CALLS FOR TALKS WITH INDIA TO LIFT DOUBLE LOCKS

COMMERCE SUPPLY MINISTRY URGES TALKS WITH INDIA TO LIFT DOUBLE LOCK SYSTEM

Kathmandu, 10 Aug.: Commerce and supply ministry wrote to the foreign ministry Tuesday to begin talks with India lift double locks on containers destined for land-locked Nepal with third country imports through Kolkata port.
The additional locks are cumbersome, time-consuming and expensive, according to Nepali traders.
India unilaterally replaced a single lock system on containers 1 August.
Seventy percent of land-locked Nepal’s third country trade is routed through Kolkata port.
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NATIONAL GOVT. ONLY OUTLET WAY FOR RESOLUTION OF POLITICAL DEADLOCK

Kathmandu, 10 Aug.: Dr. Baburam Bhattarai, second Maoist Vice-chairman and candidate for prime minister to replace Jhalanath Khanal said his ‘first priority’, if appointed, will be ‘peace and constitution’ along with ‘immediate economic package and long-term economic development’.
“The challenges are difficult. There are more possibilities for a resolution.
“The adoption for majority rule was a serious weakness. We must return to politics of understanding. Three years were lost in retaining power or pulling down the government,” he told Radio Nepal Wednesday morning..
“The effort now should be for a national government now. There will be a package solution,” Dr. Bhattarai said and revealed talks were on-going with main opposition NC at:all levels.
“Until now they are positive [talks]. Its only alternative Peace and constitution should be the central issues, Dr. Bhattarai added.
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DEFENCE MINISTER, ARMY CHIEF SUMMONED BY PARLIAMENT COMMITTEE


Kathmandu, 10 Aug.: Defence Minister Bishnu Paudel and Army Chief Gen. Chatraman Singh Guung have been summoned to testify Friday at parliament’s state affairs committee on the sale of more than 450 tons of antique weapons by Royal Nepal Army to a US dealer.
The antique weapons were sold more than 10 years ago when Girija Prasad Koirala was prime minister.
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NEPAL DEFEATS USA BY 99 RUNS

Kathmandu, 10 Aug.: Nepal defeated USA by 99 runs Tuesday in the its last match league match of ICC U-19 World Cup Qualifiers in Dublin, Ireland
Nepal scored 264 points for the loss of nine wickets, batting first.
USA was bowled out for 165 runs in 44.1 overs.
Nepal won seven and lost two matches in the cricket tournament to Canada and Scotland to finish in second place among 10 teams in the group collecting 14 points.
Scotland topped the group with eight wins to collect 18 points.
Nepal was qualified for the World Cup of non-test playing nations in Australia and New Zealand 2012.
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NEPAL PLAYS BANGLADESH FOR THIRD POSITION IN SAFF U-16 FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT.

Kathmandu, 10 Aug.: Nepal plays Bangladesh Wednesday in for third place in the SAFF U-16 Championship Football Tournament at Dashrath Rangashala.
Nepal earlier played a goalless draw against Bangladesh last Thursday and lost to India 4-2 in a tiebreaker Monday.
India plays Pakistan Wednesday for the title after defeating India 1-0 in the league match.
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