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Wednesday, December 6, 2006
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Lobbying for Monarchy?
Kathmandu : Though in a subtle manner, the process of polarization in and among the political parties have begun. 
Understandably, certain internal compulsions and the concurrent "hidden" international pressures have encouraged the political parties with comparatively lesser strength and clout in the country's politics to come to terms with like-minded parties either in the name of fighting with the other equally competent camps at times of the CA polls or even considering their own likelihood of extinction from the country's political scene if not done so.
The process of polarization has thus begun both in the liberal and the republican fronts.
It is highly symbolic and loaded with meaning that the process of unity with similar ideals and politics have begun with the merger of Keshar Bahadur led party comprising of the liberals with that of the Rastriya Jan-Shakti party led by none less than Surya Bahadur Thapa last week.
This unity among the two liberal parties, so far, is just the beginning of the beginning, say analysts. 
No surprise that an emboldened Thapa with the said unification, the former prime minister of the country who is considered to be a staunch royalist who concurrently receives blessings from New Delhi, in an oblique manner said a foreign correspondent that the "institution of the monarchy can not be penalized for a fault committed by some".
This is loaded with meaning in the sense that Thapa concludes, by implication that even if King Gyanendra committed blunders during his rule but then yet his blunders should in no way cause any damage to the institution of the monarchy itself.
Thapa's utterances in favor of the continuation of the monarchical institution in the country assumes import for his known "links" and "attachments" with New Delhi's functioning establishment.
Some even say that Thapa's indication to this effect must have come when he was told to do so by his invisible friends seated in South Block, India .
If this is so then what could be taken for granted that New Delhi would not mind if the institution of the monarchy remained in whatever form the people of this country decide.
This is not all.
The new Chairman of the RPP-Nepal, Rabindra Nath Sharma-who replaced Kamal Thapa recently-too, has made similar statements that favored the continuation of the monarchical institution in Nepal . 
Mr. Sharma who is also considered to be very "intimate" to the Indian South Block establishment even told one English Weekly last week that monarchy and democracy can go together in the country contrary to what a section of the political parties have been airing of late.
Mr. Sharma even warned the leaders of the Nepali congress that it was time for them to urgently lobby in favor of the institution of the monarchy or else it would be too late for them even to repent.
Remarks coming as it does in favor of the monarchy by two top known Indo-pendent leaders should mean that India for the time being would happily welcome the continuation of the monarchy in Nepal for a variety of political reasons.
What adds spice to these analyses is the fact that both Mr. Sharma and Former Prime Minister Thapa are considered to be very close to the incumbent Prime Minister Koirala.
While Sharma is a close relative of Nona Koirala, a sister-in-law of the Prime Minister Koirala, then Thapa is the most trusted "liberal" friend of Koirala even in the latter's bad days during the erstwhile regime when the King used to be an active monarch.
Thapa's past friendly gestures made in favor of Koirala in those good old days made the latter so happy that many a times in the recent democratic past Koirala put his entire efforts in making Thapa the country's prime minister and that too twice.
Here lay the meaning. The rest should be left open for a debate.
US in a catch-22 state over Maoist issue
Kathmandu : The American Ambassador, James F. Moriarty is visibly disturbed.
His mental agonies could well be read in between the lines of the speeches he is making of late more specially the one made in Pokhara at a meet of the editors and publishers.
Neither he can express his displeasure over the unfolding events in this country nor does he possess plausible reasons to rejoice.
Frankly speaking, the American position in Nepal is very much close to a catch-22 situation.
The reasons are very much clear as well.
Neither Moriarty can block the way for the Maoists from entering into the much publicized interim government (which he would wish in all his honesty provided Koirala listened to his concerns) that is to take a formal shape soon, nor can he collect the courage of "shaking-hands" with the Maoists ministers at diplomatic receptions come mid-December.
A cursory glance over what Moriarty said in front of the media men the other day in Pokhara makes it abundantly clear that America was not that happy with the decisions being taken in haste by the Koirala government as regards bringing in the Maoists in the interim cabinet. His expressions does tell that he would not mind Maoists entering into the cabinet if the insurgents behaved in a manner that were demanded of them in a democratic system.
In saying so Ambassador Moriarty indicates that the Maoists though have been talking of peace, however, their continued acts of violence, intimidation and terror in the countryside, go contrary to what they have been talking.
" Words can make us all feel warm and positive, especially when they promise a commitment to peace and justice ", is what Ambassador said the other day implying that the Maoists words and deeds differ.
But then yet as the lone super power on earth, the US Ambassador does not hide his reservation on the government's decision to bring in the insurgents to the interim government wherein he emphatically says, "t rue, having Maoists in the interim government will pose a challenge to our assistance efforts and that until the Maoists abandon violence, we will have to make sure that they do not benefit from our assistance"
He is candid in indicating that though his country would very much wish to continue its support to Nepal but appears concurrently afraid of such assistances going to the camps of the Maoists.
He thus suggests all more so the Maoists to strictly observe the basic principles of democratic practices and abide by its established norms and values.
During the course of his speech, the Ambassador claims that the Nepal government has set "ambitious" plans for its future course of action.
In saying so perhaps the American dignitary implies that making plans were very simple job, however, in bringing it to reality were completely difficult tasks.
Should this mean that the plans and the agenda that Koirala government has charted for Nepal (the interim legislature, the interim government and finally the polls for the CA and etc.) should have been in steps but not all at a stretch.
The Ambassador thus sees challenges in meeting those plans and agenda set by a New Nepal government.
That the US still sees the Maoists as terrorists immaterial whether they were in government or not becomes abundantly clear from the strong worded statement that Ambassador Moriarty made on the occasion. He says point blank that"Until their actions match their words, until they lay down their arms, renounce violence, and practice mainstream politics like the other parties, the United States must view the Maoists as terrorists, regardless of whether they are part of Nepal ’s government".
The Maoists must not have taken this statement in good taste. Nevertheless, so far they have not reacted to Moriarty's some what disturbing comments made against them and their party.
Interestingly, the American administration continues to differ with the stances taken vis-à-vis the Maoists by the members of the European community.
While on the one hand, the Europeans appear to provide a chance to the Maoists perhaps concluding that time permitting the insurgents would come to terms with the democratic norms and values, the US on the other, remains adamant in demanding from the Maoists that they must prove their democratic credentials first and then enjoy the American support.
To recall, the members of the EU community have promised substantial support to Nepal for its reconstruction and development. On the contrary, the US has some reservations in this regard.
It is this stance over the Maoists wherein the US and the EU differ sharply which is very much visible and clear in Kathmandu . This is some what exceptional case wherein one could observe that the US differs with its allies and vice versa. (Go to Opinion column for the full text of Ambassador Moriarty's Speech)
Does Loktantra guarantee Transparency?
The purpose of Menon's maiden visit to Nepal is yet to be revealed
Kathmandu : A Loktantric government must exhibit enough transparency in the conduct of its relations with friendly countries. However, this is not forthcoming in Nepal even if the things have changed in a dramatic manner in the recent months. Should this mean that LOKTANTRA does not in itself guarantee transparency or whatsoever?
This is exactly what has happened recently.
The Nepal government invite Indian Foreign Secretary Shiv Shanker Menon and the latter has already concluded his maiden visit to Nepal last week.
Who invited him? When he was invited? For what purpose he was invited and what transpired in between Mr Menon and the Nepal 's political heavy-weights remains still a mystery. Thanks that the Indian Foreign Secretary was kind enough to shed some light on the purpose of his sudden trip to Kathmandu .
Mr. Menon upon completion of his three days visit to Nepal "beamingly" revealed that his purpose of Kathmandu visit has been accomplished. The accomplishment?
He gladly declared that Nepal and India will soon sign the extradition treaty which remained pending for a variety of reasons.
To recall, this treaty if signed by Nepal , the latter will be forced to extradite any third country national, read the Pakistanis and the Chinese, whom India considered as inimical to her security concerns.
Surprising though it may appear, the Nepali side has yet to admit that whatever Mr. Menon said were correct. The Foreign Ministry in Nepal remains tight lipped in this regard although the other camp has already revealed the "open secret". Question thus arises as to whether this caretaker sort of government possesses the right to sign such a treaty that has far ramifications on Nepal 's friendly ties with other friendly countries, for example, China and Pakistan .
Similarly, question also could well be asked as to whether the ongoing parliament which was provided a new lease of life by the now defunct King can dare to pass the most controversial bill on the citizenship issue?
Interestingly, not a single voice of dissent were heard while passing the said bill which if challenged in the Supreme Court is sure to be reversed.
Save NMKP Chairman, Rohit, was the one and the only leader in the parliament who said no to the bill.
The UML which had taken roots in the country's politics on the premises of preservation of nationalism and national interests too mysteriously allowed the smooth passing of the said bill which if brought into action will surely change the very demographic pattern of this country instantly.
This is not all. People in this country remained aghast when the all powerful with nationalistic credentials-the Maoists- too did not utter a single word against the passage of the bill. This is mysterious.
All put together, the first two gifts of the new LOKTANTRA in Nepal is the passing of the citizenship bill and the second, as told by Menon, the signing of the extradition treaty in the near future.
What else the Indian foreign secretary put in his bag this time from Nepal has yet to come to the open.
To add insult to injury, as if one Mukherejee already stationed in Kathmandu were not enough, according to Menon, yet another high powered Mukherjee is shortly visiting Kathmandu .
Analysts predict that the second Mukherjee, the Indian Foreign Minister will force Nepal to sign several treaties pertaining to water resources and seduce Nepal to come under India 's security umbrella. It is altogether a different matter that the visiting Foreign Minister was vocal against the Maoists in Nepal during his tenure as a defense minister in India .
Undeniably, the new Loktantric government, with the Maoists or without their participation, will feel pride in providing India whatever she demanded from this country. Nepali establishment will not break the tradition of satisfying India 's needs as usual. More so the Nepali government must do so for whatever supports the men in government secured from India at time of the April change. Indian establishment possess, as a matter of tradition, the right to claim "substantial returns" from the Nepali establishment.
It is time that the Chinese and the Pakistanis rose to the occasion and devise some effective mechanism to neutralize the Indian designs more so that are related with the extradition of third country nationals. It is for sure that the treaty if signed will make the Chinese and the Pakistanis, India 's major targets in Nepal .
The Chinese silence over such a sensitive issue is sure to boomerang on them time permitting.
Reports have it that these two countries in "target" have jointly asked the Nepal government to sign separate but similar treaties with their respective countries in order to neutralize the Indian designs underneath the said treaty.
UML's Show of Strength?
Kathmandu : The UML is not a sinking horse yet. At least this is the message the UML wanted to provide for the public consumption by organizing the other day a massive gathering in the Eastern Terai of the party followers and supporters.
In essence, the massive gathering, an impressive one by all counts, was a subtle indication to the Maoists who have concluded that they can easily overcome the possible UML threat at time of the CA polls must not take their communist rival in a light manner.
The fact is that in the recent days, the Maoists activists have come heavily down against their UML brethren forwarding several tenable and untenable political reasons.
The fierce attacks on the UML cadres and at times on the NC activists in the countryside by the Maoists insurgents of late have caused panic in the country considering what would happen to the fate of the freshly signed peace accord if such violent and terrific attacks continued in the future?
The Maoists appear determined to bring the UML to its size come what may. In the process, the just signed peace accord hangs in a limbo.
The fact is that the UML sees the advent of the Maoists in the country's politics as a potential rival which could snatch its voters. The fact is also that in the recent days and weeks, many UMLites in the countryside have en masse deserted the mother party for good and have swelled the strength of the party of the rebels.
Likewise, the Maoists see the UML as their potential enemy at time of the Constituent Assembly polls and thus appears to have acquired a two pronged policy vis-à-vis the UML.
The first being terrorizing the UML cadres in order to force them all to desert and add to their own strength. The second strategy is aimed at seducing the party high ranking stalwarts in the name of providing a formal shape to the waning ideals of Leninism-Marxism so that the real and radical communists remaining in the UML party as such desert the party and join the Maoists mainstream.
If this is so then what could well be inferred is that the Maoists have not yet fully accepted the parliamentary democracy and that they possess in their inner hearts a vision of such a Nepal where the proletariats rule the roost. This means that the Maoists have by signing the peace accord with the current establishment only indicated that their ultimate goal lay some where else and not the present order.
Should this mean that they have accepted to join the mainstream politics only to use as a ladder to secure what was their ultimate objective?
Who knows what is in their mind.
Interestingly, the liberal forces have very tactfully made the two communists to fight with each other which if continued for long will surely come to their advantage at time of the CA polls.
The UML and the Maoists are not fools not to understand this ploy of the liberals. But why they have been at their daggers drawn is still a mystery.
Analysts presume that a time will come soon when both will realize this grave mistake and come to terms with each other in order to match the strength of the liberal-combined.
The liberals have started coming to terms with like minded ideas and theories. When the republicans will do so will have to be watched?
Maoist victims demand seat in Parliament
Kathmandu : The victims of Maoists during the decade old conflict organized a protest on Monday, demanding their fair representation in the interim parliament that is to be shortly formed.
The Maoist victims' demand rehabilitation, compensation and action against those who victimized them. The leaders of the Maoist Victims Association lamented that despite the recent peace accord, activities like abduction, extortion and bullying were continued by rebel militias even till now.
Participating in the rally Chitra Bahadur KC, the president of a faction of United People's Front Nepal, said that the elections for Constituent Assembly (CA) cannot be held unless the Maoists completely stop their atrocities. Addressing a function in the capital, KC also accused the government of being indifferent to Maoist excesses. The association had initially submitted a 10-point demand before the government.
Enbref
Bangladesh and Nepal terror breeding grounds: Indian Home Ministry Report
Kathmandu: The Times of India, citing a report presented by the Indian Home Ministry before the parliament states that, after having used the western border for years, Pakistan-based groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed have opened new fronts for India to guard, using Bangladesh and Nepal as launching pads for its cadres.
The report further states that, "LeT, JeM use territory and elements in Bangladesh and Nepal for movement of terrorists and finances."
More than 1.4 million babies die in First month of life: South Asia Report
Kathmandu: The State of World's Breastfeeding: South Asia Report Card-2006, a report carried out by International Baby Food Action Network Asian Pacific states that more than 1.4 million babies are estimated to die in South Asia during the first month of life and another 2.2 million between second and 12th month.
Topping the chart for taking initiatives to protect the lives of young ones was Sri Lanka followed by Bangladesh, Maldives and Pakistan. Nepal is at the fifth position in the list, whereas India is int he 6th position.
Ensure 33% reservation: Women Activists
Kathmandu: Women leaders and activists threatened for yet another agitation if the government delays in ensuring 33% reservation for women in the interim parliament and in the future as well.
They said they would be “compelled to agitate” if the May 18 Declaration of the House of Representatives is ignored while forming the interim parliament in the near future.
In a program organized in Kathmandu this week, Pampha Bhusal, the Maoist leader speaking on the occasion said her party would allocate as much as 40 percent of its seats in the interim parliament to women, whereas news reports claim that the CPN-M is facing great trouble finding women leaders to appear in the interim parliament.
$1 mn support: Denmark
Kathmandu: The Danish Embassy in a statement said, Denmark has promised the UNSC $1 million to fund the UN peace mission in Nepal. It was also ready to support the UN peace mission with staff having civilian and military backgrounds.
The Danish parliament has already approved Nepali Rs.500 million in 2007 for activities related to the peace process and the creation of a new constitution in Nepal. It also expects to provide Rs.500 million for the peace process in 2008 the statement by the Danish Embassy states.
Watch Human Rights violation in Tibet : UN watch
Kathmandu: A UN monitoring organization, UN Watch, has urged the United Nations Human Rights Council to consider the issue of China's violation of human rights in Tibet.
In a statement before the 3rd regular session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva on December 1, 2006, Elizabeth Cassidy, Assistant Executive Director of UN Watch, said, "UN watch welcomes the special session on Darfur, and urges the Council to consider the human rights situations in the other 16 countries and 3 disputed territories that are listed by the leading NGO Freedom House as being the world's worst." "These include," the statement said, "Repression of political dissent and of the media in China, as well as human rights violations in occupied Tibet."
