army chief proposes mass integration of 6,000 former pla fighters in new flexible approach

JAPAN WELCOMES VOLUNTARY RETIREMENT OF FORMER PLA FIGHTERS
Kathmandu, 15 Feb.: Japan, a major donor, Wednesday welcomed
the voluntary retirement of former Maoist combatants Amnd their departuire for the first time in five years from camps to their homes.
Japanese Embassy said in a statement the conclusion of the voluntary retirement of ex-was an important milestone for realizing the aspirations of Nepali people,
and hoped integration of ex-Maoist combatants and promulgation of a
constitution would record headway.

"Japan government is ever ready to assist Nepal in its efforts….and hopes the friendly relations existing between the two countries will be further strengthened in the days ahead," embassy said in its press statement.
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PM REITERATES CONSTITUTION WILL BE PROMULGATED WITHIN 28 MAY DEADLINE
Kathmandu, 15 Feb.:: Prime Minister Dr Baburam Bhattarai has said the new constitution would be promulgated within May 27, RSS reports from Syangja.

Inaugurating the Kaligandaki Gold Cup Football Tournament at Chapakot, Syangja on Wednesday, Prime Minister Dr Bhattarai said constitution would be promulgated within the deadline by doing away with every obstacle and conspiracy being created against it.

"The main goal of present government is peace and constitution. I am committed to this end. And I assure you that constitution will be brought on time," he said.

Army integration has reached the final phase, he said, adding that the commission on truth and reconciliation will be formed within the next one or two weeks.

Prime Minister Dr Bhattarai on the occasion assured the locals of providing budget to blacktop the Chapakot-Galyang roadway.

Central member of the Nepali Congress, Gopal Man Shrestha said sport was necessary to make youths disciplined.

A total of 20 teams from Syangja, Palpa, Tanahu and Nawalparasi are taking part in the tournament.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Dr Bhattarai inaugurated the Putpute-2 mini hydro project at Chisapani and the golden jubilee celebration of the Matribhumi Secondary School at Chitrebhangjyang in the district today.
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ON NEW FLEXIBLE APPROACH ,ARMY CHIEF PROPOSES
MASS INTEGRATION OF 6,000 FIGHTERS

Kathmandu, 15 Feb.: Showing flexibility, Army Chief Gen.Chatraman
Singh Gurung has proposed mass integration of 6,000 former fighters, Nagarik reports.
The previous position was for individual integration only.
A new proposal was presented to Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai Monday, Bauwatar source said.
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