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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