MAOIST CHIEF ASSURES INDIA NO INTENTION ‘TO REPLACE’ EXISTING RELATIONS Kathmandu, 29 April : UCPN (Maoist) Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal ´Prachanda´ has said that trilateral economic cooperation in the development of Nepal involving her two friendly neighbours- India and China can be the foundation for prosperity of Nepal and Nepali people, which is not only in the best interest of Nepal but, equally, in the best interests of India and China, RSS reports.. Addressing a gathering of foreign policy experts, strategists and renowned academics of India, and friends and well-wishers of Nepal organized by the Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA) in New Delhi on Monday, Chairman Dahal, who is currently on a four-day visit to India, said in the changed global and regional context and ever growing economic relations between India and China, trilateral cooperation in various mutual projects in Nepal was possible and would not be a distant dream. "It is our vision for the future and, let me make it very clear that by no means I wish to undermine or replace our bilateral relations so happily subsisting for centuries", he said while expressing the belief that only by promoting bilateral co-operation between the neighbours the basis for a trilateral co-operation would and could be created. Having two rapidly growing economies in the neighbourhood, it would be rather unfathomable for Nepal to remain under-developed, poor and backward, he added. He also argued that Nepal’s economic development would herald political stability in the country which, in the long run, would contribute to ensuring and addressing the security concerns of India and China. "My contention has been crystal clear and, that is, a prosper and developed Nepal is the best way to ensure security, peace and stability in the region", Dahal said. Pointing out the need for positive definition of history of Nepal-India relations, Chairman Dahal said he would like to see the bilateral relations develop on the basis of true friendship, cordiality and mutual cooperation. Nepal is very much aware of India’s security concerns and it adopts a firm policy of not allowing any activity against its friendly neighbours from its soil. The former Prime Minister also said that Nepal highly values the friendship, cooperation and understanding shown by India, Indian leaders and its people to the aspirations of the Nepali people. On the occasion, he also appealed through the gathering for more investment from India in Nepal on projects ranging from hydropower to manufacturing industries, infrastructure development to Information Technology, from agriculture development to tourism promotion programs. RSS -------------- 44- APEX COURT CLEARS WAY FOR KARKI´S APPOINTMENT Kathmandu, April 29: The Supreme Court on Monday decided against continuing the interim order issued earlier in relation to the proposed appointment of former Chief Secretary Lokman Singh Karki to the post of the Chief Commissioner of the Commission for Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA). A joint bench of Justices Girish Chandra Lal and Tarka Raj Bhatta decided against continuing the interim order issued by the single bench of Justice Sushila Karki, while making it clear that there was no dispute over the provision that an individual with high qualification and moral conduct must be recommended to the post of CIAA Chief, as per the required legal provision. "As it would not be right for the Court to express its view in relation to the eligibility or non-eligibility of any particular individual in an immature circumstance and also to intervene over the constitutional duty of the Constitutional Council, the interim order issued on March 22 need not be continued", reads the verdict. Advocate Om Prakash Aryal had filed a writ petition at the apex court on March 20, arguing that the decision of the high-level political committee to recommend former Chief Secretary Karki to the post of CIAA Chief was against the constitution, as a case of corruption against Karki was under consideration at the Court. Nnnn UPDATE PRACHANDA HOLDS TALKS WITH DR. KARAN SINGH Kathmandu, 30 April: Maoist Chief Prachanda held discussions with Indian Nationalist Congress leader Dr Karan Singh Monday in New Delhi. He also held talks with National Security Advisor Shib Sjanker Menon. nnnn