PRIME MINISTER GIRIJA PRASAD KOIRALA received the report prepared by t he panel formed to probe the atrocities committed by the dissolved Royal Commission for Corruption Control (RCCC) against the democratic leaders. The panel headed by Appellate Court judge Madhav Prasad Ojha has suggested the government to prosecute officials and members of the RCCC on the charges of corruption. In its report submitted to the Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala, the panel has said that the officials of RCCC were involved in the misuse of power and took action against democratic leader on political vendetta. The report stated that the head of RCCC Bhakta Bahadur Koirala was involved in corruption and improper activities. The panel had interrogated all office bearers of the Commission. The RCCC formed during the royal rule had detained former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba and Minister Prakash Man Singh and also interrogated leaders of various political parties and top officials in charge of corruption and misuse of state resources. After receiving the report Prime Minister Koirala Sunday said that the government would take action against all as recommended in the report. The Supreme Court had dissolved the commission during the royal regime itself.
THE TWO-DAY CONFERENCE of the Asia Pacific Committee of Socialist International concluded on Sunday (Feb 11) after issuing a four-point Kathmandu Declaration. The Declaration, which was read out by its Secretary General Luis Ayala has appreciated the way social democrats are working for peace. Appreciating Nepali social democrats led by Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala, the Declaration has stressed the need to have sustained efforts to retain what has been achieved. The Declaration has appreciated the way the November 22 accord was reached between political parties to usher the nation into a new course even as it has stressed the need to enforce the accord fully. The Socialist International will send a team when the nation goes for the constituent assembly election. The nations about which the SI is concerned regarding setback to democracy are North Korea , Myanmar , Bangladesh , Bhutan and Pakistan .
THE HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR HUMAN RIGHTS Louise Arbour, on Thursday, expressed her deep concern about the continued violence in the Terai region of Nepal which has taken at least 23 lives, caused countless injuries and the destruction of both public and private properties. “Our human rights officers who have been monitoring events in the Terai have observed violence by protestors, as well as incidents of excessive use of force by the Armed Police Force and the Nepal Police,” she said. “Lessons have not been learnt from the security forces’ handling of the April 2006 protests. The Government must abide by its international human rights obligations in dealing with the demonstrations, including holding police accountable for their actions. While I recognize the challenges that police are facing – including attacks on themselves - the security forces must employ force only in proportion to the actual threat faced.” The High Commissioner further stressed that it was essential for the organizers of the demonstrations and their followers to employ only peaceful means of protest. Expressing her particular alarm over reports of human rights defenders and journalists being threatened or obstructed from doing their work, the High Commissioner said that "clear instructions should be given by police officials and by demonstration leaders that the work of human rights defenders and journalists are not to be impeded in any way. Medical personnel must also be able to function without hindrance.” She added, “I am also calling on the leaders and their cadres to allow free access and freedom of movement to all UN staff to enable them to carry out their work in all locations and under any circumstances.” She noted that ending discrimination and ensuring appropriate representation of excluded groups at all levels of decision-making during this critical time will be essential to the success of Nepal ’s political transition.
THE EUROPEAN UNION HAS EXPRESSED concern over the violence in the Terai region and urged concerned sides to find solution of Terai crisis through talks. A press statement issued by German Ambassador Franz Ring, current EU-Presidency in Nepal , has also urged all to refrain from violence and to seek peaceful solution. “It recognizes that there are genuine grievances which need to be addressed,” the statement said, adding, “But violence cannot achieve this.” The statement also welcomed the formation of a government talks team to hold dialogue in the issues raised by the protestors and urged for comprehensive dialogue to work for the inclusion of all marginalized and excluded groups. The German EU Presidency also urged all sides involved to show respect for human rights and to shun violence, and the police to show the necessary restraint and to avoid excessive use of force. “The EU strongly supports the work of OHCHR and their presence in the terai,” the statement further said.
THE CHINA SOUTHERN AIRLINES (CSA) operated its maiden flight to Kathmandu on Monday night. It carried 160 passengers from Chinese city of Guangzhou . CSA, the largest Chinese airliner in terms of fleet size, will operate flights between n Guangzhou and Kathmandu . It operates flights to 110 cities across the world. It will be operating flights to Kathmandu twice a week.
