Let us commit ourselves to build peaceful, prosperous Nepal: HM
Peace is our necessity, Democracy is our conviction

RSS

KATHMANDU, Feb. 19: His Majesty King Gyanendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev has said that the political parties, civic society as well as all the countrymen should devote themselves to the creation of a peaceful and prosperous Nepal through mutual understanding and harmonious co-existence.
In a message to the nation on the occasion of National Democracy Day, His Majesty said, peace is our necessity, multi-party democracy our conviction, nationalism our cornerstone and the happiness of the Nepalese people our political faith.

Democracy can flourish and take roots only if the people can experience its tangible benefits, His Majesty said adding, "We must all, therefore, make a sincere effort to work together to make democracy meaningful by shunning blaming and doubting each other and leading a life of virtue and character."

Pointing out that Nepal and the Nepalese can only benefit if there is peace, harmony and stability, His Majesty said, "We have always given highest priority to this." "The Nepalese people have long wished to see the end of the spiral of death and destruction prevailing in the country through dialogue and such a hopeful endeavour is already underway," His Majesty further said.

Full text of His Majesty's message:

Beloved countrymen,
Today we are celebrating the 53rd National Democracy Day. On this historic occasion, we would like to pay our homage to our august grandfather His late Majesty King Tribhuvan, the architect of democracy in Nepal, and all the brave martyrs who laid down their lives to the cause of democracy.
The Constitution of the Kingdom of Nepal-1990 was promulgated in accordance with the aspiration of the people that the all round development of the country should take place through constitutional monarchy and multi-party democracy. Democracy can flourish and take roots only if the people can experience its tangible benefits. We must all, therefore, make a sincere effort to work together to make democracy meaningful by shunning blaming and doubting each other and leading a life of virtue and character. To devote oneself to the service of the nation by eschewing the notion of "I" and embracing the principle of "We" is a basic exercise in democracy.

Nepal and the Nepalese can only benefit if there is peace, harmony and stability. We have, thus, always given highest priority to this. The Nepalese people have long wished to see the end of the spiral of death and destruction prevailing in the country through dialogue and such a hopeful endeavour is already underway. Peace is our necessity, multi-party democracy our conviction, nationalism our cornerstone and the happiness of the Nepalese people our political faith. Therefore, the political parties, civic society as well as all the countrymen should devote themselves to the creation of a peaceful and prosperous Nepal through mutual understanding and harmonious co-existence. May this day inspire all Nepalese to forge ahead towards this goal.

May Lord Pashupatinath bless us all.

Crown Princess opens skill-oriented training

RSS

KATHMANDU, Feb. 18: On the occasion of the 53rd Auspicious Birthday of Her Majesty The Queen, Her Royal Highness Crown Princess Himani Rajya Laxmi Devi Shah inaugurated the skill oriented training organised by the Army Officers Wives' Association for the families of soldiers laying down their lives in the line of duty, amid a function at the Royal Nepal Army Barracks at Chhauni.
Her Royal Highness the Crown Princess observed the training building on the occasion. The trainees introduced themselves to HRH the Crown Princess.

At the function, Assistant Minister for Women, Children and Social Welfare Anuradha Koirala said that it was one of the main duties of the state to honour brave soldiers laying down their lives for the sake of the country.Association president Kamala Thapa also expressed her views on the occasion.
Twenty-five widows of soldiers attaining martyrdom are taking part in the training programme. Training will be imparted in sewing and cutting, cleanliness, health and other relevant topics under the programme, it is learnt.Similarly, on the occasion of the 53rd auspicious birthday of Her Majesty the Queen, Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Kuber Prasad Sharma gave away crutches to nine disabled persons at a programme organised by the Disabled Rehabilitation Centre, Nepal, here today.

On the occasion, he said that it was the courageous decision on the part of the Maoists to declare a ceasefire and proceed towards peace talks, and when the entire population wished success to the talks, it was unpolitical of the so-called parties in not extending cooperation to the peace process.
Raj Parishad member Gajananda Agrawal said that the leaders during the last twelve years had ruined the country and the people supported the Royal proclamation of October 4.

President of the disabled rehabilitation centre Tanka Tiwari presided over the programme. Ten percent of the population of the country is physically disabled in one way or the other, it was informed on the occasion.

Auspicious Birthday celebration

By A Staff Reporter

KATHMANDU, Feb. 18: Her Majesty Queen Komal Rajya Laxmi Devi Shah was born on February 18, 1951 in Kathmandu. Her Majesty is the daughter of late Lieutenant General Kendra Shumsher J.B. Rana and Shree Rajya Laxmi Rana.

Her Majesty received her early education at St. Helen's Convent, Kurseong of India and St. Mary's School in Kathmandu. Her Majesty received Certificate in Music from the Kalanidhi Sangeet Mahavidhyalaya in Kathmandu. Her Majesty was married to His Majesty King Gyanendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev in 1970. Her Majesty has a son His Royal Highness Crown Prince Paras Bir Bikram Shah Dev and a daughter Her Royal Highness Princess Prearana Rajya Laxmi Devi Singh.

Her Majesty the Queen has been conferred with the title of the Grand Master of all Orders of the Kingdom of Nepal in 2001. Her Majesty is the Chairperson of Pashupati Area Development Trust. Her Majesty has accompanied His Majesty the King on most of His Majesty's visits abroad. Her Majesty the Queen has been decorated with Nepal Pratapa Bhaskara in 2001, Suprasiddha Prabala Gorkha Dakshina Bahu in 1975, Jyotirmaya Suvikhyata Trishakti-Patta in 1998, Bishesh Seva Padaka in 1971, Shubha Rajyabhishekha Padaka in 1975, Gaddi Arohan ko Rajat Mahotsav Padaka (2028-2053 B.S.) in 1997 and Vishista Seva Padaka in 1999.

Her Majesty has also been decorated with the Knight Grand Cordon of the Most Exalted Order of the White Elephant (Thailand) in 1979, Grand Cross of the National Order of Merit (France) in 1983 and Banda De Dama De Isabel la Catolica (Spain) in 1983. Her Majesty the Queen's interests include music and flower decoration.

Children's park inaugurated

RSS

KATHMANDU, Feb. 18: On the occasion of the 53rd Auspicious Birthday of Her Majesty Queen Komal Rajya Laxmi Devi Shah, Her Royal Highness Princess Shobha Shahi inaugurated here today the Asman Children's Park built within the premises of Kanti Children's Hospital. On the occasion, HRH Princess Shobha released a magazine titled "Dawn" published by Asman, the association of former students of St. Mary's School, Jawalakhel.

HRH Princess Shobha also presented letters of appreciation to the designer of the park and others assisting in its construction. HRH Princess Shobha inspected various sections of Kanti Children's Hospital. Earlier, speaking at the inaugural function, Health Minister Dr Upendra Devkota said that the hospital will be gradually developed into an institution where all poor and helpless children can easily avail themselves of its services.

It will also be developed into an institution for producing paediatricians and providing quality service in a home environment, he added. Director of the Hospital Punya Bahadur Thapa said the 300-bed hospital has been providing its services to 42 per cent of the total population of children in the country.

Member of Her Majesty the Queen's Auspicious Birthday Celebration main Programme Committee Pratibha Pandey, member of the Hospital Development Committee Sheela Pant and chairperson of Asaman Jana Thapa also expressed their views.

Marking the same occasion, the committee organised worship rituals at different temples in the valley and carried out festive illumination in the evening wishing Her Majesty the Queen happiness, peace, good health and long life.

Democracy accommodates diversity

RSS

KATHMANDU, Feb. 19: Prime Minister Lokendra Bahadur Chand has said that we are today exercising the development of constitutional monarchy and multi-party democracy. In his message to the countrymen on the occasion of the 53rd National Democracy Day here today, the Prime Minister said, "All kinds of views can be accommodated in a democratic set up and accordingly, the need of the day for all Nepalese is to contribute to ensuring peace in the country and to develop a democratic culture with the noble objective of the development of nationalism and the country."

Stating that Falgun 7 has special importance in the history of Nepal and the contribution and role of His late Majesty King Tribhuvan in the cause of democracy will be remembered forever, Prime Minister Chand said when we talk of Democracy Day, we remember His Late Majesty with reverence.
Prime Minister Chand said that after 195l, there have been many upheavals in Nepalese politics, and democracy was restored in 1990.

Stating that we have been facing an uneasy situation for the last seven years, the Prime Minister said the present government is committed to resolving all the problems through dialogue. Referring to the positive indications in recent days, Prime Minister Chand said, "Positive cooperation of all the political parties, intellectuals and civic society is expected in resolving the national issues. I am confident that democracy day will provide all of us mutual goodwill and cordiality and guide the country in the right direction."

Our commitment towards democracy will be reflected and it will be a true homage to our great martyrs only if lasting peace could be ensured in the country, he added. Extending warm greetings to all Nepalese at home and abroad on the occasion of the 53rd National Democracy Day, Prime Minister Chand also paid heartfelt tributes to all the known and unknown martyrs laying down their lives for the sake of democracy.

Likewise, Nepali Congress president Girija Prasad Koirala has said that our responsibility towards the country and democracy will prove to have been fulfilled only if the country is saved from dividing, democracy protected, law and order maintained, development work moved ahead on the basis of greater democratic alliance after becoming sensitive towards our common responsibility and setting aside minor differences.

In a message on the occasion of National Democracy Day, Koirala has said that we should never forget the fact that the nation will live only if democracy is saved. Remembering all the martyrs who made long struggled and sacrificed for restoration of democracy in the country, Koirala has in the message expressed respect to all the martyrs and to His late Majesty King Tribhuvan. In a similar message, president of Nepali Congress Democratic Sher Bahadur Deuba has called upon one and all to become more sensitive towards the parliamentary governing system enforced after restoration of democracy in the country and towards constitutional monarchy, multi-party democracy and people's sovereign rights.

In the message, he has also expressed hearty best wishes to all brothers and sisters on the occasion of Tribhuvan Jayanti and 53rd National Democracy Day.

Chand hails role of mass media in democracy

RSS

KATHMANDU, Feb. 19: Prime Minister Lokendra Bahadur Chand has said that the National News Agency (Rastriya Samachar Samiti or RSS) has played an important role as a main source in the collection and dissemination of news for the last four decades.

In his message today on the occasion of the 42nd annual function of the National News Agency, Prime Minister Chand stated that while it is the duty of the state in a democratic system to provide factual and impartial news quickly to the people, it is also the right of the people of a democratic country to be informed in time.

The Prime Minister, in his message, has stated, "this is why the role of mass media such as the National News Agency is a pioneering one in putting the responsibility of the state and the rights of the people into practice.

Stating that cooperation from all concerned is expected in making the role of the National News Agency more efficient and effective, Prime Minister Chand said that as the News Agency is an authoritative source of news, it was the need of the day that its consolidation should be considered the consolidation of the entire news system of the nation and policy and programmes should be formulated and implemented accordingly.

Stating that HMG was prepared to make the National News Agency well-equipped to enhance its efficiency in the context of consolidating the news system in the country, he said that the cooperation of the users of RSS news, various governmental and private mass media, donor agencies making significant contributions in the development of the communications sector of Nepal and other various institutions and organisations concerned with journalist would be crucial in this regard. In his message, the Prime Minister hoped that cooperation through the National News Agency will always be made in the promotion of nationalism, national unity, glorious monarchy, democratic system, and universal brotherhood and wished continuos progress to the agency.

Peace, development foreign policy goals: PM

By A Staff Reporter

Lalitpur, Feb.18: Even in the changed context, the basic objective of Nepal's foreign policy and strategy remains the same, Prime Minister Lokehdra Bahadur Chand said while speaking at the inaugural function of 56th anniversary celebration of the Nepal Council of World Affairs here today.
Premier Chand said, "Nepal's foreign policy is guided by some vital objectives which have remained immune to the changes that Nepal has witnessed since the beginning of diversification of the country's foreign relation with the dawn of democracy in 1951. Our policies and strategies to realise these objectives may have been revised and re-prioritised in consonance with the transformation seen in the world and at home".

"The key objectives that have been the hallmarks of Nepalese foreign policy are protection and preservation of sovereignty and territorial integrity, attainment of social and economic development and welfare of the Nepalese people and promotion of international peace and security," the Prime Minister reiterated.

Regarding bilateral relations with Nepal's immediate neighbors; India and China, the Premier said "Our traditional relations with India are marked by our common culture and warm and friendly relations at all levels, which we strive to further strengthen for mutual benefit. Whereas, the relations with China have always been Nepal's priority and have always remained cordial based on mutuality of interests."
Besides the relations with other countries in the region especially with fellow-SAARC countries were also close and friendly, and we are committed to further strengthening these excellent relations bilaterally as well as at the regional level, he added.

"With impeccable faith and commitment to the United Nations, Nepal has always looked upon the world organisation as an effective instrument to pursue collective security," Chand said. Nepal has been consistently associated with the UN Peacekeeping Operations around the world for the last several decades. A record of the service of over 40,000 soldiers as well as civilian and military observers with 43 of their precious lives already laid in the cause of global peace, speaks loud and clear of our commitment to international peace and security, he informed. As Nepal has been consistently pursuing the regional cooperation under the framework of the South-Asian Association for Regional Cooperation and being at the chair of SAARC at present, Nepal remains effortful to see that its postponed 12th summit is held without delay, he said.

In the changing world of globalisation and liberalisation, the redefinition of foreign policies should focus from geo-politics to geo-economics under the present circumstances, he stressed. Keeping in view such hard reality, Nepal's foreign policy of late, has been focusing on economic diplomacy to enable the country to benefit from the liberalised and globalised world markets available, he said.
In this regard, the combined efforts of the government, private sector and business community could facilitate our work to achieve the desired goals of economic diplomacy. "At this stage the strength of our foreign policy comes largely form our unity, cohesiveness and consensus at home," he said.

He reiterated that Nepal was committed to the promotion and protection of human rights, values of freedom and human dignity. Being a state party to so many human rights conventions, Nepal is committed to ensure that violations of human rights by anybody are not tolerated.
Talking about the revival of peace talks, he said that the government was committed to giving peace a chance by finding a way out to restore peace and order in the country. He also said that the government was serious to find a pragmatic way to resolve the lingering and painful humanitarian problem of Bhutanese refugees for over a decade. "The recent ministerial meeting has paved the way for further progress on joint verification and repatriation of the refugees", he added.

At the program, he honored Prof. Surendra Bahadur Shrestha, former president of NCWA for his significant contribution to the NCWA.Keshav Raj Jha, president of NCWA, said that as the country was at a critical juncture, the government should find a way out of the existing crisis by restoring peace.

Govt alert not to let talks derail: DPM

RSS

KATHMANDU, Feb. 18: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Local Development Badri Prasad Mandal has said the entire Nepalis want to see the government-Maoists talks succeed and peace restored and called upon all sectors to assist in making the talks successful. Inaugurating the 26th Lama Desh Darshan Programme organised by the Monasteries Management and Development Committee here today, Deputy Prime Minister Mandal disclosed that the government has been doing its homework for the success of the dialogue.

Making it clear the government is of the view that the Maoist problem can be resolved through dialogue, Mandal also said the government is alert not to let the talks derail. Mandal said the Buddha's principle of non-violence and peace is of great importance in present circumstances when the world is facing the problem of terrorism. He also pointed out the need to set up a university under the name of Lord Buddha.

Assistant Minister for Local Development Dr Asarfi Shaha pointed out the need for religious gurus to launch a religious revolution in order to maintain peace through the message of non-violence and peace propounded by Lord Buddha. The present government is also working to maintain peace by seeking out a solution through dialogue following declaration of the ceasefire, he added.

Joint secretary at the Local Development Ministry Hari Rimal, member-secretary of the committee Narendra Kumar Gurung and other speakers wished success for the Desh Darshan Programme.
Lama gurus from various monasteries across the country are taking part in the programme organised every year in order to foster a sharing of views and experience and to protect and preserve the monasteries.

Expand services, Pandey tells RSS

RSS

KATHMANDU, Feb. 19: Minister for Information and Communications Rameshnath Pandey has said that in the present world that has been witnessing revolutionary changes in the mass media sector the National News Agency has both serious challenges as well as plenty of opportunities. In a message of best wishes on the occasion of the 42nd anniversary of the National News Agency RSS here today, Minister Pandey said RSS should carve out the path of its future by taking into consideration that monopoly in collection and dissemination of news no longer exists. Learning from its 41 years of experience RSS should expand itself in the dissemination of reliable news and in a research-oriented and feature news service, he added.

In the message, Minister Pandey also says that following the remarkable progress that Nepali journalism has achieved in the past few years, RSS should not forget that the root of journalism is reliability and that the dignity of the fourth estate of democracy is journalism itself.

Stating that RSS should in the coming days expand its services to the rural parts of the country and to neighbouring countries as well, Pandey has in the message expressed confidence that the experienced and able journalists of RSS would give attention towards this end and wished complete success to the National News Agency.

Parties, civil society should work for peace, says Rayamajhi

By Naradmuni Gautam

KATHMANDU, Feb. 18: Raj Parishad Standing Committee Chairman Dr. Kesharjung Raymajhi has said all political parties and the civil society must utter in a single voice to translate the cease-fire into a permanent peace.

"His Majesty the King is always concerned about restoring peace in the country. His Majesty has no intention of ignoring the political parties," Dr. Rayamajhi told Gorkhapatra, a sister publication of The Rising Nepal today.

Dr. Rayamajhi is completing his tenure as chairman of the Raj Parishad Standing Committee today.
Dr. Raymajhi said that His Majesty has always been emphasising cordial relations with neighbouring nations by consolidating multi-party democracy and Constitutional Monarchy.

Recalling a moment when His Majesty participated in a meeting as member of the Royal Representative Council, Dr. Raymajhi said that His Majesty the King had said that Nepal had to move ahead to keep pace with other countries. His Majesty has been committed to multi-party democracy and Constitutional Monarchy after His Majesty's accession to the throne, he said.

Shedding light on the dismissal of the government of Prime Minister Deuba, he said that the new government was formed when the then prime minister Deuba failed to hold elections within the given time frame. The move came after Deuba sought time to postpone the general elections for another 14 months, he said.

He clarified that His Majesty constituted the government under the premiership of Lokendra Bahadur Chand, as per Article 127 of the Constitution of the Kingdom of Nepal-1990, after the emergence of special circumstances in the country. "Democracy is still in its incipient phase. Although the political leaders are capable of leading their parties, they have yet to establish themselves as national figures. There are no leaders in the parties to resolve problems by forging unity in times of crisis," he said.

Highlighting the role of the Monarchy at a time of national crisis, Dr. Rayamajhi said that it was only through the directives of the Royal Address that the country can find a way out of the present crisis.
"The Royal Address, in Birtanagar, helped create an environment for the declaration of the cease-fire," he said.

"His Majesty understands the pains and sorrows of the people. It was reflected during His Majesty's visit to Myanglung bazaar, district headquarters of Terhathum, which was ravaged by fire." His Majesty graciously provided relief to the fire victims of Myanglung, he said. "His Majesty showed His Majesty was the King of the people and not only of the government." He informed that enough homework was underway so that the cease-fire would not be broken as had happened earlier.

The Maoists' demands for a round table meet, interim government and constituent assembly should be settled through dialogue with the Maoist leaders after they accept the Monarchy and the electoral system, he said.

Healthy competition in media stressed

RSS

KATHMANDU, Feb. 18: Minister for Information and Communication Ramesh Nath Pandey honoured journalist Yub Raj Gautam with this year's King Birendra Memorial Journalism Award established by Nepal Independent Journalists Society here today. Gautam is the first journalist to receive the award of Rs. 10,000 with a copper plate. On the occasion Shyam Goenka was honoured for his publication of memorial volume of late King Birendra entitled "Memories of King Birendra."

Minister Pandey presented the honour to Nilam Goenka, sister of Shyam Goenka. On the occasion Minister Pandey stressed the need to forward the journalism in the right direction. Shedding light on the interest and contributions of late King Birendra in the development of Nepali journalism Minister Pandey said the monarchy has always inspired and encouraged for the development of media in Nepal.

Stating that any profession can not be isolated from the national interest therefore the journalists should pay attention for the interest of the nation.He also stressed the need of healthy competition in the journalism sector.Journalist Yub Raj Gautam said all should seriously think to effectively utilise the media for the interest of the nation and national integrity.Journalist Shreesh Shumsher JB Rana stressed the need of social responsibility at a time when the professional journalism has just begun in the country.Chairman of the society Jib Ram Bhandari said the journalist sector should not involve in party politics for the welfare of the nation.General secretary of the society Kumar Yatru also spoke on the occasion.

Martyrs priceless asset: Ojha

RSS

KATHMANDU, Feb. 18: Minister for Education and Sports Devi Prasad Ojha has said that a martyr does not belong to any particular party or community but is the priceless property of the entire nation.
Inagurating the 53rd Memorial Day of martyr Thirbam Malla and 3rd general meeting of the martyr Thirbam Malla foundation here today, Minister Ojha expressed the view that we should all assess what are the dreams of the martyrs that we have fulfilled.

It is a matter of concern that the main political parties were not cooperative even when they were called for mutual discussion and dialogue in order to restore peace in the country, Ojha said adding that the government is willing to work together with all the parties in order to maintain law and order and tranquility in the country.On the occasion Minister Ojha presented letters of appreciation to the honorary members of the foundation.Thirbam Malla attained martyrdom in 2007 B.S. when he was leading revolutionaries in Birgunj.