Cabinet formed
Deuba sworn in as PM with his 13 ministers

Kathmandu, July 26 (RSS): His Majesty King Gyanendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev administered the oath of office and secrecy to newly appointed Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba amid a special ceremony held at the Narayanhity Royal Palace today.

In the presence of His Majesty the King, Chairman Of Rajparishad Standing Committee Dr. Keshar Jung Rayamajhi also administered the oath of ex-officio member of Rajparishad Standing Committee to Premier Deuba.

Likewise, in the presence of His Majesty the King, Prime Minister Deuba administered the oath of office and secrecy to the newly appointed ministers at the same ceremony.

Chairman of Rajparishad Standing Committee Dr. Rayamajhi also administered oath of ex-officio members of the committee to the ministers.

The Chief Justice, the Speaker, the chairman of National Assembly, the leader of main opposition party at the House of Representatives, former prime ministers, the heads of constitutional bodies and other distinguished persons were also present on the occasion.

His Majesty the King has, in accordance with the Constitution of the Kingdom of Nepal -1990 and on the recommendation of Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba constituted a 13-member council of ministers under the chairmanship of the prime minister and allocated portfolios.

According to a press communique issued today by the principle press secretariat of His Majesty the King, the allocation of the portfolios of the new council of ministers is as follows:-

According to the communique, His Majesty has expressed the hope that the Council of Ministers will receive necessary cooperation from all in executing its works for the wellbeing and progress of Nepal and the Nepalese.

'Deuba's move for truce praiseworthy'

Kathmandu, July 26 (RSS): Leader of main opposition party at the House of Representative Madhav Kumar Nepal has congratulated Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba on his appointment as the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Nepal and wished him success.

Speaking at the meeting of the House of Representatives today, Mr Nepal hoped that the present council of ministers will discharge its responsibility by taking into account the grave situation of the country and the people's aspirations.

The main responsibility of the present government is to bring about changes in deference to the people's aspiration and take them into confidence, he said, adding the present government that came into being after the prolonged crisis in the country has to shoulder the responsibility of dispelling the grave crisis besieging the country.

He said "the proposal for a ceasefire put forth by the Prime Minister to solve the Maoist problem as his first and foremost task and the positive response received from the rebels is praiseworthy."

However, the Prime Minister showed individualistic approach by bypassing the house without taking the oath of office and secrecy as well as holding consultation with any party, he added.

As the Maoist problem is linked with the political, social and economic problems of the country, the present government should win the confidence of the people and solve these problems, he said.

It requires far-sightedness, new working style and vision to solve these problems, he said, adding that if the government followed the previous tactics, the problem cannot be resolved, he added

He also advised the government to move ahead with a clear vision regarding good governance, corruption control, poverty alleviation, establishment of moral values and amendment to the constitution.

Mr Nepal underlined the need for the government to work seriously and study various alternatives for the solution of the Maiost problem.

Face-to-face
Call for common approach to dev

Kathmandu, July 26 (RSS): Former deputy prime ministers of the country have pointed out the need to put an end to anomalies and aberrations existing in society and maintain consensus among all political parties in order to resolve the Maoist problem.

Speaking at a face-to-face programme organised by Reporters' Club Nepal here today, they said all parties should first put forth their approaches for development of a common approach, and organise a national level all-party conference to prepare concrete policy and programmes for resolution of the problem.

Former deputy prime minister CPN-UML general secretary and leader of the main opposition party Madhav Kumar Nepal said the constitution should be amended if necessary for wiping out socio-economic and cultural problems and subsequent anomalies and abberrations, and for this a consensus among parties should be reached.

Stating that both the government and Maoist sides should put forward their views clearly for resolution of existing problems, Nepal expressed the determination to provide cooperation as much as possible if the two sides are seriously making effort to resolve the issue.

NC central member and former deputy prime minister Ramchandra Poudel said the Nepali Congress has been looking forward to resolve existing problems of the country with a clear and common approach developed through extensive discussion with other parties.

The Nepali Congress will not hesitate in taking any severe steps for establishing socio-economic and cultural equality in real terms in the country, Poudel said and urged all to beware of conspiracy being hatched to do away with the rights and privileges enjoyed by the public by misleading the country and people and bringing issues of unchangeable provisions in the constitution.

CPN-ML general secretary and former deputy prime minister Bamdev Gautam said the present problem cannot be resolved through the lone effort of any single party and that the CPN-ML is of the view that the Maoist problem should be resolved through national consensus and for this an all party conference should be organised as soon as possible.

As other problems of the country cannot be resolved without resolving the Maoist problem prompt action should be taken towards this end, Gautam said adding that if necessary the constitution should be amended to put an end to inequalities in society and give rights to the people.

Club president Rishi Dhamala presided.

'Power tariff hike will hit industries'

Kathmandu, July 26 (RSS): The Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) has protested the decision of Nepal Electricity Authority to raise the electricity tariff effective from August 17 with the consent of the electricity Tariff Fixation Commission.

A press release issued today by the FNCCI states- on the one hand, the hike in the electricity tariff has further worsened the situation of the country's industries and businesses which are in grave crisis at present and on the other hand, it would lead to further deterioration in the competitive edge of the nation's industries and businesses.

Even at present the Nepalese consumers are compelled to pay higher electricity tariff than what their counterparts in neighbouring countries have to pay for the same unit of power, the FNCCI stated.

The rapid increment of up to 80 percent in electricity demand tarrif paid by the industries and businesses can in no way be considered to be appropriate on the basis of any standards, the FNCCI stated in the press release, adding that the FNCCI is against the present hike in the electricity tariff which has been effected without giving any attention to the recommendations of the task force constituted by the government to control power tariff rise with the involvement of FNCCI.

The FNCCI has also demanded immediate withdrawal of the decision to raise the electricity tariff considering the situation of crisis in which the country's industries and businesses are passing through at present.

Meanwhile, Nepal Chamber of Commerce has expressed its regrets over the hike in electricity tariff starting August 17 affected by Nepal Electricity Authority as per the decision of the Electricity Tariff Determining Commission, saying the move would hurt the general consumers.

In a communique issued today, the Chamber of Commerce has said that in the present context when the country's economy is stagnant and there is tardy growth in industry and trade, the hike in the electricity tariff would lead to the hike in the market prices of consumer goods, it would entail extra load on industrial production and trade and business and all this would have a negative impact on every sector of the national economy.

The Chamber of Commerce has appealed to His Majesty's Government to therefore not increase the electricity tariff to prevent price hikes in consumer goods and thereby contribute to the economic progress of the country.

'Govt firm to fulfil people's aspiration'

Kathmandu, July 26 (RSS): Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba has said as it is the Prime responsibility of all the people’s representatives to fulfill the aspirations of 23.4 million Nepalese of creating a society free from murder, violence and disturbances, His Majesty’s Government will sincererly remain committed to fulfilling the aspirations of the people.

Addressing the House of Representatives by taking time from the Speaker today, Prime Minister Deuba said that he would make efforts to create an atmosphere for moving ahead together as he had been provided with the opportunity of working as Prime Minister after five years because of the great sacrifice made by outgoing prime minister Girija Prasad Koirala to free the country for the political crisis.

It is necessary to solve of the problem of Maoists as disturbances are being created through murder and violence in the country, Mr Deuba said, adding that it is necessary to maintain national consensus among all the political parties within and outside the parliament for this purpose.

Prime Minister Deuba said that he believed the Maoist problem to be a by-product of poverty, unemployment, oppressed ethnic communities and pitiable condition of the women and children in the country.

As peace is necessary, murder and violence have to be ended, Mr Deuba said, adding that talks was absolutely necessary for this purpose.

Noting that the Maoist leaders had positively replied to the appeal made by him after being appointed the Prime Minister, Mr Deuba made it clear that he had to make the appeal outside the parliament as the parliament meeting was not taking place.

No untoward incidents will be carried out on behalf His Majesty’s Government, Mr Deuba said, adding that such incidents should not be carried out by the Maoists also.

Prime Minister Deuba said that he was totally in favour of mutual and not one-sided cooperation in this task.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Deuba has said that as it is the primary responsibility of all the people's representatives to build a society free from murder, violence and terrorism as per the aspirations of all Nepalese, His Majesty's Government is resolved to fulfilling the wishes of the people in full faith.

Speaking at the National Assembly today, Prime Minister Deuba said that he has gotten the opportunity to work as prime minister again after approximately five years and that the government would leave no stone unturned to create an atmosphere of trust and understanding with all sides for restoring peace in the country.

The greatest of human rights is the right to life and we should all proceed with a common approach and mutual understanding for restoring this fundamental right, the Prime Minister said and expressed the belief that His Majesty the King would also provide enough cooperation if all sides concerned came up with a concrete programme for the fulfillment of the basic needs of the people including land reforms, issues concerning people's livelihood, women's upliftment, child rights and the like.

He said a solution for all the problems is possible only through dialogue. There is no alternative to dialogue for the resolution of the Maoist problem, he made it clear.

In a democracy, nobody can be forced to change their ideological faith and accordingly, the Maoists have also not been asked to change their political persuation, he said.

They have only been asked to renounce the path of murder, violence and terrorism, the Prime Minister explained, stressing the need for mutual understanding and a common programme and approach among all the political parties in order to resolve the problem.

Matsura in capital

Kathmandu, July 26 (RSS): Mr Koichiro Matsura, Director General of United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) arrived here Wednesday on a 4-day visit to Nepal.

Royal Nepalese Ambassador to France Indra Bahadur Singh, Secretary at the Ministry of Education and Sports Lawa Kumar Devkota, General Secretary for Nepal National Commission for UNESCO and UNESCO Kathmandu Bureau Chief Y. Kitamura welcomed Mr. Matsuura at the Tribhuwan International Airport Wednesday.

During his visit to Nepal, Mr Matsura will meet the Prime Minister, the Minister for Education and Sports, the Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation, the Minister for Information and Communication and the Minister for Finance.

Director General of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) Matsura paid a courtesy call on Minister for Education and Sports Amod Prasad Upadhyaya at the latter's office today.

During the meeting, talks were held on matters of mutual interest and the achievements and efforts being made to meet the objectives of the "Dakar Declaration" adopted by the conference on education for all held in 2000 in the Senegalese capital were reviewed.

In the course of the talks, positive discussions were also held on UNESCO's assistance for the child development centre programme implemented in connection with the provision of basic and primary education for all in Nepal.

The UNESCO director general is here on the invitation of His Majesty's Government and the Minister of Education and Sports.

'Bush admn places priority on ties with S. Asia'

BY A STAFF REPORTER

Kathmandu, July 26: One day after she arrived here on a four-day official visit, United States Assistant Secretary of state for South Asia Christina Rocca made it clear that American President George W Bush's administration places high priority on relations with the nations of this region, including Nepal.

"My visit attests to that," she said in a statement made public by the American Center here today. "The US believes strongly in the benefits of democracy and we care about the development of Nepal's democracy. I am here to ask questions, to learn about the issues confronting Nepal, and to introduce myself to my Nepali colleagues."

In the statement, Rocca said that she very much looked forward to her discussion with His Majesty King Gyanendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev, Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba, and other leaders. "I am really pleased to be back in Nepal, this time as Assistant Secretary of State for South Asian affairs."

According to Foreign Ministry officials, Rocca is here on a familiarization trip organised by the US Government. They said she would be discussing the policies of the American President Bush's administration and other bilateral issues during her stay here.

Rocca arrived here after the completion of her India-visit yesterday. She will be departing for Pakistan on Saturday, this weekend.

RSS adds: Ms. Rocca, met Mr. Narayan S. Thapa, Foreign Secretary, at Shital Niwas this morning, according to a press release from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

They reviewed the state of bilateral relations existing between the two countries.

During the meeting international, regional and bilateral issues of mutual interest were discussed.

On Nepal-US trade, the Foreign Secretary appreciated the trade facilities accorded by the U.S. government of Nepal.

The Foreign Secretary asked the visiting U.S. Assistant Secretary to accord duty free and quota free access for Nepalese products to the U.S. market.

Similarly; they also discussed about bilateral development cooperation between the two countries.

There was also discussion about enhancing the exchange of high level visits between the two countries to further strengthen relations between Nepal and the USA.

The Foreign Secretary is hosting a reception in honour of the visiting U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for South Asian Affairs at Shital Niwas this evening.

Ministers take up assignment

Kathmandu, July 26 (RSS): Newly appointed Home Minister and Minister for Local Developoment Khum Bahadur Khadka assumed the charge of the Ministry of Home Affairs today.

Addressing a gathering of high-ranking officials of the ministry and departments on the occasion, Khadka said we have a lot of challenges confronting us which can be solved only through the concerted efforts of one and all.

Stating that the call made by the Prime Minister to hold talks with the Maoists has created a favorable situation in the country, he noted that the Nepalese people will get freed from the atmosphere of fear and terror once the problem is resolved peacefully.

The Home Minister also extended heartfelt honour to the police security personnel who laid down their lives in course of maintaining peace an security in the country, adding that he will do his best to resolve the problems facing the police organisation.

Home secretary Srikanta Regmi spoke of the need for the employees to redouble their efforts to achieve the goals.

Similarly, newly appointed Minister for Population and Environment PL Singh assumed the charge of his ministry today.

On the occasion, Singh directed all the employees of the ministry to make utmost efforts from their respective places to effectively discharge their duty to meet the aspirations of the people.

Secretary of the ministry Mukti Narayan Shrestha welcomed the minister and apprised him of the ministry's scope of work.

Likewise, Health Minister Sharat Singh Bhandari assumed the charge of his office today.

Directing the employees present on the occasion, Bhandari spoke of the need to provide quality health services to the people.

Meanwhile, Minister for Agriculture and Co-operatives Mahesh Acharya took up his assignment at the Ministry of Agriculture today.

Giving instructions to the ministry employees present on the occasion, Minister Acharya urged the employees, specialists and all the people involved in the sector to work very honestly and consistently to attain a high level of output from the investment made in the agriculture sector.

He directed the employees to expedite work by preparing a timetable to fulfill the responsibility entrusted upon them.

He said employees and all the people involved in the sector have an important role to play in commercialisation and scientific innovation in the present agricultural profession of the country which lacks proper mechanisation.

The minister reiterated commercialisation of agriculture to build a strong national economy.

Earlier, Acharya has handled the finance and defence ministry portfolios.

Leaders wish new PM success

Kathmandu, July 26 (RSS): At the meeting of the House of Representatives today, different political party leaders wished new Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba a successful tenure.

Leader of the RPP parliamentary party Surya Bahadur Thapa spoke of the need of a larger consensus as the government alone is not likely to resolve the problems and assured the new PM of his party's utmost cooperation.

Thapa wished that the new government would be successful in resolving various problems including the Maoist by forging national consensus.

Badri Prasad Mandal of the Nepal Sadbhawana Party wished the new government every success in its efforts to resolve the problems of security, corruption, Maoist insurgency and many others facing the country.

Mandal also expressed confidence that Deuba will be able to offer a fresh dynamism to the long-stalled country.

Leader of the Rastriya Jana Morcha Chitra Bahadur KC spoke of the need for the government to learn from the past experiences since a lot of things can be done even from the parliamentary system, adding, the understanding reached between the government and Maoists has enthused the people.

Lila Mani Pokhrel of the Samyukta Janamorcha wished the new Prime Minister every success and suggested that he should make a lot of homework to solve the problems of unemployment, poverty, etc.

Narayan Man Bijukchhe of the Nepal Workers and Peasants Party urged the government to become serious about implementing the reports of the parliamentary committees.

Meanwhile, Chairman of National Assembly Mohammed Mohsin has wished that newly appointed Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba and his Council of Ministers would succeed in resolving problems facing the country on the basis of national consensus.

Mohsin expressed this at the start of the meeting of the National Assembly today.

On the occasion, he also read out the letters about the Prime Minister's appointment and the formation of the Council of Ministers.

In course of extending greetings to the new Prime Minister, leader of the main opposition party CPN (UML) at the National Assembly Yubaraj Gyawali said the Prime Minister's commitment to resolve the Maoist problems through talks should be taken as a good sign, adding, before sitting for talks the Prime Minister must have a concrete package.

Gyawali also underlined the need to resolve socio-economic and political problems of the country in the interests of the nation and the people.

RPP's Balaram Ghartimagar wished that the new government would be successful in working for the interests of the nation and the people by eliminating the problems plaguing different sectors of the country.

CPN (ML)'s Ramman Shrestha observed that the new government should try to seek cooperation of all political parties to function in an effective way, while MP Chanda Shah expressed the view that the first duty of the government is to resolve the problem of Maoist including other social, economic and political problems to ensure the interests of the nation.

MP Ramesh Nath Pandey remarked that at a time when the country is passing through a critical phase and is on the brink of civil war, the government should lead the nation cautiously towards the economic prosperity.

The National Assembly will meet again at 1 pm on July 31.

Leaders support PM's proposal with Maoists

Kathmandu, July 26 (RSS): Speakers at a colloquium on "talks between the government and Maoists in the context of human rights" organised by the Jana Adhikar Sarokar Abhiyan Nepal here today, spoke of the need for all political parties of the country to make successful the initiative taken by the Prime Minister for talks with the Maoist so as to give an outlet to the political crisis.

On the occasion, former speaker Damannath Dhungana pointed out the need for both the government and the Maoists to become flexible to come to the negotiating table.

NC central member Pradip Giri observed that the forceful use of the army and guns has nowhere in the world solved the problem, adding, talks is the only way to resolve the Maoist problem.

Member of the CPN (UML) standing committee member Jhalanath Khanal noted that curtailing people's rights and non-implementation of democratic rights in practice have given rise to various problems, adding that Maoist insurgency is a political problem.

CPN (ML) polit buro member CP Mainali noted that even after the restoration of democracy, poverty, unemployment and price hikes have made an upward swing as a result of which people's dissatisfaction has increased. He also warned that in coming days there should be no repetition of drama in the name of talks.

Senior human rights activist Padma Ratna Tuladhar said following the Prime Minister's appeal, the Maoists have also responded positively and urged both parties to come to the negotiating table as early as possible.

President of the Samyukta Jana Morcha Nepal Amik Sherchan observed that it is only through talks that the Maoist problem can be resolved, while member of the National Human Rights Commission Kapil Shrestha said the government's efforts to hold talks with the Maoists are highly commendable.

Another member of the commission Sushil Pyakurel expressed the view that socio-economic exploitation and suppression in various forms served as incubators for the Maoists to grow, while president of the Nepal Bar Association Sindhunath Pyakurel remarked, that the talks would yield positive results is what the Nepalese want at the moment.

Various other speakers including Bhakta Bahadur Shrestha also spoke at the function chaired by chairman of the Abhiyan KB Rokkaya.