Nepalnews.com (newsflash) Archive february 2004

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King calls parties to be 'patriotic'

Renewing his commitment for a multiparty system in Nepal, His Majesty King Gyanendra Sunday called upon all political parties to become “people-oriented” and “patriotic.”

The King, who uttered the word “multiparty system”, at least for six times during his civic felicitation speech delivered in Nepalgunj, said, his actions are always guided by the will of the people.

“We are totally committed to multiparty democracy,” the King said addressing the gathering of thousands of people in the regional headquarters of the mid-western region.

“The system of multiparty democracy has worldwide acknowledgment. Attempts are being made here to make this system unsuccessful,” the King said.

“I believe, the multiparty democracy can be made more relevant through people-oriented politics,” he said.

“Today, our country is passing through a critical phase in its history,” the King said. “There are grievances that since the introduction of the multiparty democratic polity, in accordance with the people's wishes, neither has politics addressed national and public welfare, nor has governance been pro-public.”

“It is natural in a multiparty democracy to have ideological differences and competition, but the ‘focal point’ must always be patriotism,” the King said. “Nationality must not be weakened in the tussle for power.”

On elections, the King urged all to create conducive environment for holding polls in the country.

“I call upon all, who have faith in multiparty democracy, to work towards creating a favourable atmosphere to hand over power to the elected government which can be formed after holding general elections soon,” he said.

He, in the meantime, said elections are possible only if peace and security situation of the country improves.

Hinting towards the students’ protests, the King said “It is better to engage the youths in creative work in accordance with their capacities than to ‘politicize’ them.”

Speaking on the “needs” of the country, the King said peace and security, good governance, development and discipline are the four necessities of Nepali people.

On the “desires” of the monarchy, he said he wants to see a corruption-free society, consolidation of democracy and fulfillment of people’s basic requirements.

“The days of monarchy being seen but not heard, watching the people's difficulties but not addressing them and being a silent spectator to their tear-stained faces are over,” he said.

“We, once again, call upon politicians to stop saying 'me' but say 'us', stop saying 'party' but say 'people',” the King said.

He also stressed on achieving economic goals through increasing commercial ties with India and China.

At the end of his speech, the King said, “Let’s promise together to make multiparty democracy more relevant.” nepalnews.com mr Feb 08 04

Vision Nepal launches business directory

Vision Nepal Publication (VNP) has launched a business directory amidst a function in Kathmandu Sunday. The directory is said to be different than those that already exist in the market.

"The directory is updated and precise," said Urmila Basnet, Executive Director of the VNP adding, "VNP will continue publishing directories in the coming years."

Deputy Speaker of the dissolved House of Representatives, Chitralekha Yadav launched the directory. nepalnews.com pd Feb. 08 04

Execution of Mahakali Treaty stressed

Retired government officials of Nepal and India have formulated an
eight-point agreement for the execution of the Mahakali Treaty signed
by the two countries some eight years ago, Nepal Samacharpatra said Sunday.

Such an initiative from the ex-officials follows a long standing
disagreement regarding the implementation of the Treaty which was
signed on February 12, 1996, the daily said. The grouping of the
ex-officials formed at the non-governmental level is known as “Track
Two.”

Track Two will submit the eight-point agreement to the governments of
Nepal and India, the daily said. The Track Two meeting has also
suggested Nepal and India set a new a date to finalize Detailed
Planned Report (DPR) of the Pancheswor project and decide the venue for the placement of the regulating dam.

Similarly, the meeting further suggested both countries to inform the
public about the benefits of the Treaty, to facilitate the project
site with communication and roads and construct a high-level Mahakali Commission which can play a vital role for the successful
implementation of the Treaty.

At the same time, the meeting also suggested to canalize the river
water from Tanakpur unto the Nepali territory as per the Mahakali
Treaty, the daily added. nepalnews.com pd Feb08 04

Int’l rights confab to be held in Kathmandu

An international conference on human rights comprising of rights commissions of 12 Asia Pacific nations is scheduled to be held in Kathmandu from February 16 to 18, published reports Sunday said.

The meet is believed to be of special import especially in the context of growing human rights violations in the country.

Representatives of 12 Asia Pacific nations will discuss the human rights situation in the region, makings suggestions in governing steps to be taken by governments to ensure better rights prospects, reports citing a statement of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) said.

NHRC, according to reports, has informed that all the invitees have assured of participation, irrespective of the security situation of the country. Earlier, they had opted out of the meet that should have taken place four months ago. United Nations and the Amnesty International are also taking part at the meet. nepalnews.com mbk Feb 08 04

Bhimad toll includes two civilians

Out of 19 people killed during the security operation in Bhamidi, Handikhola VDC-4, on Thursday, two have been identified as the civilians-Chukmaya Bal (80) and son in law of Lok Bahadur Bal, a local, Space Time reported.

However, the Maoists in their communiqué claimed only fourteen were dead, which indicates that three more dead in the incident could be the civilians, the report said.

According to the report, the bodies of the victims were still lying along the Bhimadkhola riverside as the Maoists are not letting the relatives of the victims to take away the bodies.

The Maoists are reported to have suffered heavy losses in the incident as in the communiqué they termed it as the second Doramba, where they had lost their 17 people.

According to the security forces, the operation was carried out after they got the information that the Maoists are organizing a gathering in the area. They also said that in the incident, Persa district secretary, Bikash, central assistant commander Asal , area commander, Kopila Subedi along with others were killed. nepalnews.com rs Feb 08 04

Students demand of a republic is a sign for a better Nepal: Koirala

President of Nepali Congress (NC), Girija Prasad Koirala, has remarked the students’ slogans for a republic as ‘a signal for a good future in Nepal’ a report said Sunday.

Koirala said this Saturday while addressing the joint rally against
‘regression’ in Birtamod, the Rajdhani daily reported. “The seeds for
a republic has already been planted in Nepal,” Koirala said adding,
“It is the King and his role that is supporting the idea of a ‘republic’ to flourish in the country.”

Koirala flayed the Kings interview in Time Magazine. “I disagree with
the Kings idea of ‘being a constructive monarch’,” he said asking,
“Does being a threat to the constitution and democracy mean a
constructive role?”

Koirala criticized Kings for being an obstacle for democratization in
Nepal. He said, “Kings have been hindrance for institutionalization of
democracy in Nepal.” “So, the ongoing agitation must be the final one
so that there is no need for such agitation in the future,” he said.

Meanwhile, Secretary of the UML, Madhav Kumar Nepal, speaking in a joint rally in Pokhara said the Kings activities and expressions are
responsible for present situation in Nepal. Nepal, criticizing the
Kings interview in Time Magazine said, “Nepal can exist without the
King.”

“The King will have to bear a great loss if the present conflict between the King and the parties continues,” he said.
nepalnews.com pd Feb 08 04