FORMER JAPANESE PRIME MINISTER RIYOTARO HASHIMOTO died at International Medical Center of Tokyo on Saturday (July 1) due to stomach ailments. The 68-year-old Hashimoto had been a close friend and regular visitor to Nepal. He heads a foundation that is helping in socio-economic development of Nepal including the development of Kanti Children Hospital. Hashimoto was the chairman of Japan chapter of Japan-Nepal Golden Jubilee of Establishment of Diplomatic Relations Celebration Coordination Committee. “He was not only a close friend of Nepal but also politically very influential in Japan,” said Kedar Bhakta Mathema, former Nepalese ambassador to Japan. “In his death, Nepal has lost a very good friend,” he added.
PRADEEP GYAWALI, MINISTER FOR CULTURE, Tourism and Civil Aviation, has said that the national flag carrier Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC) will be made autonomous, Addressing a function held in Kathmandu on Saturday (July 1) to mark the 48 th anniversary of the airlines, the minister said: “It is urgent to reform the airlines – make it autonomous and let it increase services and profits.” He advised that the airlines be reformed by following the norms of public-private partnership. “Nepal Government is not in favor of privatizing the NAC,” he clarified. Stating that the major problem of NAC was the lack of aircraft, Gyawali said the government was engaged in homework to add new big and small aircraft to NAC’s fleet soon. Speaking on the occasion, managing director of NAC Krishna Bahadur Poudel said that the airlines was currently operating international flights in nine sectors through two Boeings and in 28 domestic sectors through four Twin Otters.
A FORMER INDIAN AMBASSADOR who was well known for his active involvement in bringing the Mahakali Treaty between India and Nepal to fruition has revealed that the implementation of the treaty is not a priority for India now. He stated that as Nepal was passing through political transition, the treaty implementation is not a priority for India. He added that Indian priority lied on economic, social and political development of Nepal. “The first priority of India on Nepal is to restore peace and democracy,” he said.
THE STATE AFFAIRS COMMITTEE at the House of Representatives has instructed the government to assess palace properties and submit the details. The committee meeting chaired by Hridaya Ram Thani gave this instruction to the government. The Committee members also held consultations with chief secretary Mukunda Sharma Poudel over the state of implementation of House declaration. Likewise, Public Accounts Committee meeting chaired by Chitra Bahadur KC has called for property details from royal family members, ministers and MPs within fifteen days.
THANKS TO THREE-WEEK-LONG STRIKE by the employees and scientists at Nepal Agricultural Research Council (NARC), the research activities in this sector has become standstill. The employees are opposing the decision by the Agriculture and Cooperatives Ministry to remove its executive director who was appointed as per the NARC Act and installing a political appointee instead. The strike has seriously affected functions like testing of seeds and management of agro products. “The activity of maintaining seeds and products that were sowed for research has come to standstill,” said Birendra Khadka, an employee engaged in the strike.
MAOIST LEADER DR. BABURAM BHATTARAI AND spokesperson Krishna Mahara went to Indian Embassy in Kathmandu on Wednesday (June 28) to meet with Indian ambassador Shiv Mukherjee. Reports say Dr. Bhattarai requested the Indian government to release Maoist detainees in Indian jails. According to Maoists, there are around 137 Maoist inmates in Indian jails including around 40 central leaders. Likewise, Maoist leaders Mahara and Suresh Ale Magar also met with Swedish ambassador Lena Sundh. These meetings mark the beginning of Maoist attempt to convince the diplomatic community about their intention. “We did meet with Indian envoy. We found India is positive towards changing political situation,” Mahara told Kantipur FM, adding, “We also raised the issue of releasing Maoist detainees in Indian jails. The envoy was positive about that.” Mahara said issue of conflict resolution was discussed during their meeting with Swedish ambassador.
OF THE SEVEN SOLDIERS OF NEPALESE ARMY (NA) who were abducted a month ago by Congolese militia, two have been safely released on Tuesday. According to Department of Public Relations, NA, soldiers Prem Bahadur Thapa and Kale Sarki have been released. Others are still in captivity and are said to be in safe condition. A month ago, they were abducted from conflict-torn Ituri region after a clash between UN peace-keepers belonging to NA and the militia. One NA soldier was killed during the clash. The UN is continuing its efforts to safely release the remaining NA soldiers.
