,008 former disqualified PLA combatants were discharged from cantonments last December.
United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), UNICEF, UNFPA and ILO have been carrying out different rehabilitation programmes for the unqualified PLA fighters.
… although all the ex-militants were urged to participate in the rehabilitation programmes run by the four UN agencies, only 1,837 have come into contact till date.
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TRADE, COMMERCE, ECONOMY

A grim economic picture

Kathmandu, 24 June: Overall balance of payments (BOP) deficit in the first 10 months of the current fiscal year stood at Rs 17.36 billion; it was Rs 22.1 billion at the end of the first nine months, according to a macroeconomic report until mid-May released Wednesday at Nepal Rashtra Bank (NRB).
There was BOP surplus of Rs 43.06 billion in the same period the previous year.
The current account deficit in the first 10 months of the current fiscal year stands at Rs 34.78 billion compared to a surplus of Rs 37.04 billion in the same period last year.
Nepal received Rs 184.44 billion in remittances –up 10.2 percent but down 55.5 percent compared to the previous year period.
Trade deficit in the first 10 months jumped to Rs 251.16 billion compared to Rs 163.16 billion in 2009.
Gross foreign exchange review in the first 10 months of the current fiscal year declined to Rs 279.99 billion from Rs 224.19 billion in mid-July 2009.
Gross foreign exchange reserve in dollar terms until mid-May was Rs 3.32 billion.
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MEDIA GOOGLE

“…given his hopeless helplessness in taking action against his wayward cabinet colleagues—the agriculture state minister slapping a CDO and the labour minister manhandling the foreign secretary leading to a further plunge in the morale of the civil service—M, K. Nepal as prime minister retains very little moral authority to tell government officials what to do.”

(Retired secretary Bihari Krishna Shrestha, The Kathmandu Post, 24 June)

“The parliamentary party (PP) gave Sher Bahadurji a ticket with Girija Prasad Koirala was leader of the PP and contested against Prachanda. They [Ram Chandra Paudel] supporters can go through minutes. The PP is one unit of Nepali Congress; NC isn’t a unit of PP; PP is a unit of NC.”

(NC central committee member Binaya Dhoj Chand, Tarun, 24 June)
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1,626 persons killed by Maoists declared martyrs

Kathmandu, 23 June: In a cabinet decision Wednesday, government declared 1,626 persons killed by Maoists during the 10-year Maoist insurgency martyrs.
Government Spokesman and Communication Minister Shanker Pokhrel said they were killed for their political beliefs.
The Maoist-led government of Prachanda declared 7,000 persons killed during insurgency martyrs in 2009.
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Kishore Thapa tourism secretary

Kathmandu, 23 June: Kishore Thapa has been appointed tourism secretary.
Thapa was appointed Wednesday by the cabinet.
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Couple shot dead in Butwal

Kathmandu, 23 June: A couple was shot dead at their grocery store in Butwal Wednesday by unidentified people.
Ramesh Bhandari, 38, and his wife, Asha, 33 died instantly.
They were shot dead by three motorcyclists who sped away.
The store was located in a busy section of town next to a police station.
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Three parties agree to begin constitution drafting process

Kathmandu, 23 June: Maoists, NC and UML Wednesday agreed to begin drafting a constitution at a joint meeting with Chairman Subash Nemwang,
‘The draft will be prepared through consensus,” Nemwang said after the meet.
The three biggest parties will prepare a new schedule to prepare a constitution through internal discussions.
Past differences on issues will be narrowed and sent to the main constitution drafting committee chaired by Nilambar Acharya for preparation of a draft.
The two-year elected mandate of the constituent to prepare a basic law ended 28 May 2010 but the three parties bought time to prepare it in another year.
The parties met for the first time after 28 May extension.
Chairman Prachanda, NC Vice-chairman Ram Chandra Paudel and UML Chairman Jhalanath Khanal led the teams of the respective parties at Wednesday’s talks.
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Prakash Man Singh lend Ram Chandra Paudel support

Kathmandu, 23 June: NC Vice-chairman Prakash Man Singh has extended support to another Vice-chairman and Parliamentary Party leader Ram Chandra Paudel should the largest party in the ruling coalition from a government to succeed Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal.
Singh, son of Ganesh Man Singh, joined the rebel NC (Democratic) led by Sher Bahadur Deuba after a split with NC and the two have since reunited.
Acting Party Chairman Sushil Koirala has also extended support to Paudel.
‘Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal is ready to resign. The country shouldn’t be held hostage just because the general convention is approaching. The Congress should now lead the government,” Singh said Tuesday in the capital.
‘The leader of the parliamentary party is the leader of government. There’s no alternative to this,” Singh added.
Deuba and Paudel have staked claims to lead the next government amid division in the party.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sujata Koirala said Tuesday the present Nepal government could continue until the general convention slated for August end.
“The resolution of the country’s problem is more important than leading the government. This is not the time to takeover the leadership of government,”
Culture Minister Dr Minendra Rija said in Ilam Tuesday leadership of government is an unnecessary debate.
“The party has started unnecessary debate. It’s not sure whether the Nepali Congress is going to lead the next government,” Rijal said.
He accused UML Chairman Jhalanth Khanal for seeking the prime ministerial post.
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Chairman Nemwang meeting three big party leaders

Kathmandu, 23 June: Chairman Subash Nemwang convened a meeting of the three biggest political parties in the constituent assembly (CA),parliament Wednesday amid a continuing prolonged political impasse.
The 28 May three-point agreement between the here parties to break the impasse has turned into a hurdle.
The agreement hasn’t been implemented nearly one month after its signing.
Maoists said two ruling parties renegaded on an agreement Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal would resign in five after the agreement but NC and UML say the agreement was conditional.
All points of the accord must be implemented simultaneously, NC and UML said.
‘’There is slim chance of the formation of a national government under Maoists. Until the paramilitary structure of YCL is dismantled, Maoist combatants integrated and rehabilitated and the seized property is returned, the Maoists can’t lead the government,” ruling UML General Secretary Ishwor Pokhrel said in Butwal Tuesday.
”The government will fall only if it’s in a minority after a no-confidence vote in brought in parliament. To surrender before Maoists by resign is against parliamentary tradition,” Chairman of Nepal Majdoor Kishan Party Narayaman Bijukakchaya said in Bhaktapur Tuesday.
Maoists Tuesday threatened to resume an armed atruggle if lthere isn’t a political breakthrough soon.
The party politburo has decided to interrupt parliamentary proceedings to stop the passage of the annua lbudget 2010/11 that has to br approved 17 July.
Government is considering the extreme stop of presenting it through ordinance if Maoists obstruct parliamentary proceedings.
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Population, housing census 17 to 27 June 2011

Kathmandu, 23 June: A 11-day national and population and housing census will be conducted 17 to 27 June 2001, the Central Bureau of Statistics (CRS) said.
The census is conducted once every 10 years; the first was conducted in 1911.
Nepal’s population was 5.63 million when the first census was conducted.
Altogether 44,000 enumerators will conduct the Rs 2 billion
census.
Nepal’s present population is 27.5 million.
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SARRC child ministers meet begins Wednesday

Kathmandu, 23 June: A two-day conference of eight SAARC ministers begins in the capital Wednesday to discuss and end violence against children in South Asia.
The meet will discuss the decisions of the coordination committee meeting.
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Dilaram Acharya, Giridhar Neupane expelled from Rashtriya Janamorcha

Kathmandu, 23 June: General Secretary Dilaram Acharya and Advisor Giridhar Neupane have been sripped of their ordinary membership of Rashtriya Janamorcha, Gorkhapatra reports.
They are preparing to enter UCPN (Maoist).
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India intercepts newsprint import by Kantipur Publications

Kathmandu, 23 June: Indian authorities are holding 1,000 metric tonnes of newsprint imported by Kantipur Publications at Kolkata port for the last 26 days, Kantipur reports.
India’s Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has taken control of the newsprint imported from Canada and South Korea and stopped tits shipment to Nepal saying that the 39 containers carrying newsprint need to be ‘investigated’.
No investigation, however, has been carried out despite repeated requests.
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Criminals at behest of dissatisfied hospital workers abducted Dr Bhaktaman Shrestha

Kathmandu, 23 June: Director of Bharatpur Cancer Hospital Dr Bhakltiman Shrestha said dissatisfied faction in the hospital ordered his abduction with the with help of professional criminals, Kantipur reports.
Family and police teams investigating the abduction have concluded professional criminals were behind the incident.
’I could have been abducted by criminal group financed by groups dissatisfied with me after taking payment,” Dr Shrestha said Monday after returning to the capital with family members.
The doctor said he smashed various syndicates in the hospital.
The group asked the doctor to quit Bharatpur.
(Note; Dr Shrestha earlier said he was abducted by a Hindu group.)
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Update with correction of Maoist politburo meet

Kathmandu, 22 June: Maoist Vice-chairman Narayan Kazi Shrestha said after the meet the main opposition will have no alternative but to launch an armed struggle if NC and UML don’t intervene me to end the impasse.
He threatened another round of armed struggle.
Shrestha said there’s no controversy in the party on who should lead a national unity government.
He said this as there were calls another Vice-chairman Dr Baburam Bhattarai could lead such a government/
The meeting was adjourned until Thursday.
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Maoists to intensify parliamentary protests

Kathmandu, 22 June: Maoists have decided to intensify parliamentary protests against the government of Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal which hasn’t been able to present its annual programme and policy at a delayed meting of parliament.
Vice-chairman Narayan Kazi Shrestha said after Tuesday’s extended meet the main opposition will obstruct discussions on the budget in the legislature and won’t let it be approved.
Shrestha said most politburo members demanded the immediate resignation of the premier and the formation of a national unity government.
He also said the party will have no alternative but to come out on the streets without an end to the impasse.
The meeting that began 15 June is expected to conclude Wednesday.
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Sujata Koirala flying for Dubai

Kathmandu, 22 June: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sujata Koirala is flying for Dubai Tuesday to study the condition of workers in Nepali there.
She just returned from India.
She is going flying out for the second time in two weeks as her government fights for survival on two front—from main opposition Maoists and ruling Nepali Congress that is attempting to replace the one-year-old government of Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal.
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Prachanda, Jhalanath Khanal discussions

Kathmandu, 22 June: Maoist Chairman Prachanda and UML Chairman Jhalanath at a meeting Tuesday agreed to convene a meeting with Nepali Congress as a political crisis continues.
They also discussed a the implementation of the 3-point 28 May agreement,
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Load-shedding hours reduced

Kathmandu, 22 June: Load-shedding was reduced from Tuesday to five hours a day with the arrival of monsoon by Nepal Electricity Authority.
There was nine hour power outage for days and six hours three days every week.
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Two killed, 25 injured in bus, tripper collision

Kathmandu, 22 June: Two persons were killed and 25 were injured, three seriously when a bus bound for Birgunj collided with a tripper at Hetuada Tuesday morning.
The bodied of the dead were pulled out from the bus wreckage.
All the injured were bus passengers.
Three children were killed and one was injured by lightning in Siraha overnight at the beginning of the monsoon.
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Race begins in NC to lead a new govt.

By Bhola B Rana

Kathmandu, 22 June: A race has started in the Nepali Congress (NC), the largest party in the ruling coalition to lead the successor government of embattled Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal.
Senior leader and Chief of NC (Democratic) Sher Bahadur Deuba and Vice-chairman and parliamentary party leader Ram Chandra Paudel are the leading contenders.
‘The time to take a decision on who should be prime minister hasn’t come. The leadership will be chosen when the time comes through established process and consensus,” party Acting President Sunshil Koirala said Monday before emplaning for New York for medical check-up.
Koirala underwent treatment for tongue cancer there several years ago.
But both factions have started lobbying support inside the party.
Deuba was furious when Koirala reportedly lent support for Paudel.
Deuba lost the rave for the parliamentary party to Paudel after his supporters defected; Dueba supporters are not trying to lobby behind the former prime minister who considers himself Paudel’s senior.
Paudel’s supporters contend the parliamentary party leader
should be prime minister.
As the prolonged political crisis continues, concerned Indian leaders have started converging in the capital for discussions with political party leaders.
Among them is D.P. Tripathi, general Secretary of Prime Minister Mamohan Singh.
Singh brokered the 12-point New Delhi agreement between seven parliamentary parties and exiled top Maoist leaders in New Delhi there the exiles were living in the Indian capital’s outskirt.
H,N. Sharma, General Secretary of Samajwadi Janata Party,is accompanying Tripathi.
“If the parties honestly implement all past agreements including the 12-point understanding and the three-point deal, forming a national consensus government and establishing a lasting peace in Nepal will be possible,” Tripathi said Monday.
Tripathi supported the 28 May tripartite agreement between Maoists, UML and NC.
The agreement has become a stumbling block although it was intended to end an impasse.
Maoists there was a commitment Nepali would resign five days after the agreement while ruling parties argue the agreement that extended the two-year elected mandate of the constituent assembly (CA) by one year until 28 May2011 said all three points should be implemented simultaneously.
There was no agreement between Maoists and Congress at an inter-party meet on the issue Monday.

Nepal ranks 26 as a failed state

Kathmandu, 22 Kathmandu: Nepal ranks 26 among 117 countries in a list of failed state index, according to Foreign Policy magazine.
Somalia topped the list for the third consecutive year.
Afghanistan, Pakistan and Sri Lanka ranked seven, 11 and 22 respectively, are placed above Nepal in South Asia.
Nepal hasn’t got out of a crisis that first began with the dissolution of parliament and the failure of then Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba to hold parliamentary elections within six months.
A 10-year Maoist was raging then.
Then came brief royal rule in 2005 followed by toppling of the rule of King Gyanendra and the declaration of a republic with international support.
Nepalis are suffering political instability, economic woes, deteriorating law and order situation.
An end to the prolonged impasse isn’t in sight.
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TRADE, COMMERCE, ECONOMY

Another ATR-72-500 joins Buddha Air fleet

Kathmandu, 22 June: Another 70-seater ATR 72-500 this week joined the fleet of Buddha Air which has now eight aircraft.
The aircraft will augment the airline’s internal flights.
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Tourism Minister Bhadari unveils largest Shiva statue after president declines

Kathmandu, 22 June: Tourism Minister Sharat Singh Bhandari Monday unveiled the Rs 120 million 143-feet high Kailashnath Mahadev idol, thought to be the world’s tallest, at Chittapol-5 in Bhaktapur with the investment of Indian national Kamal Jain.
President Dr Ram Baran Yadav declined an invitation to open it to the public.
Though the president was requested to unveil the statue, he declined the request citing personal investment in its construction, according to RSS.
He called for registering it as a public property in the name of any trust before inauguration.
A 24-room and 32-bed Ayurvedic Hospital, children’s park and four homes for patients’ visitors have also been constructed at the temple premise that covers 75 ropanis of land.
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MEDIA GOOGLE

“We have to leave everything on earth when we die, So, don’t hanker after money.”

(PM Nepal tells secretaries even as ministers have been charged for corruption, The Rising Nepal, 22 June)

‘It was heard previous secretaries were very capable; I didn’t get this happy experience.”

(PM Nepal, Nagarik, 22 June)

‘Due to the corrupt mentality of the bureaucrats, development activiti4es and law and order maintenance has suffered.”

(PM Nepal, The Himalayan Times, 22 June)
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