Wednesday, June 14, 2006

Kathmandu: The pace with which the all-powerful Parliament was breaking the old traditions and patterns of governance in the country one by one has suddenly come to a halt.

This has come to an end only when the Maoists vehemently objected and criticized the manner with which the restored parliament was making declarations after declarations in order to send message across the country that the seven party alliances now housed in the parliament were no less revolutionaries than the Maoists.

The Maoists have had reasons to put a brake on what the parliamentarians had been doing summarily without "consulting" them. When enough had been enough, the Maoists might have concluded that "nothing" would be left for them to announce or declare when in power for their core agenda in order to make an "image" befitting to their revolution so that people could be lured at time of the elections to the constituent assembly for which the country is all set to go.

The fact is that it was Comrade Prachanda's direct threat to the parliamentarians which he signaled through the kind courtesy of Kantipur Television last week wherein he hinted that he can no longer watch the ugly, in his own words "drama", being staged by the parliamentarians.

The parliamentarians trembled with fear when Prachanda intervened for they could now understand better as to what the Maoists were and what they can do to change the entire political scenario?

It is not for nothing that the parties in government have apparently decided to abide by the instructions of Prachanda and thus in all likelihood the parliament will soon be "adjourned" for a good number of weeks if not months.

In essence, the people who were witness to the Maoists courage and valor that they exhibited during the April Revolution too had been feeling with anxiety the manner the agitating seven parties were hell bent on bagging all the credits for the "grand success" of the revolution which in effect should have gone to the pockets of the other camp that has still not been in government.

Laymen say that the present government has no right to go in for making announcements that have far reaching impact on the overall politics of the society and ultimately of the nation on a unilateral basis.

And this is exactly what the Maoists' logically demand.

Now that the parliament will embrace a deep slumber soon, the people hope that the time and energy of the government would henceforth concentrate its efforts on how to make the next round of the talks with the insurgents successful.

Be that as it may, the general feeling has been that the Maoists even if were not included in the government but yet possess the commanding strength to shake the "Koirala government", what they can perform or deliver when they are well represented in the interim order through legal means?

Certainly, the politics by then will have come under their firm grips. The insurgents, powerful as they are indeed which they have only recently demonstrated in Kathmandu, will through their commanding and heavy presence in the government will surely dwarf the other politicians belonging to the seven party alliances.

Analysts admit that the days are coming soon when the country's politics will have to run according to their "revolutionary" wishes and political preferences.

The agitating seven parties will have no option left for them other than to act accordingly for fear of any possible sort of retaliation

No intervention from India will be greatest Indian support

-Prachanda alias Pushpa Kamal Dahal

Kathmandu: The Maoists supremo finally appeared on the Television screen last weekend.

Judging at the manner he handled the sharp but yet appropriate questions posed to him by the TV anchor pertaining to the changed national politics and his party's would-be role, it could be safely said of him that if he comes to power he can easily outmaneuver his colleagues housed in the so called "democratic parties".

What also became unimaginably evident from last Thursday Kantipur interview that the Prachanda possesses an unbelievable amount of hatred towards the parliamentary parties whose fresh political overtures through the kind courtesy of the parliament appears to have irritated him to a greater extent.

Look how he sees the parliamentary parties.

"They are all a farce. What the hell they had been doing when they were inside the parliament for well over twelve plus years? Why did not they then raised concerns over the empowerment of the female folks and why they did not pay attention to the cause of the dalits? They could have done so that time also. Big hypocrites"!

This is not all. He further predicts that the outdated parliamentarians who have been exhibiting themselves as more revolutionaries than the Maoists' will eventually not be able to safeguard their deposit money at time of the elections.

"Don't play drama with us, I have told the parties", added Prachanda.

This clearly means that Prachanda is not that happy with the parliamentary parties whom he sees to have been using the parliament forum for meeting their hidden political ends.

He also disclosed during the interview that besides the 12 point agreement, his party and the agitating seven have had agreed to restore the house only to last for a week or so.

To a brilliant question as to when his party will come to power, pat comes the reply from Prachanda, "it all depends on how Washington, Delhi and the seven parties in parliament decide".

In saying so he hints that still the strings of Nepali politics lay in Washington And New Delhi. This is significant revelation.

Revealingly, his distaste for New Delhi came to the fore during the interview.

Let's look what he says of India.

"We have told India not to mediate. If they do it, they will do so at the peril of their own interest".

He has some thing more to say to the Indian leadership. Look what he adds.

" No intervention from India on our affairs will be in essence the biggest Indian support".

This perhaps news no further analysis. Readers can draw conclusion on how Prachanda takes India politically.

He not only takes to task India but also sends signals to Indian leadership that he and his party also understand that CHINA factor too counted much in the given scheme of politics.

Touching upon Koirala's trip to Delhi in haste, Prachanda presumes that a support made in haste might not be "unconditional" one. "Let the support from the outside world be not a tragedy for the entire nation", he adds.

Prachanda indicated during the interview that it would have been pretty good if the India trip of Koirala were done after his party's comrades were in the affairs of the governance of the state.

"It's a ploy to bypass us. India by inviting Koirala and his team has demonstrated that they possess love for the parliamentary parties alone", Prachanda grumbles.

He admits that late King Birendra was a liberal King and that's why, adds Prachanda, they have had "working relations" with the then King. He does not hide of his meetings with late Prince Dhirendra who had come to see them on behalf of his brother, late King Birendra.

Prachanda did not hide that his party will continue to strengthen its party structures at various levels until the government, the parliament and the constitution are not summarily scrapped.

"I am on a whirlwind tour of the country in order to train the activists and the militia on how to move ahead in the changed political context", Prachanda explains.

According to Prachanda the moment his party comes to power, the local bodies will also assume the same type and format as the seven+1 parties will have in Singh Durbar.

All in all, analyzing what Prachanda said during the interview, analysts at this paper fail to understand as to which forces of the two, read the agitating seven and the Maoists, used the other through the 12-point agreement signed in Delhi last November?

Whether the parties came closer to the Maoists' republican agenda or the Maoists were now willing to embrace the multi-party system could still become a matter of debate for the scholars of this country.

Maoists remain alert!
This rare Indian "magnanimity" but as against what?

Kathmandu: The Indian magnanimity exhibited this time during the just concluded four day long visit to Delhi by Nepal's Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala is simply superb. The "unprecedented" nobility that Nepal's immediate neighbor has shown towards this smaller neighbor leaves no room for analysts in this country to suspect that Indian leaders' could have some hidden motives behind throwing such a gracious gesture that they accorded to Nepal's Prime Minister in his Delhi sojourn.

That was not all. New Delhi put a colossal amount of money as "economic package" in the "begging bowl" what Koirala had carried with him.

The majority of Nepali newspapers are all-agog with the Indian stance and have all the words of praise for India as usual and have been terming India as a "friend in need is friend indeed".

Analysts at this weekly have no reasons to differ with what the majority of the papers in Kathmandu have been writing in favor of India.

However, we beg to differ on some counts.

Firstly, we see Indian designs in inviting Koirala for a trip to New Delhi in such rapidity that he was forced to postpone his already announced health-check-up visit to Bangkok. This has not been taken in good taste either by the informed academic circles or even by the Maoists. Let us admit this fact.

Secondly, what is surprising and alarming as well is that Nepali population has been made to understand that India this time has only "given" Nepal without asking any thing in lieu from the latter. This is absurd. Nepali analysts can't digest this report that India could have this magnanimity for Nepal and that too free.

Thirdly, Nepali academics remain puzzled and dismayed over the hard fact when they learn nothing of what "transpired" during the tête-à-tête in between Nepal's prime minister Koirala and the Indian defense minister Pranab Mukherjee, home minister Shiv Raj Patil and the Indian security advisor, M. K Narayanan?

The general presumption has been that Koirala or for that matter those high-level Indian dignitaries mentioned above must not have exchanged views during their separate meetings with each other on knowing about the climatic conditions prevailing in Kathmandu and New Delhi then? They, the presumption is, must not have talked about peripheral matters.

Why the results of such security related matters have been kept a "fortified secret"? The people deserve the right to know the details of the talks. Analysts demand transparency from the government.

Fourthly, India's defense minister Pranab Mukherjee is on record to have said that "he have had a fruitful discussions with the Nepalese prime minister. What made the talks "fruitful" as revealed by Mukherjee?

Look what the Indian defense minister says, (sic): "All issues related to defense cooperation have been sorted out (and) very soon our defense cooperation group will be discussing the expanding areas of cooperation".

If one were to believe the Press Trust of India report made Friday last, analysts are forced to believe that some thing has been done in the matters pertaining to Nepal's security in a secret manner that has not come to the open.

The PTI reports quoting the defense minister that "India and Nepal have "sorted out" all their defense cooperation issues during talks with visiting prime minister G.P.Koirala".

What has been "sorted out" remains missing in the Nepali press who have been eulogizing the hefty Indian donations only caring little of the behind-the scene would be maneuverings of the Indian leaders.

Analysts at this newspaper are pretty worried over the stoic silence acquired by the Maoists over such security related issues which could have been, if any, aimed at taming their possible threats if the talks failed unfortunately.

The Maoists who have point blank raised their strong reservations over Koirala's going to New Delhi in haste have yet to comment on such a grave issues.

Fifthly, talking of Indian donations, the amount that they have put in Nepal's begging bowls this time will be collected, analysts presume, only by the very Indian nationals in lakhs who have been selling vegetables in this country and that too in a year itself. This way the money will return to the Indian coffer easily.

Sixthly, is it that the Indian government under proxy prime minister has revived the "Gujaral Doctrine" which said that henceforth India would not demand any sort of what they used to announce gleefully "reciprocity" for her dealings with her smaller neighbors?

To the best of the knowledge of the Nepali analysts, the said Gujral Doctrine which was first pronounced by Premier Gujaral at the Chatham House in London long time back died a premature death meaning thereby that the word "non-reciprocity" carried no meaning in the Dictionary of the South Block.

India and non-reciprocity can't run in parallel, if past experiences were any guide.

Nepali scholars have termed this Indian scheme as "basket economic diplomacy".

All put together, analysts appear reluctant to digest the theory that India this time has really become magnanimous towards Nepal and that too for free.

Let's wait until the Maoists' top leadership and the ministers accompanying Koirala to Delhi reveal some thing tangible in the coming days. The Maoists perhaps have not yet forgotten about their rhetoric against India on matters of several unequal treaties and more so the recent ones of the Tanakpur and Mahakali fame.

Question then yet remains: Against what such a colossal amount of money to this country?

Communists' strength growing in Koirala cabinet!

Kathmandu: Better late than never, the freshly appointed deputy prime minister, Amik Sherchan, has revealed that the movement against the King attained a new height when the Maoists backed with their presence.

"It was the combined efforts of the SPA and the Maoists that gave a final shape to the April movement.

In an indirect fashion, DPM Sherchan admits the fact that had the Maoists been absent during the movement, the said movement might not have resulted in the curtailment of the King's absolute powers.

The ground reality has been that Sherchan is the first leader of the SPA who has summarily admitted the Maoists positive role in the movement.

No wonder then rumors have it that Mr. Sherchan bagged the post of the DPM only under the influence of Prachanda or else he is the chairman of a meager communist faction with meager strength and too whose party has experienced a vertical split in the recent days.

This he revealed during a tête-à-tête with the Kantipur Television Monday evening. He was speaking to the Television prior to taking the oath of office of the DPM.

Asked whether the SPA have come closer to the Maoists or vice versa, Sherchan in replied in positive. "It is both ways", added Sherchan bluntly.

If his admittance were the combined version of the SPA then no wonder that American Ambassador had as back as February 15 early this year had categorically stated at a gathering that the 12 point agreement in between the SPA and the Maoists have brought the parties much closer to the Maoists' sphere of influence. Shercahn's admittance of this fact at least gets proved partially of not wholly.

Supporting Prachanda's claim made recently that they have had some sort of "undeclared" verbal understanding while signing the much publicized 12 point agreement with the leaders of the SPA, Sherchan too could not deny this hidden fact.

"Yes we have had some". Revealed the new DPM.

More over, Sherchan who is the chairman of the United Front also made it abundantly clear that it was his party's proposal to shake-hands with the Maoists if the SPA were to accomplish the targeted goals.

With Sherchan's induction as the fresh DPM in the Koirala cabinet, the number of communists' DPM is now two.

Should this mean that the strength of the liberal forces in the cabinet is declining?

Perhaps yes!

ROK new envoy to present his credentials

Kathmandu: The newly accredited Ambassador designate of the Republic of Korea to this Himalayan Kingdom, Mr. Nam Sang-jung, is presenting his official credentials this Friday afternoon at the Royal Palace, foreign ministry sources say.

Ambassador designate Mr. Nam arrived Kathmandu to present his credentials as back as early March this year, but due to the political turbulence that swept the country until the end of April, the official ceremony of the presentation of the letter of certificate to the Nepali Court got delayed which was only but natural.

The long delay however, has finally come to an end.

Telegraph congratulate Ambassador Nam and hopes that during his tenure here as the ROK envoy, our bilateral relations will attain a new height.

B'desh mission rebukes wild allegations

Kathmandu: A press release issued by the Bangladesh Embassy in Nepal dated 12 th June categorically has rejected the media allegations that the mission had any sort of "underhand" dealing at time of the selection of the students for MBBS courses.

"In fact the role of the embassy is limited which is only to transmit the received application forms from the Nepal government to Dhaka", says the press note.

The press note abundantly makes it clear that the media allegation on the acts of corruption taking place at the Embassy is not only unfounded but is also a vicious effort to implicate the Embassy with such a non-existent phenomenon.

The press not begins:

"Attention of the Embassy of Bangladesh in Kathmandu has been drawn to a number of news items published in a section of Nepalese media for the last few days regarding selection of Nepalese candidates for MBBS and BDS courses in Bangladesh. The thrust of these news items are clearly intended to sensationalize the issue with a view to maligning the image of the Government of Bangladesh as well as that of the Embassy of Bangladesh in Kathmandu. While the Government of Bangladesh and the Government of Nepal are working together to address this matter within the existing and agreed bilateral mechanism, the following clarification is perhaps required to bring the actual picture to the public attention.

It is unfortunate that without knowing the full details of selection procedures, the allegation of victimization of Nepali students has been brought against the Government of Bangladesh. This allegation is untrue and seems to be motivated. As per the existing agreed minutes of the Joint Economic Commission held in March 1998 between Bangladesh and Nepal, the Government of Nepal can only forward names of potential candidates for MBBS and BDS courses in Bangladesh on self-finance scheme. It is the Bangladesh Government, which selects the candidates and arranges their placement in various medical colleges. In this selection procedure, Bangladesh Government generally follows the merit criterion. This year also Bangladesh has selected top 12 -Nepali students on the self-finance scheme from among 62 candidates forwarded by the Government of Nepal. Therefore, Bangladesh not only maintains transparency but also fairness in the selection process within the agreed framework of bilateral cooperation in this particular field. Therefore, the question of victimization of Nepalese students does not arise at all.

Another ridiculous and baseless allegation of corruption has been brought against the Embassy of Bangladesh in Kathmandu. As a matter of fact, the role of this Embassy is limited only to transmitting application forms received from the Government of Nepal while the selection process takes place in Dhaka. As such, there exists no any underhand dealing in the Embassy. Therefore, raising the allegation of corruption in the Embassy is not only unfounded it is also a vicious effort to implicate the Embassy with such a non-existent phenomena. Courtesy demands that such matters are verified properly before putting into print. We urge concerned quarters either to provide proof or evidence to substantiate their allegation or offer unqualified apology to this Embassy. We also urge them to maintain diplomatic decency and decorum while writing about the Embassy of a friendly neighboring country.

Considering to the impression being offered by a section of Nepalese media, it would also be appropriate in this context to highlight the fact that Bangladesh has been consistently working to enhance the quota for the Nepalese students in the medical colleges in Bangladesh. Indeed, this year the quota for MBBS and BDS has been enhanced. In addition, new openings have been created in private universities to accommodate Nepalese students in a variety of disciplines, including medicine. Furthermore, the State University of Bangladesh, a private university is now helping Purbanchal University of Nepal in building its medical faculty,

The Government of Bangladesh and the Embassy of Bangladesh in Kathmandu want to reassure the Nepalese students that they will continue to contribute positively for expanding the area of academic cooperation between Bangladesh and Nepal based on the principle of transparency, merit and fairness. A responsible and constructive media can contribute constructively to this creative process. Resorting to sensationalism will, on the other hand, complicate the process of cooperation in the academic field between these two friendly countries.

The text ends.

Envoys pay courtesy call on Dr. Chalise

Kathmandu: The Ambassadors of Pakistan and the State of Israel have paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister's Special Advisor for External Affairs, Dr. Suresh Chalise, this Monday afternoon, it is learnt from high placed sources.

Albeit the meeting took place separately.

Ambassador of Pakistan, Sohail Amin and the Ambassador of the State of Israel, Dan Stav, are learnt to have exchanged their views with Dr. Chalise on how to expand Nepal's bilateral relations with their respective countries.

The details of the meetings, however, have yet to come to the open.

ENBREF:

No large room for Monarchy and Maoists: India

Kathmandu: The Tribune News Service (India), reports that during the 40-minute-long one-to-one talks and nearly an hour-long delegation-level talks, the two Prime Ministers discussed the political transformation that is under way in Nepal. The Indian side conveyed its position that New Delhi favored a gradual political transformation in Nepal utilizing democratic arrangements in such a way that all interests of the society, which are broadly represented by the SPA.

The report further states that, on the sensitive issues of the roles of the monarchy and Left-wing extremism of Maoists - two extremes of the Nepalese political spectrum - India conveyed its position clearly. The Indian position is that there is no room for a large role of the monarchy in Nepal and there is no room for Maoists in the country’s political space if they don’t shun violence.

Koirala thrown IRs 1, 000-cr aid lifeline: TOI

Kathmandu: In a news report entitled “Koirala thrown Rs 1,000-cr aid lifeline”, the Times of India reports that, “Rs 1,000-crore aid package to rebuild the shattered Nepalese economy, India and Nepal on Friday reinforced an old relationship as Nepalese PM G P Koirala wound up his visit to India”.

The newspaper further writes, as the Nepal government gets into talks with the Maoists, India also put out a cautionary note on how to deal with them and if violence breaks out again with the Maoists, India will not hesitate to resume lethal arms assistance right away.

Nepal Telecom plans Internet Mobile within four months

Kathmandu: The Nepal Telecom is soon going to introduce Internet mobile cards (Y- Max Card) based on wireless telephone technology.

The NT sources indicated that as the service is introduced, one can have fast access to email and Internet across the region where CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access) based technology is available.

The service is primarily developed for laptop users and one can have access to the service in areas that fall under the CDMA coverage areas," one NT official indicated.

The source claimed that the NT engineers have successfully conducted the test across the capital city and the service will be available within four months.

Govt. likely to nationalize private schools

Kathmandu: The government was committed to offer equal quality education to eliminate the vast gap seen between private and government schools, Mangalsidhi Manadhar, minister for Education and Sports said.

Manandhar also stressed on the need to have uniform textbooks in both the private and government schools in order to bring similarity in the educational standard.

"The use of different textbooks in private and government schools led to discrepancy in educational standard," he added, reported the Radio Nepal.

ADB signs 10m$ with Nepal govt.

Kathmandu: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Ministry of Finance signed a 10-m$ loan agreement. According to the ADB sources, the loan will be used to promote socio-economic empowerment of poor and rural women.

The loan is aimed at reducing poverty through empowering poor rural women and disadvantages groups, such as ethnic and low-caste women in 15 poorest and most disadvantaged districts in the mid- western and far-western regions and central region, the ABD office in Kathmandu indicated.