Powell condemns Maoist violence
Seeks emergency to be of ‘limited duration’

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KATHMANDU, Jan 18: The United States Friday condemned the violence perpetrated by Maoists in different parts of the country and both Nepal and the US agreed that there was a need to tackle the root of the problem.

This was stated by the US Secretary of State, Colin Powell, in the course of a joint press conference addressed also by Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba Friday evening at the Prime Minister’s residence immediately after their bilateral talks.

Secretary of State Powell is here, as he put it, to "reaffirm his country’s enduring friendship with Nepal and the Nepalese people" and noted that "Nepal was no stranger to violence".

In this respect, he mentioned the "recent" Maoist attacks on the Nepalese people, the police and the military, and said, "There is no room for use of violence to create political change in a democracy".

Secretary Powell fully backed the Nepali government efforts against Maoist violence, saying, "We fully acknowledge the government of Nepal’s right to protect its citizens and institutions from terrorist attacks."

However, he said that the US wanted the current State of Emergency to be of a limited duration and urged the elected government to protect human rights while dealing with the emergency situation.

Dealing briefly with the "solution to the disaffected young people" who "can’t find jobs, who believe there is no hope or future for them are attracted to this kind of radical causes", the Secretary of State said he discussed these matters with both King Gyanendra and Prime Minister Deuba.

"You have to fight terrorist activities, you have to fight terrorists," said Secretary Powell, and added that at the same time, "You have to commit your nation and your government to good governance, to ending corruption, to finding ways to move the economy forward."

He also advocated the utilisation of the enormous water resources potential of the country to improve its economy. He said he discussed with the Nepalese leaders the way in which the US could help in this regard.

Referring to the military hardware to fight the Maoists, the Secretary of State said this was not discussed, but he was aware that there were needs for the Nepalese military, and a team from the US Embassy here would be discussing these needs. "We are anxious to hear more about their needs and I will be meeting with military authorities tomorrow morning before I depart," said Powell.

Regarding the garment exports to the US, and the US Department of State travel advisory that has been having an adverse impact on tourism in Nepal, Secretary of State Powell said that he would review the situation after he gets back to Washington.

He noted, however, that "We are pleased that in this time of emergency none of the violence so far seems to be directed against Americans or tourists." On garments, he acknowledged that as a developing and least developed country, Nepal was facing a distinct disadvantage having to compete with others who are more fortunate even in terms of distance from the US which cuts down the cost of transportation.

Regarding increased aid flow to Nepal, Secretary Powell said no specifics were discussed but that he would now go back to the United States with "a better understanding of the needs of Nepal".

Prime Minister Deuba in answer to a query said that he took Secretary Powell’s comments on good governance and corruption as a suggestion and that his government was trying to do something about them, including measures to give more powers to the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA).

Earlier, at the start of the press conference, Prime Minister Deuba described the US Secretary of State’s visit to Nepal as a milestone in Nepal-US relations. He also said he communicated to Secretary Powell Nepal’s appreciation of US solidarity in Nepal’s fight against terrorism.

Stating that the US fight against terrorism must be comprehensive, Prime Minister Deuba called for a new global coalition to fight hunger, poverty, illiteracy and diseases. He invited the US to take the lead in this fight in the 21st century. Deuba also said that he briefed the visiting dignitary about the present situation in the country, the fight against Maoists, and the recent SAARC Summit.

Earlier in the day, the Secretary of State arrived in Kathmandu on a two-day unofficial visit, and was welcomed at the Tribhuvan International Airport by Finance Minister Ram Sharan Mahat.

Powell is leading a high-level delegation that includes US Under Secretary of State for Economic Affairs Alan Larson, Assistant Secretary of State for South Asia Christina Rocca, and Assistant Secretary of State for Public Affairs Richard Boucher, along with some other high-ranking US government officials. Powell was granted an audience by King Gyanendra, after which the Secretary of State met with Prime Minister Deuba. Powell will leave on Saturday for Tokyo.

UNDP formulates CCF-II for Nepal

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KATHMANDU, Jan 18 : The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has recently formulated a five-year-long second phase of the Country Co-operation Framework (CCF-II) for Nepal to carry out various development ventures in the country.

The framework, formulated for the period 2002-2006, is soon to be unveiled formally, according to UNDP sources.

Talking to The Kathmandu Post, UNDP Resident Representative and UN Resident Co-ordinator, Henning Karcher, said, "The new framework has been formulated to assist the government’s development programmes."

Karcher, quoting the handbook describing the details of CCF-II, said it will be undertaken within four broad programme areas—pro-poor policies and programmes, democratic governance, environment and energy, and overcoming gender gaps.

"Other programmes in the CCF-II include mitigation of various cross-cutting issues such as disasters, HIV/AIDS and population," Karcher said.

The UNDP sources said the CCF-II has been formulated as per the potential programmes that will be incorporated in the country’s Tenth Five-Year Plan.

Apart from the four broad-based programmes, the thrust of all efforts in the CCF-II will be on poverty reduction, with particular attention given to mainstreaming "crosscutting" issues.

Before the commencement of the first CCF in 1997, UNDP had been carrying out five-year country programmes. The country programmes, according to a UNDP official, were more of a "project-type".

"The concept of CCF was drawn to meet the macro level goals by going through the thematic way," the official said, adding, "The previous programmes were more of a sectoral-type."

The period of the first CCF coincided with the government’s Ninth Five-Year Plan for 1997-2001. Major development programmes incorporated in CCF-I were Participatory District Development Programme (PDDP), Rural Energy Development Programme (REDP) and decentralised governance programmes which included Local Governance Programme (LGP), among others.

CCF-II was formulated according to the recommendations put forth after the termination of CCF-I. This is going to give continuity to the PDDP, REDP and LGP programmes, the official said.

UNDP, UN’s principal provider of development advice, grant support and advocacy, has been assisting in the designing and implementation of various development initiatives, basically related to poverty alleviation programmes of the government since 1963.

13th CIRDAP Council meet concludes

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KATHMANDU, Jan 18 : The two-day regular meeting of the 13th Ministerial level Governing Council (GC) of the Centre on Integrated Rural Development for South Asia and the Pacific (CIRDAP), concluded today here in the capital.

The meeting under the chairmanship of Minister of Local Development Chiranjivi Wagle, the reigning chairman of CIRDAP during the last two days, made assessments of the decisions taken during the 12th GC meeting two years ago and also endorsed the proposal presented by the Director General of the organisation.

The meeting also elected the Japanese Government, IDRC (Canada), British Council (Dhaka), IFAD, UNESCO, BIRD (Lucknow, India) and AIM (Philippines) as members of CIRDP Technical Committee for the period of two years. The meeting also endorsed Approach Paper to CIRDP Action Plan for the period of next six years.

The endorsed action plan consists of long term programmes covering issues including poverty alleviation, rural production and employment, development of community organisations, decentralisation and good governance, selection and implementation of pilot projects among others.

Addressing the local journalists after the conclusion of the meeting Secretary at the Ministry of Local Development Uday Raj Soti said that apart from endorsing all the proposals recommended by the meeting of the Executive Committee (EC), the GC also endorsed some other proposals.

"We have found it necessary to remould the action plans of CIRDAP in accordance with the present age of liberalisation," he said.

Soti also explained that the meeting had asked all the member countries to find a way to generate resources for CIRDAP on their own rather than relying on western donor agencies and the proposal received a nod from all the 13 member countries. Director General of CIRDAP Dr Mya Maung said that from now on the future programmes of CIRDAP would be conducted according to the needs of a particular member country.

According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Local Development during the press meet Nepal it has been proposed that Nepal be included in various CIRDAP programmes to be conducted in 2002-2003. Among the programmes are one research oriented, one pilot project, five training and two communication related programmes.

The meeting also decided to host next year’s EC meeting in Malaysia next year and combined EC and GC meeting in Indonesia in 2004.

Fans dread FIFA might kick Nepal too

By Suman Malla

KATHMANDU, Jan 18: First it was the fifth National Games. Then the 9th South Asian Federation (SAF) Games were postponed. Yet, like everyone else, Nepali sportsmen and women, and those from the whole of SAARC region for that matter, would have hoped that the dawn of 2002 would improve things.

But the hope quickly turned into despair.

And footballers are the ones to be hit this time as the third South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) Championship was postponed just over a fortnight before its kick off.

"It’s very sad to learn the postponement of the championship," said a player, who is listed as one of 25 probables for the Nepali national team.

SAFF, the game’s ruling body in the region, had no other alternative but to put off the tournament after Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) was suspended by the world’s football governing body FIFA. The region’s biggest football tournament was due to start from January 26 in Bangladesh.

Nepali football followers, who had easily let go similar ban imposed on other countries unnoticed in the past, are suddenly concerned over the fate of their own football in the wake of this tough stance from FIFA against the SAARC neighbour Bangladesh. For the long-standing football feud still remains in Nepal between two factions over the control of the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA).

The parties, who are at stalemate, rule out chances of Nepal coming under similar treatment from FIFA.

"I do not think FIFA would take such measure against Nepal," said Geeta Rana, the president of All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) which has recognition of National Sports Council and Nepal Olympic Committee. "Besides, we have been elected through an election that followed every directive of FIFA and Asian Football Confederation," she explained.

Ganesh Thapa, who heads the rival ANFA, holds similar view: "Nepal is safe from such suspension," he said. "Our committee is affiliated to FIFA and AFC. We have represented Nepal at all the programmes and competition held under their auspices, which safeguard Nepal."

Nepal may well have been competing in international tournaments, but football continues to suffer, many football critic here worry. "It’s unimaginable to develop football until we could organise big-time international tournaments here," says Tashi Ghale, the president of premiere division football club – Manang Marshyangdi. "Therefore it’s time that Nepal took bold steps at ministerial level to hold talks with FIFA and AFC at ministerial level."

For once it seemed the long standoff would end once and for all when the football’s world governing body - FIFA and Asian Football Confederation (AFC) intervened to end the dispute. But it remains as the authorities, against the suggestion of FIFA and AFC to hold a joint election involving all parties in dispute, held two separate elections, keeping a status quo.

President of NOC, Rukma Shamsher Rana, who was nominated by AFC as the coordinator for the election, insists that the situation could improve if both the parties agree to make compromise.

"We can still free football out of this deadlock," Rana assures.

Rana, speaking of his recent contacts with AFC officials for a couple of times, says: "AFC is still showing interest to cooperate with us. For that both the parties should come forward, putting out their differences."

Meanwhile, the postponement of SAFF Championship has cast doubt over a possible financial gain that the SAARC countries could benefit from the tournament.

Asian Marketing Limited (AML), which was awarded the tournament’s sponsorship right by SAFF during the meeting in Kuala Lumpur last February, might pull away unless the tournament is held in time. The AML has guaranteed 500,000 dollars to SAFF of which Bangladesh Football Federation was to get 200,000 dollars as tournament organiser. Six other participating countries were promised 25,000 dollars each.

A total of 90,000 dollars will be given as prize money of which the champions will receive 50,000 dollars, runners-up 25,000 dollars and third place winners 15,000 dollars. Besides, it was decided that a sum of 10,000 dollars would be used for coaching programmes, school tournaments and others in the member countries while 50,000 dollars for the SAFF secretariat.

Five Maoists shot dead

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KATHMANDU, Jan 18: At least five Maoist "terrorists" were killed and 13 suspects arrested on Thursday by the joint forces of the Royal Nepal Army (RNA) and the Armed Police Force (APF) across the country, said the Defence Ministry here today. Meanwhile, the Home Ministry said today the rebels killed two people, including a VDC official, in different incidents.

According to the Ministry, armed forces gunned down three Maoists in Joghbudha Village Development Committee (VDC) of Dadeldhura district following a clash.

The Ministry release also said that two Maoists were shot dead by the security forces in Kumal Gaon, Lamjung district, following an exchange of fire.

Armed forces intensifying their arrest campaign took into custody altogether 13 suspected rebels throughout the country in the past 24 hours, the release said. Security forces arrested one in Rupandehi, six in Dhading, three in Makwanpur and three in Khotang.

A Home Ministry press release here today said that armed Maoist rebels on Thursday killed two civilians in separate incidents.

In Thapapur VDC, Kailai district, the rebels killed the VDC vice-chairman, Parshu Ram Chaudhari. The armed rebel group dragged Chaudhari out of the office and attacked him, said the release. Chaudhari died in a bullock cart on the way to the local hospital.

Rebels shot dead another civilian in Dakhakwadi VDC, Pyuthan district. The deceased has been identified as Gir Bahadur Khadka.

It is also reported that altogether 77 Maoists surrendered before their respective District Administration Offices (DAO), across the country today.

Meanwhile, in Joshipur VDC, Kailali, a government vehicle was completely destroyed in an ambush by the rebels. The vehicle (Se.1.A. 62) of the District Public Health Office was waylaid when returning from Joshipur VDC today.

In Barbhanjyang VDC, Damauli, a women was beaten up and her hair trimmed by the rebels, today. She has been identified as Sobhita Neupane, a teacher at the local school.

It is also learnt that in Ram Ghat village of Surkhet district, Maoists have been terrorizing the local populace. The rebels have been pasting posters and putting up flags in the village. Some of the flags have been hoisted atop the houses of the local leaders of the Nepali Congress and the CPN-UML.

Bhutanese refugees call for US intervention for repatriation

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KATHMANDU, Jan 18 : Bhutanese refugee organisations have urged the visiting US Secretary of State Colin Powell to intervene on their behalf for a "durable solution" and "repatriation with dignity and honour" as promised by the Nepal and Bhutan governments.

Seeking US help, Association of Human Rights Activists, Bhutan (AHURA, Bhutan) presented a petition through the US embassy in the capital and Bhutanese Refugee Representative Repatriation Committee (BRRRC) released an appeal in Birtamod in eastern Nepal where the seven camps housing nearly 100,000 refugees are located.

The BRRRC appeal expressed the hope that Bhutanese refugee imbroglio would have a peaceful and lasting solution under the aegis of the global US campaign for human rights and democracy. It said that the refugees were forced to live as stateless citizens due to atrocities of the Bhutanese government.

Like wise, AHURA, Bhutan has urged the US Secretary of State to express his concern on the categorisation of the refugees under bilateral process and ask the Nepal government to drop the categorisation of Bhutanese refugees into four categories. Of late, Nepal has been trying to convince Bhutan on the merits of having only two categories – Bhutanese who were forcefully evicted and non-Bhutanese.

AHURA also requested Powell to ask the Druk government "to dismantle the ongoing resettlement on Bhutanese refugees’ landed and housing properties in southern Bhutan to promote the early repatriation".

AHURA also claimed that "none of the 1993 families from Khudunabari camp verified by the Joint Verification Team could be put in category 2 of the so-called ‘voluntarily migrated’ families under the bilateral process". It added that 99.6 per cent of the Khudunabari camp families were able to provide the documentary evidences to prove their origin and nationality of Bhutan.

Left parties assail both govt, Maoists

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KATHMANDU, Jan 18: Ten Left parties, including the main opposition Communist Party of Nepal (UML), condemned the government for victimising the cadres of parties abiding by the Constitution, instead of targeting the Maoists.

They also flayed the Maoists for their acts of murder and violence and asked them to return to the table for dialogue. In a joint meeting held here today, they called upon the government for immediate release of their cadres and innocent civilians even as they have decided to submit a memorandum to the Prime Minister for the same.

"The memorandum will be submitted to the Prime Minister within few days," said Sitaram Tamang of the CPN (MLM), adding that the compilation of reports coming from all the parties is about to complete. The parties also flayed the government for its recent move to hike the price of daily commodities.

"It is ridiculous to increase the price of petroleum products when the price in the international market is going down," said Amik Sherchan, chairman of the United People’s Front (UPF).

The meeting could not come out with any future course of actions as expected. "This will be discussed in the next meeting, which is likely to be convened after two weeks," Sherchan said. According to CPN (MLM) leader Krishna Das Shrestha, the common programme has already been drawn but is yet to receive the approval from the high command of the parties.

New act to tighten hold over NGOs

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KATHMANDU, Jan 18 :Social Welfare Council (SWC) has prepared a new act to bring all the non-government organisations under the council’s rules and regulations that will also structurally revive the council.

The Non-Government Social Development Institution Act-2002 (NGSDIA) will formulate an autonomous and organised institution the Social Development Council to be led by the Prime Minister and with around four dozens of members.

"This new act will totally change the system of registering, monitoring and evaluating the NGOs," said SWC member secretary Dr. Tika Prasad Pokharel, addressing a press conference today.

This act will change the name of the institution from Social Welfare Council to Social Development Council.

The proposed NGSDIA empowers to register all the NGOs, or the social development organisations and INGOs that want to work for local development in any part of the country.

The NGOs as well as other development organisations have been registered at the office of Chief District Officer till now under the Organisations Registration Act 1977.

But after the government passes the proposed act, the council will not register sister organisations of political parties, professional organisations, sports, guthis, co-operatives and foreign friendship or cultural organisations, libraries, associations clubs and other organisations.

"Those will not be our concern," said Pokharel.

The registered NGOs will not be allowed to flow shares, publicise or let use its property for or against political parties, directly or indirectly influence Nepal citizens to illegally convert their religion, or work to meet the interest of any foreign nation, organisations or persons.

"If any controversy arises in an organisation, anybody can file a case in the district court so that the court can also confiscate its property," said Shanta Thapaliya, a social worker and chairperson of Legal Aids and Consultancy Centre, quoting the proposed act.

The NGDIA will register any INGO only after it provides details of the financial sources and the minimum amount it is spending in Nepal programmes.

It can levy "service charge" from the INGOs registered and working in Nepal.

"They should not work in Nepal without taking permission according to the act and they need to make a contract with the council to launch any programmes."

"Any material, technical and financial or any other forms of co-operation between social development organisations and foreign governments, foreign institutions, INGOs or foreigners could be executed only with the council’s approval or understanding," the proposed act states.

Any organisations will have to file applications at the council before taking any help for foreign institutions or persons.

Member-secretary Pokharel said that the act is being introduced because organisations that aim at social development and other organisations are working under the same legal system and it is making an adverse effect to development organisations.

"This act will find a practical solution," added Pokharel.

According to the council’s data, there are 160 INGOs, 13,000 NGOs, working in various fields of development in Nepal.