Wednesday, August 16, 2006

Alauddin Masood, Freelance Columnist, Islamabad

Pakistan is eyeing to earn USS one billion from the-export of its engineering products by 2007. In 2005, Pakistan’s exports of engineering goods stood at USS 540 million and a year earlier at USS 320 million.

Currently, engineering goods constitute 63 per cent of the global trade against six per cent of trade in textiles. However, around 60-per cent of Pakistan’s exports comprise of cotton and cotton products. In other words, Pakistani companies have hitherto been concentrating on only six per cent of the international trade and ignoring the 63 per cent comprising of the engineering goods.

Realizing the importance of engineering goods in- boosting the exports, Pakistan government restructured its Engineering Development Board (EDB) in 2004 and assigned the reconstituted body the task of making the country’s engineering sector robust so that it can be used as a tool for increasing exports of the engineering goods.

The restructured EDB proceeded ahead with task entrusted to it by formulating a - multi-pronged strategy aimed at. “Strengthening the engineering sector and integrating it with the world market to make it the driving force of economic growth.”

The EDB is now engaged in enhancing the engineering sector’s competitiveness through a programme of deletion, indigenization, protection to local industry and removal of - tariff anomalies as well as other impediments to the-growth of the engineering industry by focusing its activities on four broad areas. These include: Internal Reorganization, Policy Development & Integration, Sector/Business Development and Tariff Rationalization.

Convinced that the development of engineering sector parallel to the cotton sector has become vital for Pakistan’s sustainable economic growth, in particular in the wake of WTO regime, the government is lending full support to the EDB’s efforts aimed at making the country’s engineering sector robust so that it can compete in the world markets and earn foreign exchange through increasing its exports to the global community.

Scores of countries have already used their engineering sector as a springboard or key industry to drive sustainable economic growth. For example, Turkey, Malaysia, Thailand and South Africa have achieved economic growth through the development of automobile industry, one of the top priority sub-sectors of the main engineering sector.

Likewise, Pakistan could use the engineering manufacturing sector as a driving force for development of its economy. If the country’s success in the motorcycle sub-sector is a guide, Pakistan can enhance production of indigenous automobiles and agro machinery to achieve import substitution on the one hand and on the other to export its surplus to the neighboring countries. As far as motorcycles are concerned, Pakistan is annually producing 600,000 two-wheelers, enough to meet the domestic demand and exporting the surplus number to countries in the South Asia region.

With a view to developing confidence of Pakistani manufacturers and providing them opportunities to introduce themselves to the international buyers of machinery components and become part of the Global Supply Chain, the EDB encourages - participation of sound and vibrant national engineering firms in trade and industrial fairs both within and outside the country.

HANNOVER TRADE FAIR

Pakistan participated, earlier this year, in the Hannover Messe (Fair) in Germany, - which was open to public from April 24 to April 28, with a delegation of 220 persons. In addition to exhibitors from 60 national companies in the engineering sector, Pakistan delegation included some professors from the engineering universities of the country to strengthen industry-academia linkages. -

This was Pakistan’s second entry to the Hannover Fair. In 2005, Pakistan had participated in this Fair with a delegation of 80 which, among others, included exhibitors from 35 engineering companies. Encouraged with the rewarding and fruitful experience in 2005, a more confident engineering manufacturing sector of Pakistan participated in this year’s Fair at a much larger scale.

Numerous Pakistani manufacturers of engineering products have bagged business orders and opportunities from the European market as a result of their participation in the Hannover Fair 2006, which enabled them to exhibit their products to the international community and Pakistani entrepreneurs a platform for interaction with their European counterparts.

At the Hannover Fair, the main Pakistan Pavilion, this year, made an overwhelming impact in the Sub-Contracting, Power Generation and Factory Automation halls. Over 1000 sq. meters of exhibition space was reserved for the Pakistan pavilion in the three separate halls at the Fair grounds with the primary objective to project Pakistan as an emerging engineering destination. A special directory containing details of all the participating exhibitors and delegates, including an attractive ‘Pakistani Delegate Bag’ and a give-away mini-football, was also produced for visitors to the Pakistani booths.

Research and Development Engineering Company, the manufacturers of precision engineering parts in Pakistan, was overwhelmed with the response it received this year. According to the company’s Managing Director, Rumi Moiz, “It has been a dream comes true, the company that we have been bench-marking to emulate came to us to do business with our company. We are also moving on to Holland to continue negotiations with three other companies and sign an MOU with one of them.”

Pakistan’s leading manufacturers of CNG dispensing machines, Telsa Industries’ Aamir Hussain said: “We too have received good response from the international companies, it is quite visible that international organizations and European companies are beginning to recognize the potential for outsourcing engineering manufactured Components, parts and equipment to Pakistani companies.”

Another participant from Pakistan, Mr. Farhan Junejo was of the view that the Pakistan delegation made a positive impact at the Hannover Messe 2006. ‘‘ With this rate of success, there should be no looking back, we have to sustain our presence here and continue to take part progressively so that Pakistan gets its deserved recognition in the engineering sector.”

The Hannover Messe (Fair) is an annual feature and it is considered traditionally a benchmark for the engineering manufacturing companies to market and sell their products to a larger number of manufacturers from all over the world.

LAHORE EXPO

EDB is organizing, from November 24 to November 26, this year, the Lahore Expo, which is likely to be participated by some 350 exhibitors. Out of the participants to the national exhibition, the EDB will select about 25 best engineering companies in various sectors and give them National Championship awards.

The participation in the Hannover Fair and other such international events also made the exhibiting companies abreast with the current trends and many a company, on return to Pakistan, proceeded with up-gradation of their production lines in order to meet future demands of foreign buyers.

As far as Pakistan is concerned, Hannover and MIDEST fairs proved to be high water mar1 for the engineering industry. These fairs not only provided platforms for the industry to pitch their capabilities to the world, but have also been instrumental in transforming mindsets, paving the way for business agreements, inculcating thoughts to change/upgrade and, above all, set in a process of transfer of technology.

Another benefit of participating in international fairs is their vast latent potential for global connectivity, which provides opportunities to local companies to hedge against recession by exporting to various parts of the world, thereby decreasing dependence on the domestic or any other single market.

It is expected that these steps might gradually increase the share of engineering sector in the exports of the country to US$ one billion by 2007 against USS 540 million in 2005 and US$ 320 million a year earlier.

Space provided by this paper on the eve of Pakistan Independence day celebrations- The author's email address is : alauddinmasood@hotmail.com-ed.

We stand for democracy and have taken far-reaching measures to ensure its sustainability

I am privileged to greet my Pakistani brothers and sisters both at home and overseas on the auspicious occasion of our 60 th Independence Day.

The emergence of our beloved country Pakistan, as a sovereign state on the map of the world was the result of a long and arduous struggle by the Muslims of South Asia under the matchless leadership of our founding father, Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. Dynamism of the Quaid was wonderfully complemented by his personal and leadership qualities. He inspired the people by principles of unity, faith and discipline, enabling them to overcome seemingly insurmountable odds in achieving independence.

It is imperative that we, the people of Pakistan realize the importance of a strong, prosperous and progressive country for us as a nation. If we analyze the international geo-political environment, it is apparent that countries economically, politically and militarily weak find it a struggle to exist as sovereign states on the world stage. It is, therefore, our national duty to make Pakistan strong.

While today is without doubt a day for both prayer and rejoicing, it is also a moment to pause and reflect. We have examined our strengths and weaknesses. While keeping in vie the lofty objectives, for which our country was created, it is our duty to take our beloved country forward in attaining its rightful place in the comity of nations.

AlhamdoLillah, far-sighted policies and reforms over the last seven years have given the country correct strategic direction and Pakistan is beginning to realize its tremendous human, geo-strategic and economic potential.

Consistency and transparency of policies have resulted in economic stability; our focus is now on transferring these benefits to the people. The defence of the country has been made impregnable and a comprehensive strategy is in place to ensure that it goes from strength to strength. We have also achieved much needed political stability for progress of the country. There is an elected government and representatives of the people are present at all tiers of the legislature, from the national and provincial, down to the grass roots level.

On this occasion, I would like to reiterate that we stand for democracy and have taken far-reaching measures to ensure its sustainability; there is total freedom of speech and expression in the country. Steps have been taken for the politico-socio-economic empowerment and rights of women. The antiquated and colonial administrative structure has been replaced by devolving power down to the peoples’ representatives at the grass roots level and local government is in its second tenure. Hosts of development projects have been initiated and are at various stages of completion. In this regard, special care has been taken for generation of jobs for the poor segments of society and bringing progress to far-flung areas in order to bring them at par with the rest of the country.

Our achievements do not mean that we as a nation have overcome the challenges before us, for on the fringes of society there are obscurantist elements who do not wish to see Pakistan on the path of progress and prosperity. It is our collective duty as citizens of the state not to let such elements succeed in their evil designs.

Let us therefore pledge on this occasion that we will join hands to make Pakistan a dynamic, progressive, tolerant and democratic Islamic welfare state. We have the example of our founding fathers before us to emulate. We cannot afford to let down the vast majority of moderate and peace-loving citizens of our country.

May Allah Almighty grant us the wisdom, courage and resolve to take our beloved country on the path of prosperity and glory. Ameen!

MESSAGE FROM GENERAL PERVEZ MUSHARRAF, President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, On the occasion of Independence Day ( August 14 th 2006 )

We should endeavor to create a tolerant and progressive society

“Today, we are celebrating our Independence Day. On this auspicious occasion, I extend my heartiest felicitations to my fellow citizens living in Pakistan and abroad.

We must remember that the Muslims of South Asia made great sacrifices for achieving independence, and our ancestors, under the inspiring leadership of Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah pledged to strive for the greater glory of our nation. It is, therefore, our foremost duty to demonstrate firm determination for upholding unity of the nation and strengthening integrity and solidarity of our country. I am confident that our nation imbued with a sense of honor, national pride and dedication will spare no effort to protect its national interests. In the prevailing environment, internal unity is far more important than ever before.

I appeal to my fellow Pakistanis that we should work hard to ensure peace and prosperity in our country. We should endeavor to create a tolerant and progressive society, as cherished by our founding fathers. I urge you to maintain unity in your ranks and live in harmony as brother and sisters without any ethnic, sectarian or regional considerations.

The reforms introduced by the present government have laid the foundations of a stable political system and sound economy.

We should stand together as a nation, united to face the challenges with courage and fortitude. We should make our nation stronger and more prosperous so that we are able to foil any internal or external threat to our sovereignty and to ensure that our future generations enjoy the fruits of peace and prosperity.

On this Day, let us pledge to the Quaid’s guiding principles of Unit, Faith and Discipline and make Pakistan a truly modern, progressive, enlightened, democratic Islamic welfare state. This will be a benefiting tribute to our founding fathers. I pray to Almighty Allah that He keep us on the right path and reward our sincere efforts in improving the well-being of the people of Pakistan , Ameen”.

PRIME MINISTER SHAUKAT AZIZ’S Message On the occasion of Independence Day

INTERIM CONSTITUTION OF FEDERAL DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF NEPAL , 2063

This is an interim constitution of Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal , 2063, presented by Communist Party of Nepal to Interim Constitution Draft Committee.

Preamble

Whereas, we consider it an historical necessity to institutionalize a full democratic republican state system by bringing to an end the feudal monarchic state in consonance with the mandate of the armed and unarmed democratic movements against the autocratic monarchical centralized feudal system launched by the Nepali people since 1950 A. D. and specifically, the historical People's Movement launched to institutionalize a republican system in April 2006 on the foundation of the People's War launched since 1996 by the CPN (Maoist) as well as with the support of the 12-point understanding between the political parties and the Maoist;

And whereas, we are fully committed to preservation and promotion of the country's sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity;

And whereas, we have a strong conviction that the Nepali people are the only source of all powers of the State;

And whereas, we realize the necessity to have a forward-looking restructuring of the state and society in a way to address on a long-term basis the problems of the country's majority of the exploited and oppressed class, nationalities, regions, gender and community;

And whereas, we are aware of the fact that, based on the right to self-determination and the policy of autonomous rule of various oppressed nationalities and regions in the hills, valleys and the plains, a federal system with Nepali specificities has to be established by bringing to an end the old unitary structure;

Therefore, we sovereign Nepalese people, through a broad national political convention of the democratic revolutionary forces, hereby annul the existing Constitution of the Kingdom of Nepal 1990 and promulgate and enforce the Interim Constitution of the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal 2006 for the period until another democratic constitution is created through an elected Constituent Assembly with proportionate and inclusive representation of all classes, nationalities, regions, gender and communities.

Part 1
Directive Principles of the State

1. A state system of democratic republic shall be established by bringing to an end all the remnants of monarchy and feudal autocracy.

2. There shall be full commitment to the universally accepted norms and values like a multiparty competitive system, adult franchise, periodic elections, rule of law, human rights, fundamental rights etc.

3. Democratic norms and values shall be established in all political, economic, social and cultural sectors by bringing to an end feudal and imperialist exploitation-oppression in all forms.

4. A federal system with Nepali specificities shall be established on the basis of the rights to self-determination and autonomous rule of the oppressed nationalities and regions by bringing to an end the feudal autocratic system based on Arya-Khasa upper caste chauvinism.

5. The State shall be fully secular.

6. All types of feudal land relations existing in agriculture, on which are dependent a large majority of people, shall be abolished, and a progressive land reforms program based on the principle of 'land to the tillers' shall be implemented.

7. The State shall make special arrangements for workers, peasants, landless squatters, kamaiyas (bonded-laborers), tillers and herdsmen etc.

8. A policy of rapid and widespread national industrialization shall be adopted, and the State shall formulate and implement necessary financial policies and laws for the protection of national industrialists and business community.

9. Bilateral relations shall be established with all countries on the basis of the principles of Panchsheel, and special efforts shall be made to maintain balanced and cordial relations with the two principal neighbors, India and China.

10. All unequal treaties and agreements of the past shall be annulled, and new treaties and agreements based on equality and mutual interest shall be made.

11. The State shall make necessary arrangements for proper respect of those who achieved martyrdom in course of the ten-year People's War and People's Movement. Investigations shall be launched to look for those disappeared during that time and the guilty shall be punished duly. The State shall make special arrangements for the security and facility of the martyr families, the families of the disappeared and the injured as well as the maimed.

12. The State shall provide protection to the elderly citizens, the destitute, the physically disabled and those suffering from chronic diseases.

Part 2
Citizenship

1. Every Nepali citizen shall have the rights to citizenship, and no one shall be deprived of the rights without proper reasons.

2. The descendents may be able to acquire the citizenship in the name of either of their parents.

3. Constituting a high level Citizenship Commission, citizenship certificates in recommendation of an all-party committee at the local level shall immediately be distributed, before the Constituent Assembly elections, to the people who have been living in Nepal for a long time but have been deprived of the citizenship, particularly in Madesh.

4. Other provisions relating to acquisition and termination of citizenship shall be as determined by laws.

Part 3
Fundamental Rights and Duties

1. Fundamental Rights

i. All citizens shall be equal before the law. No discrimination shall be made against any citizen on the grounds of ethnicity, class, gender, region, language, culture and ideology or conviction.

ii. Every citizen shall have freedom to express and publish opinions, establish associations and organizations, elect representatives and be elected, move across the country, assemble and carry on any occupation. No person shall be deprived of their personal liberty save in accordance with the law.

iii. Education, health, shelter and employment shall be the birthrights of every citizen.

iv. Every citizen shall have the right against untouchability, social discrimination and exploitation.

v. Patriarchal exploitation of women in all forms shall end. Daughter shall have equal rights to parental property at par with son. Women shall be entitled full freedom in the issues of marriage, sale and purchase of properties, divorce or conception or abortion of pregnancy. Special rights shall be guaranteed for women in all sectors including their representation in state bodies.

vi. All types of exploitation-oppression including untouchability of the Dalits shall end, and special rights shall be ensured for the Dalits in all sectors.

vii. The bona-fide tiller peasants shall have the right over land.

viii. Laborers and workers shall possess the right to put demands against any type of discrimination and oppression, engage in collective bargaining and go on strike.

ix. Everyone shall possess the right to acquire education and to conduct official works in their respective mother language.

x. Every citizen shall have the right to use their property. But no one shall be allowed to keep property above the limit fixed by law.

xi. Every citizen shall be free to follow or not to follow religion as per their conviction.

xii. The local people shall have primary right over local natural resources, including water, land, forests, mines etc.

xiii. Every citizen shall have the right to effective legal treatment from able courts of law for the assertion of their rights.

2. Duties

i. Every citizen shall have to abide by the constitution and laws.

ii. They shall have to protect the State's property.

iii. They shall have to enlist in the army and work as demanded by the State for the defence of the country.

Part 4
Interim Legislature

1. There shall be an all-powerful Interim Legislature in Nepal. The country's legislative powers to be used as per this Constitution and the laws made under this Constitution shall be vested in this Interim Legislature.

2. A broad National Political Convention shall constitute the Interim Legislature for the interim period. Participation in the Convention and its criteria shall be finalized through negotiation between the CPN (Maoist) and the Seven Political Parties.

3. The broad National Political Convention shall constitute an Interim Legislature as follows:

a) One third representatives from the Seven Political Parties, totalling 101

b) One third representatives from the CPN (Maoist), totalling 101

c) One third representatives from civil society, professional organizations and special personalities of the country who participated in the Democratic Movement, totaling 101. Their selection shall be made through mutual understanding between the Seven Political Parties and the CPN (Maoist).

While selecting representatives, attention shall have to be given to proper inclusion of class, nationalities, regions, gender and other communities.

In this way, the total number of members in the Interim Legislature shall be 303.

4. The reinstated House of Representatives shall be dissolved on the day this Constitution comes into force, and all the powers being hitherto exercised by the House of Representatives shall, pursuant to this Constitution, be exercised by the Interim Legislature.

5. The Interim Legislature shall be the State's supreme body during the interim period. It shall execute all necessary works relating to formation of the Council of Ministers, elections to constitutional posts, formulation of, amendment to and annulment of laws, foreign relations and approval of treaties and agreements, declaration of war and peace, budget endorsement, elections to the Constituent Assembly etc.

6. The Interim Legislature, in its first meeting, shall elect a Chairperson and a Deputy Chairperson.

7. The Interim Legislature shall pass ordinary decisions with simple majority while the issues of national interest that have long-term impacts shall be decided by two-third majority or through a referendum. Its process shall be as determined.

8. The tenure of the Interim Legislature shall be until the formation of the elected Constituent Assembly.

9. If a post in the Interim Legislature falls vacant before its tenure expires, the vacancy shall be filled for the remaining period. While filling the vacant post, it shall be done on the basis of the same representation.

Part 5
Interim Government

1. The Interim Legislature shall constitute a Council of Ministers under the leadership of Prime Minister to work as an Interim Government. Executive powers of Nepal shall be vested in the Interim Government or the Council of Ministers. The Council of Ministers shall exercise all executive powers to run day-to-day administration. The Council of Ministers shall be fully accountable to the Interim Legislature.

2. The Prime Minister of the Interim Government shall form a Cabinet and divide portfolios on the basis of the same representation as in the Interim Legislature. The number of members of the Council of Ministers shall not exceed one tenth of the number of members of the Interim Legislature.

Part 6
Interim Court

1. All judicial works during the interim period shall be conducted by the Supreme Court and its subordinate courts as well as People's Courts established and being operated in rural areas.

2. Judges at every level shall be appointed after approval by the Interim Legislature or a people's representative body of the same level. The incumbent judges shall remain in office only if the Interim Legislature endorses them. Otherwise, they shall be relieved of the post.

3. Judges at every level shall be institutionally accountable to the people's representative body of their own level and to the Chief Justice regarding their day-to-day office work.

Part 7
Interim Security Provision

1. Nepali Army and the People's Liberation Army shall, during the time of elections to the Constituent Assembly in the interim period as per the 12-point understanding and the 8-point agreement, be limited within their respective barracks and camps, and they will be monitored by reliable national and international teams.

2. Both the armies shall be under the Interim Legislature and the Interim Government, and the Prime Minister shall be the Supreme Commander of both of them.

3. For internal security provision as well as for monitoring, control and mobilization of both the armies, there shall be a high level Military Commission whose formation and number of members shall be finalized through agreement between the seven political parties and the CPN (Maoist). The Military Commission shall have a chairperson who shall be appointed by the Interim Legislature.

4. Necessary measures shall be taken during the interim period for timely democratization of the Nepali Army that has traditionally been loyal to the monarchy. Its concrete structure and procedure shall be finalized by the Military Commission.

5. A militia shall be created with mutual agreement between the two sides in order to regulate the State's legal provisions during the interim period and to manage the elections to the Constituent Assembly. The Prime Minister shall mobilize the militia.

6. After the Constituent Assembly elections, a new national army shall be created on the basis of the elections result through mutual agreement.

Part 8
Constitutional Bodies

The Interim Legislature shall formulate constitutional bodies like Election Commission, Financial Control and Discipline Commission, Public Service Commission etc. that are essential in a democratic system, and appoint commissioners who shall be accountable to the Interim Legislature.

Part 9
Head of the State

During the interim period when monarchy has come to an end and an elected Constituent Assembly is yet to make an alternative provision, the Chairperson of the Interim Legislature shall act as the Head of the State.

Part 10
Autonomous Republic and Local Bodies

1. In line with a new federal structure, the country shall be divided into nine autonomous republic states namely Kirant Republic, Madhesh Republic, Tamang Republic, Newa Republic, Tamuwan Republic, Magarat Republic, Tharuwan Republic, Bheri-Karnali Republic and Seti-Mahakali Republic, and in each of them, an interim autonomous republic government shall be formed. The formation of the interim autonomous republic governments shall be based on an agreement between the seven political parties and the CPN (Maoist) of the concerned states.

2. The formation of interim local governments in the districts, villages as well as municipalities of the autonomous republic states shall be as agreed between the seven political parties and the CPN (Maoist) of the concerned states and districts.

3. Following the formation of interim governments in the autonomous states and local bodies, the people's government operated by the CPN (Maoist) shall be dissolved.

Part 11
Constituent Assembly

1. As decided by the Interim Government, the elections to the Constituent Assembly shall be held within a year from the date of enforcement of this Constitution.

2. Ensuring inclusive and proportionate representation, the Constituent Assembly shall have a total of 225 members, including ten each from the nine autonomous republic states totalling 90, 125 directly elected with one seat equivalent to 200,000 people as well as ten nominated from among experts and the endangered and marginalized ethnic groups.

3. Women, oppressed nationalities, dalits, the disabled etc. shall be included in the Constituent Assembly in proportion to their population.

4. The Constituent Assembly shall draft a new constitution within a year.

Part 12
Miscellaneous

1. Important political, economic, and social issues of the country shall be decided through referendum.

2. The treaties and agreements with foreign countries relating to the sharing of natural resources or those that have severe long-term impacts on the country shall be endorsed only through a two-third majority of the Legislature or a referendum.

3. The provisions in this Interim Constitution shall be enacted as stated in it and those that are not stated in it shall be enacted as per the decisions of the Interim Legislature and the Interim Government formed pursuant to this Constitution.

4. The Interim Government shall enforce this Constitution after having it endorsed by the Legislature pursuant to this Constitution.

Comrade Prachanda, chairman of the Communist Patty of Nepal and the Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala, the Government of Nepal write the following letter to the UN separately. Both letters were identical in that both are agreed on a five-point agreement for UN assistance.

August 9, 2006

Excellency,

I have the honor to refer to my letter dated July 24, 2006 requesting the cooperation of the United Nations in the ongoing peace process in Nepal . In this context, I am happy to acquaint you that United Nations team, which left Kathmandu a week ago, held extensive yet fruitful consultations with all concerned stakeholders of peace process here in Nepal. The UN team, as I understand, is likely to submit its report to you on Nepal .

In the mean time, Excellency, I wish to inform you that further to the Eight-Point Understanding between the Seven Party Alliance (SPA) and the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) (CPN-M) of June 2006 and the commitment expressed by the government of Nepal (GON) to the Agreement, the GON and the CPN-M hereby request the United Nations to provide its assistance as follows with a view to creating a free and fair atmosphere for the election of a constituent assembly and entire the peace process:

Continue its human rights monitoring through the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in Nepal (OHCHR, Nepal )

Assist the monitoring of the Code of Conduct during the Ceasefire.

On the basis of the agreement to seek UN assistance in the "the management of arms and armed personnel of both the sides", deploy qualified civilian personnel to monitor and verify the confinement of CPN-M combatants and their weapons within designated cantonment areas. Later the modalities for all arrangements, including of arms and munitions, will be worked out among the parties and the UN.

Monitor the Nepal Army to ensure that it remains in its barracks and its weapons are not used for or against any side. The modalities will be worked out among the parties and the UN.

Provide election observation for the election of the Constituent Assembly in consultation with the parties.

Please accept, Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration.

(Prachanda)Chairman,
Central Committee CPN (Maoist)

Excellency Kofi A. Annan
Secretary General,
United Nations, NY
United States of America