PM NEPAL RETURNS

Kathmandu, 25 Nov.: Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal cut short his Russia visit and returned home Thursday morning.
He was originally scheduled to return Friday.
Nepal told reporters his Russia visit was’ very successful’ and will help strengthen bilateral ties with Moscow.
Prime Minister Vladimir Putin has been invited to visit Nepal and a formal invitation will be sent soon,.
The premier hoped the Maoist plenum in Gorkha will stop Maoists from retreating from the peace process.
He said, following the plenum, discussions will be held on reconvening the session of parliament.
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STATE COMMITTEE REPRESENTATIVES PRESENT VIEWS

Kathmandu, 25 Nov.: Representatives of 10 state committees completed presenting their views at the closed door session of the Maoist plenum in Gorkha Wednesday.
Representatives of 16 fraternal organizations will present their views on the afternoon session.
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INDIA INVITES 11 LAWMAKERS, INCLUDING MAOISTS

Kathmandu, 25 Nov. India has invited 11 lawmakers, including Maoist members of parliament, to participate in a young parliamentarians programme from 21 to 27 November in New Delhi, the Indian embassy said.
Invitees are: Hari Ram Subedi and Puran Rana Tharu from UCPN (Maoist); Gagan Thapa, Sita Gurung, Mahendra Yadav and Nabinda Raj Joshi of NC; Narendramani Rana Tharu of CPN-UML, Sushil Babu Panta of CPN-United, Kunti Shahi from RPP-Nepal, Pramod Gupta of MJFL and Raj Kishore Yadav from MJFN.
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ABDUCTORS DEMAND Rs2M RANSOM

Kathmandu, 25 Nov.: Abductors have demanded Rs 2 million ransom for ther release of a two-year-old child n their control, RSS reports from Kapilvasthu.
According to abducted child’s father Madhav GC, the kidnappers demanded Rs 2 million ransom over phone for the release of his son.
Meanwhile, GC family urged the security personnel to remain
sensitive citing ineffective search operation.
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FIRST MEDAL IN ASIAD

Kathmandu, 25 Nov.: Deepak Maharjan Wednesday bagged Nepal’s first medal in the Guangzhou Asiad dominated by China, South Korea and Japan.
Maharjan lost 7-1 to India’s Dinesh Kumar in the semi—final in the 81kg weight category and yet lifted a bronze.
Nepal Wednesday lost to test playing nation Sri Lanka by two wickets
on men’s cricket in the 16th Asian.
Nepal was bowled out for 72 runs in 19.4 overs.
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PM URGES SAVING TIGER





Kathmandu, 25 Nov. : Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal addressed World Tiger Conservation Forum of Asian countries in St. Petersburg today [Wednesday], RSS reports.
Speaking at the inaugural programme Prime Minister Nepal said that he had made high level efforts to preserve the tiger population. Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin and President of World Bank Robert Zoellick jointly chaired the inaugural programme of the conference.
On the occasion, Prime Minister Nepal said efforts to save forests, as for the efforts to save tiger population, have been made after he was elected the Prime Minister. He stressed on the need for bringing integrated programmes for saving tiger population connecting it with climate change issues and forest conservation.
“We must save the wonderful and important beast tiger for the future too,” said Russian Prime Minister Putin while addressing the summit.
The meet has decided to double the tiger population within 2022 AD making possible efforts on this regard. The tiger’s population becomes 3,200 in Asia where it was around hundred thousands a century ago.
Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao including the Prime Ministers of Bangladesh and Laos had already addressed the summit, said Prime Minister Nepal’s press advisor Vishnu Rijal.
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MAOISTS DEMAND REVOLUTIONARY PROGRAMME




Kathmandu, 25 Nov.: - UCPN-Maoist state level cadres have asked the party leadership to give them revolutionary programme so as to make the party a servant of the people.
Although the 34 commentators representing 10 different state committees of the party criticized working style of the main leaders or presenters of the separate documents in the fourth day of the Maoist plenum, they were focused on tactical line and main contradiction of the party.
The group leaders who represented the views of their groups asked the leadership to identify the main ‘enemy’ or contradiction of the party, be clear on the tactical line, evaluate correctly the peace process and possibility of drafting a pro-people constitution. They even objected to term the ‘end of war’ in the Comprehensive Peace Agreement, Nandalal Tiwari reports in The Rising Nepal from Gorkha,.
“Give us programme as to what we will have to do if the reactionaries obstruct to promulgation of a new constitution that serves the interest of most of the people?” a participant quoted most of the commentators as saying in the closed session of the plenum while presenting their views on the separate documents regarding future course of the party as presented by party chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal’Prachanda’ and vice –chairmen duo Mohan Baidhya Kiran and Dr Baburam Bhattarai.
Party spokesperson Dina Nath Sharman said that all the commentators focused on tactical line, working policy and style, criticism of the leaders and their strong aspects.
“The views of the commentators can be divided into four catogories: support, criticism, refutation and suggestion of the documents” he said.
He said that most of the group leaders commented in working style of
the leaders.
Most of the group-leaders who commented on the three separate documents in the Maoist plenum in the fourth day Wednesday came heavily over working style of all the three top leaders.
The UCPN-Maoist state level leaders criticised party chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ for being lured to power while they charged vice-chairman Mohan Baidhya ‘Kiran’ with bargaining tendency and mechanical. They charged vice-chairman Dr Baburam Bhattarai with narrowmindedness, pro-publicity attitude and dependency on foreign powers, another participant said.
A total of 34 state level leaders representing 10 different state committees of the party put forward their views in the closed session.
There were 3 group leaders from each of the
group representing voices or support of the three different documents while four groups chose a leader for the fourth voice.
Hari Bhakta Kandel ‘Pratik’
said that there had been healthy
discussion on the docuements and that the group leaders were presented
their views focusing on the tactical line of hte part.
“The discussions are healthy, focused on ideological or tactical line
of the party and most of the commentators lodged a lot of suggestion
for the chairman,” Pratik said.
Pratik said that although every group had a leader represnting one of
the three documents, most of the participants were supporitive of
Kiran’s tactical line. “Most of the commentators suggestged the
chairman to improve his ways.”
A particaipant who is close to the line of chairman Prachanda said
that most members in each of the groups supported the line of party
chairman:stress on Peace process and prepare for people’s revolt. Party spokesperson Sharma hinted that the plenum could go on for two
to three days more than the prevciously sheculded tinme of five days.
Meanwhile, sensing the intense debate and possible ill-result in the national politics and the Maoist party itself, a group of intellectuals met with the Maoist leadership here at the plenum venue and urged them for unity both emotionally and intellectually.
Writers Khagendra Sangraula, Yug Pathak and writer cum economist and
also a CA member Hari Roka came here from the capital city to make
such suggestion to Maoist chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ and
vice-chairmen duo Mohan Baidhya ‘Kiran’ and Dr Baburam in a 20-minute
long jointl meeting.
“We came here as we sensed that there is a smell of groupism in the
language of internal struggle. There is also an implication of mutual
prohibition,” Sangraula said, adding, “So, we told them that if they
moved on this way, it will create difficulty and suggested them to
turn the plenum into a meeting of not only physical but also emotional
and intellectual unity.”
Sangraula said that all the three leaders assured them of coming up
with unity in the party though healty discussion on the issues of the
separate documents and by synthesising the comments as far as possible.
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INDIA EXPRESSES SECURITY CONCERN
Kathmandu, 25 Nov.: Indian officials have expressed concern about the possibility of anti-India elements using the Nepali territory to create security problems in India, The Himalayan Times reports from New Delhi..

The officials vent their worries with a group of young Nepali MPs, who are in India on the invitation of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of India. Today, they met Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Praneet Kaur, Loksabha Speaker Meira Kumar and BJP Parliamentary Party leader Shushma Swaraj.

Nepali Congress CA member Gagan Thapa said the Indian leaders were concerned about the fate of Nepal’s peace and constitution-writing processes.

“A peaceful, stable and prosperous Nepal is in India’s national interest,”

Thapa quoted the Indian leaders as saying. Indian leaders were also worried about the danger of

Nepal becoming a failed state, he said.

Minister Kaur told Nepali MPs their only worry was the danger of anti-India

elements exploiting the open border using Nepali soil to create security problems in India.

“It is wise to express our concerns and pay heed to each other’s sensitivities rather than taking to street to whipping up emotions against the neighbour,” Thapa said in reference to Maoist’s anti-India rhetoric.

On their part, Nepali

MPs told the Indian leaders to pay due attention to Nepal-related issues, according to Thapa.

When the Nepali delegation drew her attention towards charges that BJP is still in favour of monarchy in Nepal, BJP Parliamentary Party leader Sushma Swaraj made it clear that BJP will never impose its will on the Nepali populace.

Thapa said the visit of Nepali MPs to India provided them a unique opportunity to understand India’s perspectives on issues related to Nepal. He said both the countries stood to benefit more if such visits were organised frequently. Nepali MPs have also suggested opening a joint forum for MPs of both the countries.
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NC CWC MEET 28 NOV.

Kathmandu, 25 Nov.: Nepali Congress President Sushil Koirala today called the party’s Central Working Committee meeting for November 28, The Himalayan Times reports.

Party sources said Koirala would propose names for three key posts — vice president, general secretary and joint general secretary — at the meeting.

“Koirala is likely to finalise the issue this time,” said Ramchandra Pokharel, chief secretary of the party.

Koirala held consultations with several NC leaders at his residence in Maharajgunj today.

The NC’s CWC is yet to get complete shape as Koirala has not nominated 2O CWC members for the 85-seat executive body. He must also form nearly two dozen departments within two months of the general convention. November 26 marks the end of the deadline. Koirala has to accommodate those from the rival faction also. He must also name department heads to oversee works like foreign, publicity, education, culture and economy. He will also have to form a disciplinary committee and set up an election panel that will be hold organisational elections
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THREE-WAY DIVIDE IN MAOISTS

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Kathmandu, 25 Nov.: The sixth extended plenum of the UCPN (Maoist) was called to narrow the differences among the top leadership, but it has had the opposite effect — vertically dividing the party into three factions. Though this trend was evident at the central level of late, it has now percolated right to the grassroots, The Kathmandu Post reports from Gorkha..

On Wednesday, 34 representatives from different state committees commented on the three contending documents presented by Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal and vice chairmen Baburam Bhattarai and Mohan Baidya.

The polarisation has formally reached the local level after the plenum decided to pick three representatives (one each from the Dahal, Bhattarai and Baidya factions) from each state committee to comment on the three documents. More than 90 representatives of the three factions will give suggestions on the three documents.

This is the first time that cadres have openly criticised or supported one leader or the other. “Before the plenum, the rift was limited to the central level. Now, the cadres are clearly divided into three factions at the local level as well,” said a senior leader seeking anonymity.

“It is certain that the plenum will not be able to settle all issues. In this context the nature of a post-plenum intra-party rift would be even more prounounced.”

Those representatives offering their comments have urged the three top leaders to mend their ways to make the party united and effective.

Most of them advised Dahal to give fewer public speeches and control his contradictory remarks. They advised Bhattarai to stop talking about the intra-party rift and suggested that Baidya turn into a guardian rather than a rival of Dahal and Bhattarai.

Participants said due to contradictory and premature statements of Chairman Dahal, the party’s image has taken a beating, while Bhattarai’s public airing of his dissent has contributed to widening intra-party rift.

“Due to poor health and age, Baidya should become a guardian of the party leadership,” said a participant.

Meanwhile, representatives close to both Bhattarai and Baidya sought explanation from Chairman Dahal about horse-trading allegations against the party during the prime ministerial election. “The party

is facing allegations that our leader Krishna Bahadur Mahara brought money from China to buy lawmakers to form a government. Chairman Dahal needs to give an explanation as to what exactly transpired,” said a participant
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CLARIFICATION ON TAPE SOUGHT

Kathmandu 25 Nov. 25: Commenting on the three separate political documents presented in the ongoing party plenum, Maoist cadres close to each of three factions headed by party Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal, senior Vice Chairman Mohan Vaidya and Vice Chairman Dr Baburam Bhattarai leveled serious allegations against each other on Wednesday, Post Bahadur Basnet reports from Gorkha in Republica.

Questioning the integrity of party chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal, leaders close to Baidya and Bhattarai demanded clarification from Dahal over the alleged horse-trading during the recent prime ministerial elections and the leaked audio-tape involving party leader Krirshna Bahadur Mahara.


"Today the leadership is buying parliamentarians, tomorrow it will buy the party cadres and the day after tomorrow it will certainly try to buy the people," a cadre quoted Maoist representative from Tamuwan state Devendra Parajuli as saying during the meeting. Parajuli, who is close to Bhattarai, also severely criticized Dahal for conducting the party´s financial transactions in a non-transparent manner and demanded that the chairman stopped misusing his power.

Similarly, Bandhu Chand from Abadha state demanded that Dahal furnish clarification over the audio-tape in which a voice, allegedly of Mahara, asks a man with a Chinese accent Rs 500 million to buy the votes of parliamentarians in favor of Dahal. "The chairman should furnish clarification over the tape scandal," a plenum participant quoted Chand as saying.

While leaders close to Baidya and Bhattarai accused Dahal of financial non-transparency, misuse of power and shaky ideological stand, those close to Dahal and Baidya accused Bhattarai of being a "bourgeoisie leader" who was trying to drag the party toward revisionism.

"The line floated by Bhattarai is revisionism and it will ultimately finish off the revolutionary ideology of the party," a cadre quoted leader Sarad Singh Bhandari from Seti-Mahakali as saying. He warned the leadership not to adopt the line floated by Bhattarai.
"Today the leadership is buying parliamentarians, tomorrow it will buy the party cadres and the day after tomorrow it will certainly try to buy the people," a cadre quoted Maoist representative from Tamuwan state Devendra Parajuli as saying during the meeting. Parajuli, who is close to Bhattarai, also severely criticized Dahal for conducting the party´s financial transaction in a non-transparent manner, and demanded that the chairman stopped misusing his power.

The cadres also accused Bhattarai of being submissive to "foreign imperialism" and "Indian expansionism" and fearing to declare India as the party´s principal enemy.

Similarly, cadres close to Baidya alleged Dahal of not being sincere toward implementing the party official-line, misusing power and money. "We can see the misuse of power and money by the chairman in this plenum to garner support to his document," a cadre close to Baidya said.

Likewise, supporters of Dahal and Bhattarai accused Baidya of overlooking the ground reality and pushing for a radical line. "Radical line alone cannot complete the revolution," a cadre quoted leader Ram Bahadur Bohora as saying. They also criticized Baidya for threatening to revolt against the party if it doesn´t adopt a revolutionary line.

The party cadres also came down heavily on the "bourgeoisie" lifestyles of the top leaders and expressed concern that such a trend will ultimately bring about the downfall of the party. They asked the leaders not to forget the "proletariat character" of the party. They said the leaders are using expensive cars and educating their children in expensive schools while the party whole-timers are struggling to make ends meet.

"Yes, the cadres have criticized the leaders for their lavish lifestyles. But it is positive. They must warn the leaders against deviating from the prescribed proletariat lifestyles," said Maoist spokesperson Dinanath Sharma.

Despite their sharp criticism, the party cadres warned the leaders against any attempt to split the party. "There are contradictions in any live party, if not it is dead. We will go through the process of unity, struggle and transformation. The differences will not split the party," said Sharma.

The Maoist cadres were divided into 30 groups for discussion and three senior cadres from each group, close to Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal, Senior Vice-chairman Mohan Baidya and Vice-chairman Dr Baburam Bhattarai respectively, presented their opinion in the full meeting.

As of Wednesday, 34 leaders of 10 state committees put forward their views. Some of the cadres had taken neutral positions. According to Sharma, the plenum is likely to extend for two more days as three are many programs yet to be completed.
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NRB MAY RELAX RETAIL CREDIT


Kathmandu, 25 Nov.: The central bank has indicated that it could soon relax its credit policy on vehicles and other retail products, as the latest rise in duties has addressed its concerns over their growing imports and impact on Balance of Payment (BoP). Republica reports.

“The new tax rates announced in the budget have already looked to tighten consumption. Now we do not need to maintain our grip on credit policy,” said Governor of Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) Dr Yuva Raj Khatiwada.


Amid soaring consumption, which had jacked up imports of vehicles and spare parts, the central bank had instructed banks to tighten their lending in the latter half of the last fiscal year.

Nepal had imported vehicles and spare parts Rs 23.77 billion worth of in 2009/10, which was well over 47 percent rise over what was recorded in the previous fiscal year.

Dr Khatiwada also debunked the claims that the budget´s huge deficit financing and increased recurrent and development expenditure could spiral inflation upwards. He said the budget has neither planned excessive monetary operations nor raised direct tax and value added tax.

“It has not also hiked salary to buoy market expectations. Domestic borrowing and rise in excise, in such a situation, will only have nominal impact, which is very natural given the kind of growth the budget has targeted to achieve,” he said.

As for the waiver of tax on merger of banks and financial institutions is concerned, Dr Khatiwada said it has been announced as planned previously. “This has lifted tax related burden on merger and has sent encouraging signal to the players in the market,” he said, expressing hope that the market will respond to it positively.

He even added that the central bank could provide further incentives from its side as well if the banks and financial institutions (BFIs) really wanted to tap this benefit.
“Bankers by now have already realized that they need to cut operating cost and scale up operations if they want to be really competitive and survive. I am sure the new fiscal incentive will attract BFIs to pursue merger,” he added.

Dr Khatiwada further added that the central bank will also formulate a separate directive to guide and facilitate mergers.

Governor Khatiwada said that the central bank does not plan to open licensing of commercial banks anytime soon.

As for the long-running BoP deficit, Dr Khatiwada said the budget has categorically looked to address this macroeconomic woe.

But given that export substitution policy will take time to deliver result and rebounding commodity export will not be enough, he said the central bank might have to rely largely on reimbursement of capital spending from donors and mobilization of aid to reverse the deficit.
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