AMBASSADORS EXPRESS CONCERN OVER NON-INSTITUTIONALIZATION OF POLITICAL CHANGES Kathmandu, 19 Sept.: Chiefs of diplomatic missions in Nepal have expressed concern over non-institutionalization of political achievements and prolonging transition in Nepal, RSS reports. Taking part in an interaction programme organised by the Association of Political Science Students here today [Wednesday], they stressed the need of forging national consensus and thereby seeking a solution to the constitutional complexities in the country. On the occasion, they also shared constitutional history and efforts made in strengthening democracy in their respective countries. Wishing for peace, sustainable democracy, political stability and economic prosperity in Nepal, they pledged support from the respective capacities to that end. Ambassador of the European Commission Delegation to Nepal, Dr Alexander Spachis said free election, guarantee of human rights, equal rights to all caste and communities, social service and political stability would strengthen democracy. Indian Ambassador to Nepal, Jayant Prasad, said the task of institutionalizing democracy is a great challenge for Nepal. He called for seeking a consensus on federalism, secularism, equal rights to all castes and communities and restructuring of the state. Similarly, British Ambassador to Nepal, John Tucknott said the role of the parliament is very significant in balancing power in democracy. Likewise, Norwegian Ambassador to Nepal Alf Arne Ramslien said understanding, mutual respect and help, unity, equal rights and political culture are the main mantra of democracy. He opined that the political parties should act as per the spirit of the constitution. Association Chairman Rajendra Prasain, representative from the German Embassy Henning Hansen and Prof. Birendra Mishra underlined the need of political stability to institutionalize democracy. NEPALI SUGAR UNSUITABLE FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION WITH HIGH SULPHER CONTEST STUDY SAYS Kathmandu, 19 Sept.: A study shows that sugar produced in Nepal is Unhygienic, RSS reports. Lab test of a sample of sugar collected from the rural markets in Siraha district confirmed that sugar produced in Nepal is not suitable for consuming, according to Regional Food Technology and Quality Control Office, Biratnagar. Sulphur has been found in the sample of sugar. However, the name of company supplying the adulterated sugar was not revealed. The sample test of sugar collected from Siraha's rural markets has proved the mixing of sulphur in the product. Consumption of sulfurised sugar affects the digestive system, said Office Chief Upendra Raya. Nnnn CONSTRUCTION OF KATHMANDU-HETAUDA TUNNEL TO BEGIN JANUARY Kathmandu, 19 Sept.: Construction of the Kathmandu-Hetauda Tunnel Highway, the shortest route to link the capital city with the Tarai, is to begin from January 2013, RSS reports. The Nepal Purbadhar Bikar Company (NPBC), a private firm assigned to construct the tunnel road, on Wednesday pledged to start the construction works of the mega project from January during a meeting held under the chair of Vice-Chairman of the National Planning Commission Deependra Bahadur Kshetry. Kshetry is also the chairman of the Project Coordination Committee. The NPBC has said that the detailed project report (DPR) of the route would be prepared by mid-November and the entire works of the tunnel highway would be completed within the next three and a half years. Joint-Secretary at the Commission Gopinath Mainali said that the government has given top priority to this project and is willing to develop this track as an Asian route. Even the commoners can invest in the project which is being built on private public partnership (PPP), Mainali added. The government and NPBC on May 13 had signed a Memorandum of Understating for the construction of the 51-km long route with the total investment of Rs 21 billion. Mainali said that the route would be 54 kilometers long, three kilometers long than the previous agreement and the estimated cost also is increased to Rs 23.3 billion. After the completion of the project, the passengers would reach Hetauda within an hour by motors. In today's [Wednesday] meeting, secretaries of different ministries, company's technicians and other stakeholders were present. nnnn