Her Majesty presents letter of commendation

Kathmandu, May 9 (RSS): Her Majesty Queen Aishwarya Rajya Laxmi Devi Shah presented a letter of commendation to senior paedi atrician Dr Hemanga Dixit at a function organised on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the Society for Children's Development here today.

The letter of commendation has been presented to Dr Dixit in recognition of his three-decade long contribution through his medical practice, the publication of magazines and newsletters on child health, and teaching and research.

On the occasion, Her Majesty also presented the child development journalism award to journalist Kedar Shakya of the Gorkhapatra Daily and the Bal Protsahan Puraskar to Navin Bishwokarma, a resident of Rukum.

The awards carry a purse of Rs 10,000 along with a citation each.

The Bal Protsahan Puraskar has been given to Bishwokarma for demonstrating extraordinary talent by building an engine-powered helicopter at the tender age of 12.

On the occasion, Her Majesty presented certificates to life members of the society and observed a photo exhibition and the helicopter built by Bishwokarma.

On the occasion, Minister of State for Women, Children and Social Welfare Mrs Kamala Pant said the government which is committed to empowering children has been assisting both governmental and non-governmental organisations involved in ensuring the interests of children.

Society chairman Sharad Sharma and general secretary Chapala Koirala also spoke at the function.

Joshi urge Oppn. for talks to solve problems

Kathmandu, May 9 (RSS): Minister for Information and Communications Shivaraj Joshi has called upon the opposition parties to come forward for mutual dialogue to resolve the problems of the country and for the social and economic transformation of Nepal.

Speaking at a programme hosted by the Press Chautari Nepal in honour of the Minister and Minister of State for Information and Communications, Minister Joshi anticipated cooperation from journalists in the consolidation of parliamentary democracy.

He expressed the government's willingness to review the communications policy to make it suitable to the changing times.

Calling upon journalists to publicise the positive achievement of the nation, he made it clear that development of journalism was possible only in a democracy.

Minister of State for Information and Communications Pushkar Nath Ojha said that writing articles and publishing news encouraging violence is encouraging the loss of one's own rights and made it clear that disseminating of news against the right of an individual to live fearlessly should not take place.

Making it clear that the government wanted to implement the integrated security and development package with the advice and consensus of all the political parties and all sides, the minister of state said that the opposition was unwilling for a dialogue with the government.

Press Council chairman Harihar Birahi said that the assurances given by the government to journalists should be put into practice.

CPN-UML standing committee member and former minister for Information and Communications Jhala Nath Khanal said that the government should provide autonomy to the government mass media and the fourth estate should also be able to expose the truth with guts and courage.

Senior journalist and Friedrich Ebert Stiftung advisor P. Kharel and Shriom Shrestha also expressed their views at the programme chaired by Press Chautari Nepal president Shambhu Shrestha.

15 NC dist chiefs urge PM not to quit

Kathmandu, May 9 (RSS): Fifteen district presidents of the Nepali Congress have, in a joint press statement today, said Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala should not resign in view of the present situation of the country.

Urging the Prime Minister not to succumb to any pressure and to take up the responsibility to the nation, people and democracy, they also requested the party president and Prime Minister to take decisive steps on time to check undisciplined activities that are gaining ground within the party.

It is a matter of great sorrow that a resignation of the Prime Minister has been sought by some stalwarts of the party at a time when the government was beginning to launch some decisive actions against the Maoist terrorists who are bent on weaking the nation, people and democracy by intensifying violence and murder in the country, they further said.

Those signing the statements were Shukraraj Sharma of Kaski, Ram Kumar Chaudhary of Saptari, Narendra Kumar Raya of Sarlahi, Mahendra Kumar Raya of Mahottari, Arjun Prasad Gyawali of Parbat, Ramnath Adhikari of Dhading, Poorna Kumar Sherma of Panchthar, Baburam Rana of Rupandehi, Ram Krishna Yadav of Dhanusha, Aangelu Sherpa of Solukhumbu, Khagendra Raj Regmi of Syangja, Mrs Sitadevi Yadav of Siraha, Dr Bhupendra Bahadur Khadka of Myagdi, Pankha Bahadur Bista of Kalikot and Subarna Kumar Bista of Mustang.

ANNFSU(R), Govt team hold talks to find solution

BY A STAFF REPORTER

Kathmandu, May 9: The Ministry of Education and Sports has formed a task force to find out a practical solution to the confusing situation in the academic institutions by holding talks with the schools, guardians and all those concerned with country’s educational sector.

The task force has started its work from today by holding talks with representatives from the All Nepal National Free Students’ Union (Revolutionary) at the Ministry regarding the demands put by the Union, said to be close to the Maoists.

The Union has started movement against private and boarding schools making a 15-point demand, including 50 per cent reduction in the tuition fee, improvement of the academic environment of the public schools and others. They have even demanded that all politicians and high officials take their children out of the private schools and enroll them in public schools.

On Tuesday, activists of the Union attacked and vandalized Elites Co-Ed and Rupy’s International schools. They torched two vehicles, vandalized the offices and damaged the equipment like computer, photocopy machine and furniture. They even manhandled the principals and staff of those schools and are said to have looted thousands of rupees from the schools.

Meanwhile, the main opposition party in the Parliament CPN-UML, in its press statement issued today, has condemned the Union’s attack and vandalizing in the schools and maltreatment of the teachers and staff as anti-education and trying to hinder the whole educational process.

School stalemate

The UML has also called the government to improve the academic environment and management, especially of public schools and set definite rules and criteria for the private and boarding schools.

Meanwhile, PABSON (Private and Boarding School Organisation, Nepal) has submitted a memorandum to the Ministry to find solution to the problem.

The Organisation has also asked the Ministry to be more sensitive while dealing with the situation and finding out an early solution.

Speaking at an FM radio programme, Rajkumar Thakuri, principal of Bhanubhakta Memorial Boarding School who is also one of the members of PABSON, said that they were waiting for the result of the talks. He also asked the government to be more sensitive while handling the situation. He said this is more a political issue than anything else. He even said that the ANNFSU(R) were making private schools as their victims.

He asked both the government and the student union to resolve the crisis through talks. "If talks achieved no improvement then we will have to think about what to do next," said Thakuri.

A principal of another boarding school said that there was no way the schools can confront the Union’s coercive tactics. He even hinted that the private schools may have no alternative but to close down.

Talking to Metro FM, educationist Dr. Kedar Lal Shrestha said both the government and the student union have failed to understand the situation clearly. The contribution of private schools to the education sector cannot be underestimated, he said adding that not all private schools were profit-mongers.

He said the main problem today was the lack of management in the educational sector. There are rules and regulation but if they are effectively implemented many of discrepancies in the educational sector could be solved.

After Lauda, PAC may question leasing of CSWA aircraft

BY A STAFF REPORTER

Kathmandu, May 9: After the Lauda Air deal, the Public Accounts Committee of the Parliament has said that it has discovered yet another case of financial irregularity while leasing plane for state-owned Royal Nepal Airlines Corporation.

This time the case is against the leasing of a Boeing 757 in 1999 which the then RNAC management had negotiated with the China Southwest Airlines.

Today’s meeting of the PAC ended its discussion on the case after looking into the financial transactions over the leasing of CSWA aircraft. The Committee has come to a conclusion that the leasing of the plane without going through global tender was against the benefit of the national flag carrier.

'Financial irregularities'

"The discussion has ended but the final draft of the decision will be presented in the next meeting scheduled to be held on May 14," said chairman of the Committee Subhas Nembang while concluding today’s meeting.

Today’s meeting of the Parliamentary Committee also discussed on the report on CSWA air deal prepared by the sub-committee formed under the convenorship of MP Buddhi Man Tamang. The meeting also decided to include some of the missing points regarding the process of foreign currency exchange facility and a controversial letter.

"When the RNAC first decided to lease a wide-bodied 767 plane, but went on to lease the narrow-bodied plane from the CSWA without calling for a global tender. This shows that there were some malafide intention while leasing the plane," MP Hridayesh Tripathy said.

The PAC members voiced that the authorities involved in the leasing of the CSWA plane should thus be taken a stern action against.

In course of renting the planes, RNAC has leased the CSWA planes for nine times, both on short and long term basis. After the RNAC leased the CSWA plane on long-term basis without going for global tender the PAC smelt there was something fishy and started probing into the case.

In course of investigation the Committee had called the then Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Bhim Bahadur Rawal and RNAC chairmen, board members and others for explanation.

Today’s meeting was participated in by MPs and committee members Dr. Prakash Chandra Lohani, Hridayesh Tripathy, Buddhi Man Tamang, Ramesh Lekhak, Birodh Khatiwada, Birendra Kanaudia, Dilli Raj Sharma, Bharat Shah, Ishwor Pokharel and Duryodhan Singh Chaudhari.

CJ hosts reception

Kathmandu, May 9 (RSS): Chief Justice Keshav Prasad Upadhyaya hosted a reception on the occasion of Law Day here today.

Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala attended the reception.

Also present were the Speaker, the Chairman of Rajparishad Standing Committee, ministers, the leader of the main opposition party, justices, senior HMG officers, former chief justices, office-bearers of the apex court and judicial council, and representatives of foreign diplomatic missions.

Truck knocks down old couple to death

Bhaktapur, May 9 (RSS): An old couple walking along the Araniko Highway died when knocked down by a Bahrabise bound truck from Kathmandu bearing the number plate (Na. 2. Kha.) at Chitpol VDC ward No. 1 Bhatedhukuro.

Mrs Mangalmaya Kapali, 72, died on the spot while her husband Najarman, 75, succumbed to his injuries while undergoing treatment at the Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, Maharajgunj, it is learnt from police sources.

Zhu Rongjhi's visit to strengtern ties: Envoy

BY A STAFF REPORTER

Kathmandu, May 9: The upcoming official visit by Chinese Prime Minister Zhu Rongjhi to Nepal will further consolidate friendly relations between the two countries, Chinese ambassador to Nepal Zeng Xuyong has said.

"The visit will add momentum to the good-neighbourly partnership between China and Nepal in the new century," said the Chinese envoy at the press meet organised by Reporters’ Club today.

Zhu Rongjhi, Premier of the State Council of China is coming to Nepal on May 14 for a three-day official visit. This visit has come soon after the successful state visit to China by His Majesty the King. This is another important visit to Nepal by top Chinese leader following the visit of Chinese President Jiang Zemin in 1996.

Ambassador Zeng further said that Nepal-China relations are marked by common interest and expression of the people of the two countries.

Zeng said China and Nepal have kept the traditions of exchange of high-level visits since the establishment of diplomatic ties, which has made significant contributions to the sustained and smooth development of bilateral relations.

"During the visit, leaders of the two countries will exchange views extensively on further developing bilateral relations and hold in-depth discussions on expanding economic and trade ties," he said.

He also informed that during the trip the two sides will sign five agreements on economic and technical co-operation, construction of Syaphrubesi-Rasuwa highway, setting up a hospital for civil servants of Nepal, establishment of a polytechnic institute at Banepa and agriculture cooperation between the two countries.

"The Syaprubesi-Rasuwa road is going to be an important project for Nepal in terms of increasing bilateral trade relation."

On the queries of journalists regarding the security concern and Maoist issue in Nepal, the Chinese envoy said that China wants to see peace and stability in Nepal. "Maoist problem is the internal affair of Nepal China will never support the Maoist insurgency in Nepal," he said and added that China would not allow anyone to carry out activities that are harmful to Nepal"

"China and Nepal should maintain good-neighbourly friendship and respect each other’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and security concern, which are equally important to both sides," he said.

"China-Nepal relations is not aimed at any other country," he pointed out.

On the question about the fleeing of Karmapa Lama through the Nepalese territory, the Chinese ambassador said, "I don’t see any people or organisations being used against China in this regard."

Asked about whether China has abandoned its the Third World Theory, he said that China itself being developing country, its foreign policy has always been directed for the progress and prosperity of the Third World countries.

Meanwhile, according to a AP report from Beijing, Premier Zhu will promote economic and anti-drugs cooperation on a five-nation tour that includes the first visit to South Asia by a Chinese Prime Minister in 12 years.

Zhu leaves Friday for an 11-day trip to Pakistan, Nepal, the Maldives, Sri Lanka and Thailand. He is to be accompanied by his wife, Lao An, Trade Minister Shi Guangsheng and Foreign Minister Tang Jiaxuan, AP said quoting the Chinese Foreign Ministry.

Archaeological findings

Biratnagar, May 9 (RSS): Helmets and pieces of protective covering for hand and neck worn by warriors in the ancient time and spears have been found at Baghajhoda in Indrapur VDC-1, Morang recently.

Some persons who were digging out a pit for an oven on the land of Gopi Chandra Limbu on May 2 recovered the objects.

The objects which will be useful for the archaeologists in their research works have been kept at the house of Indrapur VDC chairman Chandra Bahadur Gurung.

Foundation laid for dental college

Kathmandu, May 9 (RSS): Vice Chancellor of Tribhuvan University Navin Prakash Jung Shah laid the foundation stone of the People's Dental College and Hospital, first ever such institution in Nepal, at a function here today.

Construction of the 7-storey building will be completed at a cost of Rs. 70 million within one year. The building will occupy about 2 Ropanies of land.

On the occasion, Vice Chancellor Shah said the colleges established with the people's participation in various parts of the country have contributed immensely in producing competent manpower, a force that will lead the country towards advancement.

He further said that the academic institutions run by the private sector should give more emphasis on the service aspect than profiteering.

Founder of the hospital and executive chairman Prof. Tirtha Ratna Bajracharya said the college which has been providing training in dental treatment since last two years has set a target of enrolling 30 students annually in the future.

Education to children stressed

Kathmandu, May 9 (RSS): Chairman of Raj Parishad Standing Committee Dr. Keshar Jung Rayamajhi inaugurated a workshop on "Child rights and domestic child workers: our obligations" organised by Children and Women in Social Service and Human Rights (CWISH) here today.

In his inaugural address, chairman Dr. Rayamajhi said no child should be deprived of education.

He further noted that the constitution of the Kingdom of Nepal has laid emphasis on the protection of children's rights.

Chairman of Centre for Child Workers in Nepal (C-WIN) Gauri Pradhan said about 45,000 out of 70,000 domestic child workers across the country are living in Kathmandu and about 2.6 million children are deprived of education.

General secretary of the CWISH Sharmila Karki said it has been conducting programmes designed to enhance the consciousness and skill in children through the nine-month informal class at the inaugural function presided over by chairwoman of CWISH Shanti Adhikari.

Deliberations will be held on the plight of domestic workers, sexual harassment and exploitation meted out to them, children's rights and laws concerning children at the 2-day workshop being participated in by teachers, guardians and ward representatives.

'Prevent misuse of Red Cross logo'

Nepalgunj, May 9 (RSS): It has become necessary to formulate appropriate legislation to prevent the increasing misuse of the Red Cross logo.

Although the medical service of the armed forces can use the logo of the Red Cross or the Red Crescent in defence and any institution or individual affiliated to the Red Cross or the Red Crescent can use it as a symbol the affiliation with the Red Cross, the Red Cross logo is being widely misused at present.

This concern over the abuse of the Red Cross logo was highlighted by the participants of a workshop seminar on "The Red Cross movement, the use of the Red Cross logo, the right to use and the conditions of its use, the Geneva convention and its practical implementation" organised by Nepal Red Cross Society, Banke district chapter on the occasion of the International Red Cross Day here today.

At the programme, president of Nepal Red Cross Society Banke branch Miss Narbada Sharma said the Red Cross logo was being misused by the doctors, hospital, nursing homes, medical stores and the regional medical stores.

She said even some government offices were also misusing the Red Cross logo and it was especially misused during Bandhs, Chakka Jams etc.

The misuse of the Red Cross emblem is not only confined to this. Even a taxi plying the Nepalgunj-Kohalpur route is using it, senior deputy officer of Nepal Red Cross Society Ishwar Regmi said.

Although Nepal Red Cross Society has been making efforts to curb the misuse of its logo over the past five or six years, it has not been successful in this mission.

The "Bardiya declaration" issued by the national conference of the junior Red Cross held recently in Dhodari of Bardiya district has also outlined some ways of preventing the misuse of the Red Cross logo.

Under the first phase of the strategy in preventing the misuse of the Red Cross logo, the declaration has emphasised on creating public awareness in this regard. If this strategy does not produce results, then the misused logo is to be smeared black.

The appropriate use of the Red Cross logo is mentioned in articles 53-54 of the first Geneva convention and articles 43-45 of the second Geneva convention.

Article 54 of the convention states that countries that are signatories to the Geneva convention should immediately put in place all the legal provisions to prevent the misuse of the Red Cross logo if they want to use it in their land.

Official of Nepal Chemists and Druggists Association Banke district branch Gopichandra Barnwal, communications representative of the International Red Cross Committee and communications officer of the international committee of the Red Cross Krishna Chandra Chalise spoke on the Red Cross movement and the significance of the Red Cross logo.

Some 45 persons including representatives of the local administration, police, the Royal Nepalese Army, hospitals and health institutions, journalists and representatives of various government and non-governmental organisations took part in the workshop.