“I am keenly awaiting the conclusions of the Maoists’ plenum.”
Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala, in response to media queries regarding Maoists’ new preconditions for Constituent Assembly elections, in Biratnagar.
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“Let everyone understand: we are very clear regarding (decision not to return to) armed revolt and (maintaining) ceasefire. The only decision we will be making (through the plenum) is whether to go for people’s movement or not.”
Prachanda, Maoist chairman, talking to reporters on the eve of party’s fifth expanded meeting (plenum).
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“Maoists’ preconditions for election will only block the CA polls.”
Ram Chandra Poudel, Minister for Peace and Reconstruction, responding to Maoist condition of republic announcement and Proportional election system for holding CA, at a press meet.
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“There is no more action that remains to be taken. The government has already taken appropriate actions against those named in Rayamajhi report.
Home Minister Krishna Sitaula, talking to reporters after publicizing the Rayamajhi Commission report.
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“We have mentioned that then chairman of the council of minister should shoulder the blame for the repression.”
Krishna Jung Raymajhi, chairman of then commission formed to probe allegations of repression against people’s movement, defending his report whom many have said has let the King off the hook.
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“The Rayamajhi Commission report can be used as basis by the government if it really wants to take action against the repressors of peaceful movement. But it has also left the room open for the government that does not want to take action.”
Devendra Raj Pandey, civil society leader, saying that he had hoped that the report would unequivocally pin the blame on the King and then ministers for repression.
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“It is my great fortune that I was called upon to give composition to national anthem. Even for greatest of musicians, such an opportunity rarely comes in their life.”
Ambar Gurung, senior musician, who composed the music for the new national anthem.
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“This is not my individual creation but the creation of all the people of Nepal.”
Byakul Maila, the writer of the new national anthem, speaking at its releasing ceremony.
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“I am glad to win the prize but I am not excited. I always worked as it I had duties to carry out. I was not expecting any award.”
Mahabir Pun, from Myagdi district of Nepal, winner of Ramon Magsaysay Award 2007, in The Himalayan Times.
Transition
TABLED: The report of the High Level Judicial Commission formed to probe the allegations of repression against people’s movement, by Home Minister Krishna Prasad Sitaula, at the parliament.
RELEASED: The new national anthem “Sayaun Thunga…” by the government. It will replace “Shreeman Gambhir….”
AWARDED: Mahabir Pun, from Myagdi district, with the prestigious Magsaysay award. He has been awarded the Ramon Magsaysay Award 2007 for his outstanding contribution to community leadership for his innovative application of wireless computer technology in Nepal.
RETURNED: Takahide Kimura, Japanese Senior Vice Minister for Defense, after completing a brief visit to Nepal.
CROSSED: Nepal Stock Exchange (Nepse) index, 700 points, for the first time in history.
PASSED: Amendment of the Civil Service Act by the parliament.
REJECTED: The resignation from his post tendered by Matrika Yadav, Minister for Forest and Soil Conservation, by his party chairman Prachanda.
