“Success of the ongoing efforts to guarantee security to the people by making the peace process successful is, indeed, the need of the nation and the desire of the Nepalese people.”
King Gyanendra , in his Dashain message to Nepalese people.
* * *
“All the issues cannot be resolved immediately and at a single sitting. We need adequate patience. The talks may continue for two to four days but the dialogue will be successful."
Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala, talking to reporters, during the traditional Dashain tea reception by Nepali Congress.
* * *
“Bhutanese Prime Minister Khandu Wangchuk has agreed to resume stalled bilateral talks in November and find a final solution to the Bhutnese refugee crisis."
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs KP Sharma Oli, talking to reporters, upon his return home after attending the 61st UN General Assembly, in New York where he met with his Bhutanese counterpart.
* * *
“At the very least armed groups should not be allowed to stay in the political process.”
Condoleeza Rice, US Secretary of State, pointing out that there were concerns in the United States about the conduct of Maoists, during her meeting with the visiting Nepalese foreign minister KP Oli in Washington DC .
* * *
“We can also save a huge amount for the state exchequer if the constituent assembly is converted into the first parliament."
Narayan Man Bijukchhe , president of Nepal Workers and Peasants Party (NWPP).
* * *
“
We like to see fundamental change in the Maoists' actions-actions of the cadres, of army and of the militia. But if there is no change in behavior or action , then how can anyone expect any change in United States position."
Steven R Mann , US Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for South and Central Asian Affairs, at a press meet, when asked how the US considered Maoist demand that America withdraw it from terrorist list.
* * *
“The US offer to take 60,000 refugees is in favor of Bhutanese King and against Bhutanese people.”
Tek Nath Rijal , human rights leader of Bhutan, criticizing US offer even as he welcomed it “on humanitarian grounds,” in Kantipur.
* * *
Transition:
DIED: Folk singer and radio anchor Pandav Sunuwar, 53, died at King's College Hospital in London . He was suffering from liver cirrhosis.
KILLED: Bibek Sharma (Luitel), an eight year old child, after abduction, in Kathmandu .
FILED : Charge-sheets demanding life sentence has been filed at Kathmandu District Court against seven accused persons in the killing of Bibek Sharma (Luitel). The accused include Bhikhari Khan, Okil Ansari, Pappu Mandal, Pateni Lama, Shakhina Manandhar Khapung, Mokhtar Ansari and Akabar Ansari. Bhikhari, Okil and Mokhtar are Indian nationals. Akabar Ansari is still absconding.
SENT : Maoist leader CP Gajurel to West Bengal state of India (to face fresh charges there) by the Madras Metropolitan Court .
ARRIVED : Two UN experts – one on military matters and another on electoral procedures – to join Ian Martin – the Personal Representative of UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, who has been dispatched to Nepal to facilitate the peace process here.
LEFT: Dr. Suresh Chandra Chalise , advisor to Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala on foreign affairs, has left for six-day visit to China . He has been sent by the PM as his special envoy.
