“Republic is our mandatory condition. Proportional representation and federalism are our positions, not preconditions. But we will not boycott the election.”
Prachanda, Maoist chairman, clarifying the decisions made by fifth plenum of the Maoists, at a press meet.
“We didn’t see Maoists’ commitment on the CA. They were the ones who raised the issue of CA the most but now by bringing out conditions that have not been agreed upon (by eight parties), they are trying to foil the November election.”
Ram Chandra Poudel, Minister for Peace and Reconstruction, responding to decision by Maoist plenum.
“We will go to the streets for agitation by forging republican alliance.”
Barshaman Pun aka Ananta, deputy commander of the Maoists, talking to reporters after plenum meeting.
“Proportional election system is the best method and an agreement could have been reached on it had the Maoists remained firm when they made a national consensus for the elections. However, the issue has become irrelevant in the present context.”
Jhal Nath Khanal, senior leader of the Unified Marxist Leninist (UML), criticizing Maoists for setting conditions like PR system for the elections, in Rupandehi.
“I urge all parties in the flood affected districts to allow humanitarian and development workers to carry on their activities without fear or any form of interference. Bandhs and intimidation obviously hinder relief work directly.”
Matthew Kahane, UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, appealing for unhindered access to aid workers to help flood victims.
“The hardest hit communities need to receive food, clean water, and access to sanitation facilities. But we also need to look beyond this emergency phase, towards helping people return to a normal way of life and enable vulnerable communities to be prepared for future disasters such as this.”
Dev Ratna Dhakhwa, secretary general of the Nepal Red Cross Society, which is leading the aid works.
“Unlike in the past, we will implement this act.”
Krishna Bahadur Mahara, Minister for Information and Communication, vowing to enforce Working Journalists Act (First Amendment), in the parliament.
“I am in no mood to remain in this position by bearing pressures from the Prime Minister. If the party allows, I will resign within 12 hours.”
Pradeep Nepal, Minister for Education and Sports and senior UML leader, criticizing the ‘dictatorial style of functioning’ of the prime minister, in Nepal Samacharpatra.
Transition:
ACCEPTED: Resignation by Matrika Yadav, Minister for Forest and Soil Conservation, by Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala.
LEFT: Madhav Kumar Nepal, general secretary of Unified Marxist Leninist (UML), for Norway, on a ten-day tour.
PRESENTED: The United States ambassador to Nepal Nancy J. Powell, her credentials, to the Prime Minister, at a special function in Singh Durbar.
North Korean Ambassador to Nepal, Jang Young Chol, his credentials, to the Prime Minister.
FORMED: Talks team by Limbuwan Mukti Morcha and Khumbuwan Rastriya Morcha. Limbuwan appointed its general secretary Khabuhang Banim as the chief of its negotiation team and the Khumbuwan has named its secretary Uttar Khumbu as it talks team leader.
PASSED: Budget of the fiscal year 2007/08, by the parliament, by majority.
WITHDRAWN: The decision to ‘recall’ Minister for Industry, Commerce and Supplies Rajendra Mahato from the cabinet, by the president of Nepal Sadbhavana Party (NSP-Anandidevi) Anandidevi Singh.
