 |
Kathmandu Monday October 15, 2001 Ashwin 29, 2058.
|
PM for immediate resumption of talks
By J. Pande
BANKE, Oct 14 :Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba today urged immediate
resumption of negotiations with the Maoist rebels who could otherwise "use the period
as an opportunity for fulfilling their strategies."
Addressing a public meeting organised by governing Nepali Congress party here
Sunday, the Prime Minister said that he had already given instructions to the government
negotiators to begin the third round of dialogue with the rebels. He reiterated that the
government in no way would compromise with the political conditions put forth by the
Maoists fighting against the multi-party system for nearly six years.
"I have not bowed down to the Maoists and I am strong enough," he
said referring to the allegations levelled by the party President and former Prime
Minister Girija Prasad Koirala in Birgunj and Biratnagar previously. PM Deuba added that
the government negotiators would not reach an agreement with the rebels regarding the
Constitutional Monarchy.
Giving a strong warning to the rebels, Deuba said that they (Maoists) would
have to bear a great loss on their part if they did not honour the people’s wish for
peace. "It is the duty of the Maoist leaders to honour the public wish. It is the
most opportune time for the rebels to respect the people’s desire. If they miss this
opportunity, they will miss it forever," PM Deuba said.
Refuting allegations of his own party boss Koirala, Deuba said that security
situation has improved considerably as compared to three months ago when Koirala was the
Prime Minister. "Isn’t there any difference in the peace and security
situation?" he questioned. "Security situation in the country should be further
strengthened and I will get it done."
Meanwhile, other Nepali Congress stalwarts who addressed the "liberation
movement" called upon the people to resist Maoist atrocities. A few days ago, party
president Koirala had kicked off the "liberation movement" from Syangja
district, saying that similar movements will be launched in all the districts after the
Dashain festival.
Addressing the meet, party president Koirala thanked the people who resisted
the rebel Maoists. "The Maoist movement is directed towards rooting out the Nepali
Congress and to endanger national sovereignty," Koirala said. He also said that the
government negotiators were not capable enough compared to the Maoist negotiators.
Koirala who has of late been critical of the Deuba-led government said that
it was a blunder on the part of the government to call back all the security personnel
from Maoist-affected districts immediately after the cease-fire announcement. Most of the
speakers called upon the government to conclude its dialogue with the Maoists soon.
Other Stories
|
