CHINESE ARMY CHIEF COMING FOR RARE VISIT

SUB-COMMITTEE FAILS TO RESOLVE CONTENTIOUS ISSUES FOR CONSTITUTION

Kathmandu, 14 March: A seven-member high-powered sub-committee coordinated by Maoist Chairman Prachanda and under a main constitution drafting committee failed to resolve differences by Monday’s deadline on all 76 contentious issues for incorporation in a basic law.
The sub-committee decided Monday to submit a report to the main committee headed by Nilambar Acharya on agreed points.
In meetings over 15 days, only limited agreement was reached.
Achayra suggested Sunday the sub-committee’s tenure could be extended to meet the deadline to promulgate a basic law by the second deadline.
Sub-committee member Laxman Lal Karna said there were still differences on a structure for a federal state structure.
The sub-committee was discussing 76 contentious issues.
Meanwhile, Maoist Deputy Prime Minister Krishna Bahadur Mahara said categorically a constitution won’t be completed by the second deadline and suggested announcing a basis law incorporating points of agreement between major political parties.
“There’s no possibility on promulgating a complete constitution by 28 May. A brief constitution can be promulgated by incorporating agreements reached in the constituent assembly.
‘A complete constitution can by the discussed by the next parliament which will discuss the remaining differences,’ Mahara said in Liwang Sunday.
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NO DEALINGS IN PAPER CURRENCY NOTES WITH KING’S PORTRAIT FROM TUESDAY

Kathmandu, 14 March: Nepal Rashtra Bank (NRB) has asked all banks and financial institutions not to deal in paper currency notes with portraits of the king from Tuesday in a bid to withdraw such notes from circulation..
Monday us the last day for public dealing in such notes.
NRB, the central bank, will accept such currency at its limited and fixed outlets.
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CHINESE ARMY CHIEF COMING

Kathmandu, 14 March: Chief of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) General Staff of China Gen. Chen Bingde arrives for a rare three-day visit 23 March, Nepal Army (NA) sources said.
He’s heading a 15-member team visiting Nepal bordering sensitive Tibet on invitation of his Nepali counterpart Gen. Chatraman Singh Gurung.
A Chinese army chief last visited Nepal is 2002; every Indian army chief visits Nepal when bilateral relations are good to receive the title of honourary general in Nepal Army.
Such honour is also bestowed by every NA chief.
China has been supplying logistics, military and communications to NA; Beijing has shown interest in providing medical assistance as well.
India is wary of Chinese influence in Nepal; New delhi considers Nepal its backyard.
India slapped a 17-month trade embargo in 1989 when the country imported Chinese arms, including anti-aircraft guns from China.
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MISSING NEPALIS IN JAPAN COMEIN CONTACT

Kathmandu, 14 March: Nepal embassy in Tokyo said Nepalis missing or feared dead in Friday’s earthquake and tsunami Japan have reported to the embassy or near ones.
Ramesh Dewan and family first reported missing in Sinao are alive although their restaurant was swept away.
Janaki Kafle Bhandar, Rajesh Thapa and Shiva Neupane missing in Iwaraki prefecture have reported to the embassy.
Seven missing students in Sendai and a couple from Myagdi have also contacted the embassy, a statement said.
NC Sunday asked government to assist Japan which suffered its worst crisis after World War II.
An estimated 10,000 persons have died in the earthquake and tsunami, leaving a trail of destruction reports said.
Meanwhile, the foreign ministry Sunday formed a special in the ministry t assist Nepalis in North Africa, West Asia and Japan.
The phone numbers of the cell are 4416011(office time), 4416002 and 4416006 on public holidays and 44160014 (fax).
Queries can also be sent to adm@mofa.gov.np.
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