Make Chinese currency convertible: HAN

By A Staff Reporter

Kathmandu, May 8: Hoteliers have appealed the government to recognise Chinese currency as a convertible foreign currency so that Chinese tourists are encouraged to visit the country.

"One of the main reasons why we are not getting significant number of Chinese tourists is because the Chinese Yuan currency is not still recognised as a convertible currency in Nepal," Hotel Association Nepal (HAN) stated in a press release today.

"We have made several requests in this regard to the government and their have been positive response, but the work is yet to be done," the release read. "We express our deep concern over this issue and put forward our appeal to the government and Nepal Rastra Bank to promptly act on recognising Chinese Currency as a convertible currency so that it will pave a way for Chinese tourists to visit Nepal."

After China declared Nepal as one of its outbound destination last year, Nepalese and Chinese authorities earlier this year signed an agreement allowing Chinese travellers to visit Nepal. Chinese citizens are allowed to travel to only those countries recognised as outbound destination by China. More than 12 million Chinese people travelled to different recognised countries last year.

The only hope for the travel trade now is the Indian and Chinese markets, HAN said. "In the present context, hotel industry has been passing through a very critical stage and to bring significant change in the present situation, it has become imperative to adopt different promotional strategies to attract Indian and Chinese tourists."

Before the downturn in their arrival in the last two years, Indian comprised of one third of the total tourist arrivals – the highest recorded at around 500,000 in 1998. In the last four months, the total arrival figure has dwindled by around 50 per cent compared to the same period last year.

Economy at manageable level: Dr. Khadka

By A Staff Reporter

Kathmandu, May 8: Newly appointed Vice Chairman of the National Planning Commission (NPC) Dr. Narayan Khadka has said that the 'existing economic trouble' is not beyond control. The economy is still at 'manageable level' and the economic growth can be attained if the security situation is improved.

In an exclusive talks to the Gorkhapatra, Khadka said that the NPC would try to introduce programmes that would tackle the security problem.

However, he admits that the economy is now passing through a difficult stage. "The export and import have declined. The tourism industry has nosedived. The overall economy is not satisfactory," he said.

Dr. Khadka who holds the wide range of knowledge on economics is a specialist on foreign aid and agriculture. Excerpts of the talks:

How do you assesses the present economic crisis?

The country's economy is really at critical stage. It is really challenging, but we should be effortful to convert the challenge into opportunity.

How can these challenges be changed into opportunities?

There are two ways for converting challenges into opportunities, economic and psychological. Firstly, we should be able to convince the people that the government is really committed to fulfill their aspirations. It will produce a positive result, if we make them feel that the government is doing something for them. This will boost their morale.

Secondly, we should be able to manage our limited resources so as to provide optimum benefit to the poor and backward people. We should create adequate employment opportunities to the poor and backward people in the society.

The forthcoming budget and the Tenth Five Year Plan will also encompass such issues to a great extent.

What steps should be taken to revive the economy and gear up the development activities?

There is no situation to introduce development programmes unless the situation improves. However, we should adopt the economic policy that helps bring peace and security in the country.

We have limited resources. The budget should be prepared by remaining within that constraint. The security problem has made the resource allocation more complex and difficult.

Besides, there is a severe revenue shortfall. We are facing a big problem to manage the swelling regular expenditure. However, we will seek help from the donor agencies and donor countries. We will carry out study to manage the fund for development activities.

Is the security problem only a reason to trigger such a nasty situation?

Of course. The security problem is the main reason of today's situation. Otherwise the economy would not take such a nasty turn. Besides, the international situation is also responsible to bring in such a situation. The domino effects of the major international incidents have certainly derailed our economy.

It is said that the Nepalese economy is heading towards severe crisis if the situation fails to improve. Can it be compared with the situation of Argentine economy?

No. Our situation is different from Argentina. Of course, our economy is at critical stage, but it can be managed and it is our responsibility to manage our economy.

We are strong enough to manage the crisis and there isn't any possibility of going beyond the control.

Questions have been raised about the efficacy of the NPC. What do you think about its role?

Naturally there arise questions about the role of the NPC in the liberal economy. However, the role of the NPC cannot be undermined. Its role should be made more effective in the changed context.

Though the poverty alleviation has been the main priority, the goal of reducing poverty has not been achieved to a desired extent. How do you address this problem now?

Poverty alleviation is still our prime goal. Poverty cannot be alleviated within 5-10 years. Hence, we ought to have long term planning to reduce poverty.

However, the Maoists problem has certainly created some problems, but reducing poverty is still the main objective.

The preparation of the forthcoming budget is underway. How will be the budget?

The budget will come in its regular form. However, the prevailing situation cannot be undermined while preparing the budget. Nothing can be said about the real shape of the budget. We are trying to make it more result-oriented.

Will this crisis affect the Tenth Five Year Plan?

The situation has deteriorated since the last year of the Ninth Five-Year Plan. It affects the Tenth Five Year Plan too. The most important aspect is the peace and security. Unless the situation improves, the target cannot be achieved.

How long will it take for the revival of the economy?

It will depend on our commitment and willpower. We should be able to manage politically. Of course, we are capable to do that.

Over 200 reported killed in Rolpa fighting

By A Staff Reporter

Kathmandu, May 8: Heavy fighting is continuing between the security forces and the Maoist terrorists after a large group of terrorists attacked a temporary base of the security forces at Gam area of Rolpa. Over 200 reported to be killed in clashes.

The Defence Ministry said the terrorists, who were armed with looted automatic weapons, attacked the post at 11 P. M.

The attack at the north part of Rolpa came amid security forces' operations in the shelter and training areas of the Maoists at Lisne Lek in eastern Rolpa.

The Ministry said additional troops have been sent to the area and details of the fighting are yet to come.

A meeting of the security organs today evaluated the security situations of the country. The meet, chaired by Minister for Works and Physical Planning Chiranjibi Wagle, who is looking after portfolio of the Prime Minister, evaluated the joint mobilisation of the army to control the terrorist activities have yielded positive results. "The meet decided to launch the security operations in a more coordinated and effective manner in the days to come," the Ministry said.

Ministers for Home, Water Resources, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Industry, Commerce and Supplies, Agriculture and Cooperatives and Education and Sports, Chief of the Army Staff, Chief Secretary of His Majesty’s Government, Secretaries at the Home and Defence Ministries, and high-officials of the Royal Nepalese Army, Nepal Police, National Investigation Department and Army Police Force were present at the meeting.

In Chainpur of Sankhuwasabha, 11 terrorists, including two women, were killed when the terrorists attacked the base camp of the armed police force. The police suffered four deaths and 15 injuries. The injured have been brought to Kathmandu and Dharan for treatment.

The Ministry said the security forces effectively repulsed the terrorists attack of the Maoists and recovered seven .303 rifles and one Magnum. Additional troops have been sent to area.

Four more terrorists died in encounters between the security forces and the terrorists at Rokaya Danda and Lekhbada area of Jumla. Security forces recovered guns and socket bombs from the sites. They also found guns and pistols in Bahundangi area of Jhapa and two guns in Dangalkhet area of Dadeldhura.

In Sindhupalchowk district, the search operation of the security forces is yielding results. The district administration office said 80 persons involved in terrorist activities have given themselves up to the authorities in Sindhupalchowk on Monday and Tuesday.

On Tuesday, 21 persons including the so-called ward chiefs and members of the terrorist organisation in Sano Sirubari, Thulo Sirubari, Sanga Chowk, Kunchok and other Village Development Committees surrendered.

The district administration office said those surrendering on Monday included so-called ward chiefs, people's militia and members of various terrorist organisations from Thulo Sirubari, Sangachowk, Kuvinde, Badase, Sindhukot and other VDCs.

246 M child workers worldwide: ILO

By A Staff Reporter

Kathmandu, May 8: The International Labour Organisation’s latest study said one in every six children aged 5 to 17 are involved in child labour. The total number of child labourers worldwide is 246 million, according to a UNIC press release.

"The study helped move the world away from denial and towards awareness," said ILO Director General Juan Somavia launching the study "A Future Without Child Labour".

Somavia emphasised three issued in order to resolve the problem. First, if parents did not have access to employment and income generation, inevitably that would put pressure on children to work. Second, crises of any sort, whether it be unemployment or armed conflict, affected children and pushed them into child labour. Third, the community must have the necessary desire to move forward.

The report highlighted the simple truth that no economy benefited from exploiting and not educating its children; no economy benefited from impoverishing its working men and women; and no culture or creed blessed the jailing or murder of children seeking to organise their freedom.

John Sweeney, President of the American Federation of Labour and Congress of Industrial Organisation (AFL-CIO) said the American labour movement had a long history of fighting the exploitation of children in the workplace and providing education for all children. The United States, he said, was proud to have ratified ILO Convention No. 182 (Worst Forms of Child Labour Convention, 1999) shortly after its adoption. "We will continue to strive to build a world where children stretch their minds in classrooms instead of straining their muscles in mines, mills, factories and fields."

Recognising the need to strengthen the ILO’s ability to address credible violations of workers’ rights, United States’ business spearheaded and strongly supported the ILO Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work, stated Marcela Malbunes, Vice-President of Human Rights for Phillips-Van Heusen. Moreover, the United States business community has supported ILO efforts to eradicate the most egregious forms of child labour since the International Programme for the Elimination of Child Labour began in 1992, the press release said.

The prorgamme’s most noteworthy success, she continued, was the initiative to eradicate child labour and provide alternatives to child workers in the soccer ball industry in Pakistan. Thousands of children had been removed from work and given the opportunity for education. The adults in their families were now sewing the soccer balls, which ensured their livelihood. The experience gained from that programme was being used to address child labour in other regions.

While one single company would not be able to solve the problem of child labour in a region or country, she added, it was clear that its responsible, committed involvement would be significant step forward. However, companies must draw from international conventions, such as ILO Conventions 138 (Minimum Age Convention, 1973) and 182, from multilateral collaboration to further the cause and ensure ethical business.

In response to a question, Somavia noted that in terms of volume, Asia had the largest number of child labourers – about 127 million. Africa had the highest percentage, with about one third of children involved in different forms of child labour. In terms of sectors, 70 per cent of child labourers were involved in agriculture.

Asked how the ILO worked with families to eliminate child labour, Samovia said that incomes were generated for families provided that the children went to school. Child labour projects tended to have the same format – take children out of particular activity, such as bricklaying, and try to find an activity for the parents.

On the issue of trafficking, he said that the ILO had been able to study the situation in West Africa, which had led to the decision by those countries to take action. Also, the upheavals in Eastern Europe had produced different forms of trafficking, including those involving children.

Sweeney added that the greatest contribution the ILO was making was raising awareness on the issue worldwide and getting to recognise that they had a problem.

World leaders gather in UN to talk children's future

By A Staff Reporter

Kathmandu, May 8: Some 60 heads of state and government have gathered in New York for the United Nations Special Session on Children.

But the May 8-10 meeting will be the magnet for more than just political leaders as an extraordinary array of leading figures from business, culture, the arts, academia and religion will enliven UN headquarters as the world focuses on the future of its children, UNICEF said.

In all, close to 6,000 people are likely to participate in the most important international conference on children in more than a decade, at which the nations of the world will commit to a series of goals to improve the health and well-being of young people, UNICEF said.

"The Special Session is all about leadership. Political leaders are at the vanguard, and their strong commitment this week to improving the lives of children heralds a promising new era. They know that if we want to create a more stable, just and peaceful world, we must start by investing in children," said Carol Bellamy, Executive Director of UNICEF.

"But leadership can and must go beyond politics," Bellamy said. "That's why it's inspiring to see so many other kinds of leaders coming to New York. Their energy, commitment, expertise and focus will enliven the UN and hopefully help inspire political leaders. Together they form a powerful partnership that can truly change the world."

In addition to nearly five dozen heads of state and government, some 180 high-level national delegations will be present. In addition, more than 250 parliamentary leaders will attend the conference. But the majority of participants will come from spheres outside of politics - including business chieftains, cultural figures, Nobel Laureates, religious leaders, experts on child-related issues and leading activists for children.

The Special Session is expected to conclude with global agreement on the proposed outcome document, A World Fit For Children, which contains a series of goals on child health, education and protection, and a plan of action to attain them in the coming decade, UNICEF said.

Nobel Laureate Carlos X. Belo, the Bishop of Dili, East Timor, will be one of a dozen leading religious figures gathering in an inter-faith meeting. Co-founder of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Bill Gates Jr., will be a featured participant in a roundtable where a dozen corporate leaders will meet heads of state to discuss ideas for private-public partnerships on behalf of children.

Delegates from an estimated 800 non-governmental organisations will host and invigorate scores of supporting events focused on specific children's issues. Representatives from internationally renowned organisations like Save the Children will be on hand along with leaders from small, grass-roots groups quietly working for children in countries around the world.

Other prominent attendees include hundreds of experts in the fields of pediatrics, public health, education, water and sanitation, nutrition, HIV/AIDS, early childhood development, and other fields important to children. More than 20 cultural celebrities will play a prominent role, including UNICEF Goodwill Ambassadors Harry Belafonte, Mia Farrow, Roger Moore and others. They will gather on Tuesday 7 May, the eve of the Special Session, outside UNICEF headquarters for the unveiling of a statue commemorating the humanitarian work of the late actress and UNICEF Ambassador Audrey Hepburn.

United Nations leaders helped kick off preliminary events for the Special Session on Children on Sunday 5 May with the Children's Forum. The Forum is a mini-Special Session, where young delegates representing more than 150 countries are discussing the draft outcome document and various pressing issues relating to their health, education and protection. More than 370 children from around the world are serving as officials delegates to the Special Session, the most ever for a UN conference. They will present their views on the outcome document to the General Assembly when it opens on Wednesday 8 May, UNICEF adds.

United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan addressed the opening ceremony of the Children's Forum on Sunday. "Your presence here marks a new chapter in the history of the UN," said Mr. Annan. "So far, adults have called the shots, but now it's time to build the world with children. Your voices will be heard, I promise."

The Special Session starts the morning of Wednesday, May 8 and concludes Friday, May 10. The goal of the Special Session is to move children to the centre of the world's agenda and emphasise the link between the welfare of children and the development of societies. Governments will review what has been achieved for children over the last decade and, crucially, what has not.

"The series of 21 goals they are expected to adopt will focus on key issues like reducing infant and maternal morality, expanding access to clean water and sanitation and establishing universal primary education," UNICEF says.

A General Assembly Special Session is a formal meeting of delegates from every UN member state, dedicated to a specific topic of such importance that it requires concerted international attention and action. It is also attended by observers and representatives of non-governmental organisations. On average, the UN General Assembly calls for a special session once every two years; this will be the 27th special session, UNICEF adds.

In context of Nepalese children, more than two million children are still considered as "untouchable" and the past decade have failed to activate programmes against the social injustice. Concern-Nepal, an NGO, said, the education of the children below eighteen years has not crossed 12 per cent their is still more than 75% dropped out rate in primary school.

According to the new data of International Labour Organisation (ILO) total population of the child labourer in Nepal is 2.6 million and more than 127,000 are working in the worst forms of child labour. Every year 10-12 thousand children are trafficked or sold for prostitution in different parts of India. In the year 2000 the slogan "Make primary education compulsory and available free to all" was limited only in verbal commitments failing to show effective results.

MEETING AT OVAL OFFICE
Bush, Deuba discuss issues of bilateral interest

Kathmandu, May 8 (RSS): Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba called on President of the United States of America George W Bush at the Oval Office in the White House on Tuesday afternoon.

The two leaders discussed matters related to bilateral relations and ongoing cooperation against terrorism as well as regional and international matters of common interest.

Trade, investment and issues relating to debt relief were also discussed during the meeting.

The two leaders also discussed Nepal's development problems and possible US support.

On the occasion, President Bush assured continuing support to Nepal's fight against terrorism and strengthening and safeguarding democracy.

According to the Royal Nepalese Embassy in Washington, the discussion took place in an atmosphere of utmost cordiality and friendship.

In course of the talks, the two leaders also reiterated their respective countries' determination to defeat all forms and manifestations of terrorism.

On the occasion, Prime Minister Deuba expressed the gratitude of the people of Nepal to the President and his administration for their support to combat the terrorism as well as the mounting social and economic problems.

Prime Minister Deuba handed over a letter addressed to President Bush from His Majesty the King. He also extended cordial invitation to the President to visit the Kingdom of Nepal at a convenient time.

Present in the meeting were Secretary of State Colin Powell, national security advisor Dr Condoleezza Rice, Chief of Staff Andrew Card, and press secretary to the President Ari Fleischer.

Prime Minister's advisor Dr Prakash Sharan Mahat, member of the National Planning Commission Dr Shankar Sharma, Foreign secretary Madhuraman Acharya and Royal Nepalese Ambassador to the United States Jai Pratap Rana assisted the Prime Minister in the meeting.

Crop research vital for agriculture: Acharya

Kathmandu, May 8 (RSS): Minister for Agriculture and Cooperatives Mahesh Acharya has said that the scientists involved in the agricultural sector should start working in the form of a national campaign in order to become self-reliant in a specific kind of foodgrain and livestock within a timeframe for the overall development in the agricultural sector.

Addressing a function organised to mark the 11th anniversary of Nepal Agriculture Research Council (NARC) here today, Minister Acharya said that plan should be formulated for increasing production and promoting market by identifying the crops suitable to climatic conditions in a hilly economy like Nepal.

Acharya said that the agricultural scientists should extend their research works and technology to the farmers.

Minister Acharya said that the FAO Asia-Pacific regional meeting to be held in Kathmandu next week will play a very significant role in meeting the challenges of poverty, malnutrition and hunger faced by more than 40 percent of the people in South Asia region.

Speaking from the chair Minister of State for Agriculture and Cooperatives Laxman Prasad Mehta stressed the need to change the traditional system of farming and adopt professional agriculture system in order to increase agricultural production and meet the targets of the long term Agricultural Perspective Plan (APP).

Acting executive director of NARC Raghunath Prasad Sapkota said that NARC had released 187 species of seeds for 43 kinds of crops suitable for various climatic conditions in the country in the past four decades.

Acting secretary at the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives Dr. Surendra Kumar Shrestha and Dr. Adarsha Pradhan, speaking on behalf of the NARC employees completing 25 years of service and receiving plaques, threw light on various aspects of research activities carried out in the field of agriculture.

US support boosts spirit to fight terrorism
Deuba holds interaction with senators

Kathmandu, May 8 (RSS): Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba has expressed gratitude for the clear expression of support extended by the United States of America to Nepal's determination to combat terrorism.

Prime Minister Deuba made this remark at an interactive programme with the senators and congressmen co-hosted by congressman Benjamin Gilman, chairman of the Middle East and South Asian affairs sub committee of the international relations committee, and congressman James T. Walsh, chairman of the veteran administration and housing affairs sub committee of the House of Representatives at the United States Capitol Hill building yesterday.

As the fight demands resources, skills and solidarity, cooperation in these areas will be highly appreciated, Deuba said.

"We all know that the cost of delay in solving this problem would be extremly high, as it would push us into a more complex situation the longer the terrorism is allowed to prevail," Deuba said, adding "if there is further chaos, Nepal could deteriorate into another terrorist's paradise and could pose a threat to the region and the rest of the world."

Because of terror, disruption through forced closure and extortion, the overall economic activities have been badly affected, Deuba said, adding the latest figure shows that tourism has been reduced by almost 40 to 50 per cent and external trade by almost 35 per cent.

The growing security expenditure has forced us to divert our scarce resources from our development expenditures, he said, adding that an enhanced level of development cooperation would be highly appreciated.

Development activity is exactly what is needed the most to improve the living conditions of people and reduce their possible influence by the terrorists, he further added.

"I strongly believe international support, solidarity and cooperation will be crucial in this fight," Premier Deuba said, adding "with your support and cooperation, I am confident that we will succeed in effectively implementing long-term and short-term measures to restore the peaceful image of the country."

"At the moment, peace and security needs to be strengthened by confronting their savage attacks with full force," Deuba said, adding this will be followed by rehabilitation and employment generating activities in the remote and other targeted areas.

Socio-economic transformation and strengthening of good governance with decentralisation of the authority are our longer-term priorities to alleviate poverty and deprivation, Deuba said, adding that a number of reform measures such as land reforms, formation of National Women Commission, commission for the oppressed people and formulation of tough anti-corruption law have already been taken.

Prime Minister Deuba said "Your support for Nepal's fight against terrorism will also help reinforce the perception that USA is fighting against all forms and manifestations of terrorism, wherever they may be."

The support of the USA is of great significance to us, Deuba said, adding that it will give a strong positive message to the international community to come forward to help us, and within the country, it will shore up the morale of the people and demoralise the Maoists.

As we are going through a difficult situation at the moment, we would appreciate the support of the congress for extending preferential access of our products to the US market, similar to the concession provided to the least developed countries of the sub Saharan African and Caribean countries.

Prime Minister Deuba said "U.S. support in this hour of the deepest need will have a salutary impact on stabilising the Nepalese economy and consolidating democracy in the country."

Present on the occasion were a number of U.S. senators, congressmen and congresswomen, former senators and congressmen, senior professional staff of the United States Senate and House of Representatives and senior administration officials.

Also present on the occasion were Prime Minister's advisor Dr. Prakash Sharan Mahat, member of the National Planning Commission Dr. Shanker Sharma, MP Narayan Singh Pun, foreign secretary Madhu Raman Acharya and Royal Nepalese Ambassador to the United States of America Jai Pratap Rana.

Royal Nepalese Ambassador Jai Pratap Rana also hosted a reception in honour of the Prime Minister at the Ritz Carlion Hotel yesterday.

U.S. congressmen, senators, senior officials of the White House, the State and Defense Departments, former U.S ambassadors to Nepal, South Asian ambassadors, academicians and professional Nepalese attended the reception.