King
to parties: I’m open to talks
His Majesty King Gyanendra said he was ready for
dialogue with the political parties but, before that, the latter
must clarify their position on ‘terrorism’, among others.
He also resented the proposed dialogue and alliance
between the parties and the Maoists insurgents.
In an exclusive interview to three government
mouthpieces – Radio Nepal, Nepal Television and Rastriya Samachar
Samiti (RSS) - at the end of his unofficial tour to the mid and
far-western regions, the King said, “People have told us that
all they want is peace. But, the parties are talking about negotiation
and alliance [with the Maoists]. They must be clear about their
position on terrorism.”
“There are issues like good governance and
corruption. We have heard of sweeping politicization of bureaucracy.
They [parties] must be clear on that as well. Then there is fiscal
discipline they need be clear about,” the monarch said and
challenged the party leaders to go to the people with their vision,
if any.
He said, “If they go to the people and speak
clearly then there is room for talks and we can move forward.”
I am open. I have never said I will not meet them [party leaders].
I, too, am accountable to the people.”
Saying that terrorism is the major problem facing
the country, the King said all must be careful not to give any sort
of provocation to terrorist activities. “Let’s not forget
that the country is still in crisis of one form or the other,”
he said. “Our focus should be on how the country could be
made stronger, peaceful and democratic.”
The King claimed that his Feb 1 move was aimed
fully at maintaining peace in the country and addressing the problems
of the people and, in response to a query regarding suspicions over
the success of his move, he conceded that there were 'both bitter
and sweet experiences in the going'. “I have heard such things
[complaints],” the King said and added that all sides should
put the nation at the center and carry out their duties.
At one point, the King said the present crisis
could have been minimized had the 41-point demands of the Maoists
– he didn’t address them as Maoists though -, some of
which he said were justifiable, been addressed in the very beginning.
“It is said that they had brought forth 41-point
demands. Some of those demands were worthy. Had something been done
to address them, the country would not have plunged into a ditch.”
His Majesty mentioned that the 21-point agenda
of the present government were aimed at addressing the burning problems
of the country.
He said his visit to the districts was an
opportunity to be acquinted with problems of the people and that
he was happy to be amongst the people.
“This King feels no pain being with the people.
The institution of monarchy will not shy away from going for changes
in order to solve the people’s problems.” nepalnews.com
mk Aug 29 05
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