His Majesty felicitates

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KATHMANDU, March 17: His Majesty the King has extended cordial felicitations to Mary Mcaleese, President of Ireland, on the occasion of the National Day of Ireland.

In a message, His Majesty has expressed best wishes for the President's personal health and happiness and for the progress and prosperity of the people of Ireland.

PM congratulates Wen Jiabao

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KATHMANDU, March 16: Prime Minister Chand, on behalf of His Majesty's Government and people of Nepal as well as on his own, has extended hearty congratulations to Wen Jiabao on his election to the post of the Premier of the State Council of the Peoples Republic of China. In the message, Prime Minister has expressed confidence that the friendly relations existing between the two countries will continue to be strengthened during his term of office.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Lokendra Bahadur Chand has extended sincere congratulations to Bertie Ahern, Prime Minister of Ireland, on the occasion of the National Day of Ireland. In a message Chand has wished for Ahern's good health and happiness as well as for the progress and prosperity of the people of Ireland.

Far Western Region submits civic reception offer

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KATHMANDU, March 16: The Far Western Regional Welcoming and Felicitations Committee Dhangadhi, Kailali has made a submission to Their Majesties the King and Queen seeking to offer a civic reception to Their Majesties on behalf of the citizens of the Far Western Region on Friday, April 4, it was stated today by the private secretariat of the Prime Minister.

Pandey inspects Radio Nepal transmission office

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POKHARA, March l6: Minister for Information and Communications Ramesh Nath Pandey inspected the Regional Transmission Office of Radio Nepal here today and acquired information about its activities.

On the occasion, Minister Pandey said Radio Nepal's Popularity will grow only if its programming reflects the wishes of the local people. Regional office chief Basant Keshar Pandit briefed the Minister on its activities and the news it carries.

Also today Pandey inspected the Telecommunications Office, Pokhara. On the occasion Pandey said the Telecommunications Office should face its challenges and provide a service that is prompt and of quality.

Senior Executive Engineer at the office Krishna Prasad Ghimire informed the Minister about the activities of the office.Similarly, Minister Pandey acquired information about administrative and security related activities in the region at a meeting with regional and district level administrative and security chiefs.

Chand seeks co-operation from all for peace

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MAHENDRANAGAR, March l6: Prime Minister Lokendra Bahadur Chand has said that since the first aim of the present government is to establish peace in the country, everyone's co-operation is needed for this.

Prime Minister Chand said this at a get together with local journalists.In answer to a question concerning the boycotting by main political parties of the all party meeting called by the government, Chand asked if it was proper to boycott the peace process.He said the main parties should try to understand what the government is doing .Making it clear that the Constitution has no provision for reinstating parliament, he also asked if it was right for some people to sit down and do things contrary to the Constitution.

Earlier, Prime Minister said at a get together with office chiefs at Kanchanpur District Office that positive indicators of peace have now appeared and understanding has been reached on resolving all problems in a peaceful manner.

Pointing out that the country needs a wholesome, impartial and strong administrative machinery, the Prime Minister said the government is forging ahead towards establishing an administration that is answerable to the people and enjoys public confidence, removing all obstacles in the way of adminstrative reform.Remarking that the role of public employees is to implement the government's policies, he said employees should carry out policy meant for tackling problems like corruption, poverty and social injustice which are the causes of the Maoist phenomenon. Earlier, upon arrival at Mahendranagar, the Prime Minister inaugurated the Narendra Bahadur Chand Old People's Home constructed at local Shivadhala area.

The home with five rooms and one kitchen was constructed at a cost of Rs 800,000, according to the construction committee. The home was constructed by the family of Police inspector Narenda Bahadur Chand, who was killed in a clash with Maoists at Gajul post in Rolpa, with the compensation money received from the government, it is stated.

Meanwhile in Dhangadhi, Prime Minister Chand has said that His Majesty's Government is trying hard to maintain an environment of permanent peace in the country therefore the civil servants should work honestly to create the environment of peace. Giving directives to the office chiefs of Kailai district here today he urged the civil servants to fulfill their responsibilities effectively. There is the need of objective, vision and policy to forward the programmes effectively he said adding that an environment of a just society can be created if the civil servants work being wthin the limitations of rules and regulations.

He also expressed the confidence that the country will experience a permanent peace as the government and the Maoists have expressed their commitment to resolve the problem through peaceful means. Prime Minister Chand also informed that the government is preparing to bring out relief package programmes to the people.

Chief District Officer Mathura Prasad Yadav expressed the commitment that the civil servants would discharge their duties and responsibilities effectively.

Economic issue to top peace talks: Pun

By A Staff Reporter

KATHMANDU, March 16: Making an explicit remark on the government-Maoist talks, Minister for Physical Planning and Works Narayan Singh Pun today said that 'economic issues would be one of the prime agenda of the forthcoming peace talks. Minister Pun, who is the coordinator of the government for the talks, said the talks would begin in 10-12 days.

Speaking at a programme on "Economic Agendas and the Round Table Conference" organised by the Confederation of Nepalese Industries (CNI) the apex body of the Nepalese industrialists, Minister Pun said that the democracy should meet the people's needs and aspirations. Democracy is the best practice of politics; hence it should address the need and aspirations of people, he asserted. Unless the economic needs of the people are fulfilled democracy cannot flourish. It rather triggers frustrations among the people, he said.

On the talks between the government and the CPN (Maoist), everything is going on smoothly, he asserted. "But we have to handle the matter very carefully, otherwise the chance to bring peace may slip off," Minister Pun said at a gathering of traders economists and media people. "Don't worry. We are on the right track," he assured, adding it would need cooperation from all sides. "It is a crucial moment and it is not time to indulge in other issues; we have to be serious about the country and countrymen. Some political parties are demanding the reinstatement of the House of Representatives while some others have raised the need for the all-party government. However, we should understand the gravity of the problem," he said.

Talking to media, Minister Pun stated that he was in regular contact with the Maoist leaders in order to chalk out ways for discussions. Earlier talking about the economic agenda to be discussed in the forthcoming Government - Maoist talks, Prof. Bishwombhar Pyakurel stressed the need to clarify the present state of the economy. Both the government and the Maoists should be clear about the economic policy that the nation is going to implement. The economic agenda should be the prime focus of the talks, he said.

Kulchandra Gautam, deputy chief of the United Nations Organisations (UNO) pointed out the need for implementing two-track approach to make the Government-Maoists talks a success. Apart from the political agenda, economic agenda should be give equal priority. Both sides give priority to reconstruction and development, he added. He further said that it would be a great tragedy if the size of the civil service and military is expanded. Gainful employment and rural economic activities should be given emphasis, he added.

Former Vice Chairman of the National Planning Commission (NPC) Prithivi Raj Ligal noted that the fear psychology among traders and industrialists should be assuaged.

Former acting vice chairman of the NPC Dr. Raghav Dhwoj Pant pointed out the need for generating positive atmosphere to attract investment. NPC member Dr. Yuba Raj Khatiwada said that both political and economic agenda should be given equal importance in the talks.

Jagadish Agrawal, coordinator of the CNI noted that various issues including labour, tax. WTO and export and import issues should be discussed and the people should be informed about the economic agenda of both the government and Maoists. President of the Society of the Economic Journalists Nepal (SEJON) Gopal Tiwari highlighted the importance of economic issues in the talks.

Binod Kumar Chaudhary, President of the CNI said that economic agenda should be given due importance in the talks. He also assured that the CNI would remain effortful to bring about views from various sectors to facilitate the dialogue.

Holi being celebrated today

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KATHMANDU, March 17: The Fagu festival or holi is being celebrated by people today by Smearing "Abeer" or red vermilion powder and throwing colour and water-filled balloons at each other.
An important festival of the Nepalese people, holi begins on the eighth day of the full moon and ends with the burning of the "Chir', which was installed earlier, on the full moon day today. The festival is celebrated in the hilly areas including Kathmandu Valley today and in the Terai Region tomorrow.

In the capital today, people danced in groups and smeared colour on each other in the streets.
The festival of Fagu or Holi is a government holiday. The festival revolves around the mythology of the demon king Hiranya Kashyapu ordering his sister Holika to enter a fire with Pralhad, son of the demon king and a devout follower of Lord Bishnu, in her lap so that Pralhad would stop chanting the name of the Lord. The catch was that Holika wouldn't burn in the fire because of a boon she had received from god.

But it so happened that Holika was burned by the fire whereas Pralhad remained unharmed and came out of the fire still chanting the name of god. From then onwards, the festival has been celebrated by smearing colours in enjoyment. There is also a saying that Lord Brahma had told Holika that the boon she had received would be meaningless if it was misused.

Elders believe that any premonitions can be avoided if "Tika" made from the ashes of the 'Chir' is put on one's forehead or kept in the house. Revelry in the form of pelting pedestrians with water-filled balloons from the upper windows of houses usually marks the festival.

The festival is also celebrated in Italy, the United States of America, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Burma, Thailand, Japan, Sumatra, Greece and Egypt in different ways besides Nepal and India.

Parties should support peace effort: Pandey

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POKHARA, March 16: Minister for Information and Communications Ramesh Nath Pandey has said that the environment of peace that has now evolved in the country should not be vitiated by any quarter and people would not accept any whimsical interpretation of the Constitution. Addressing a press meet organised here today by the Reporters' Club Kaski, he said the political parties should lend support to efforts at establishing an environment of sustainable peace so that elections could be held at the earliest leading to the formation of a representative government and the democratic exercise could gain momentum.

No trace of faith in democracy or respect towards the constitution and legal supremacy is reflected in the voices calling for reversing the dissolution of Parliament, a move recommended by the Prime Minister of a majority party in Parliament and endorsed by a full bench of the Supreme Court, Minister Pandey said and asked whether or not the demand for reinstatement of parliament and Constitution of an all-party government is in accordance with the Constitution.

Stating that leaders who are saying that peace efforts are not possible without the reinstatement of parliament should recall that they had a majority in Parliament and had formed governments over the past 12 years on the basis of that majority and also that it was they who had recommended dissolution of the house, he called on them to forsake the arrogance of saying that what is mentioned in the Constitution is unconstitutional while what they themselves say is constitutional and in accordance with democratic practice.

The people cannot be deceived any longer, they have read the constitution and they are not for the bad governance of the last 12 years but are in favour of good and honest governance, he added.
He said it does not make any sense to welcome the peace talks on the one hand while abstaining from the all-party meeting on the other. It does not behove those not taking part in the all-party meeting to complain that they have been isolated, he said and added that nowhere in the world except nepal have preconditions been set for peace.

Pointing out that this was not the time for any quarter to be undermining peace, Minister Pandey sought to know whether there was any faith towards democracy in the threat to launch a protest movement in case the house is not reinstated and also asked whether the constitution could be flouted through the agreement of just two persons. He stressed that the task of transforming into permanent peace the ceasefire reached between the government and the Maoists on the basis of national unity and an understanding of national need, was moving ahead smoothly, and also that preparations for an environment for mature talks were also on a smooth course.

The people are moving ahead on the path of national development and what they want is peace and security to be restored in the country, he said, stressing that peace is a precondition for all this.
It is the responsibility of us all to convert the peace that is now in place in the country into a state of permanent peace and all should lend support in efforts towards peace without harbouring any misconceptions, he added.

Stating that various works were going on regarding preparations for talks following the ceasefire announcement, he said talks cannot take place out in 'Tundikhel' or at the open air theatre or just anywhere. The talks have their own parameters of transparency, he added.

Noting that the press and the government were not competitors but the relationship between these two should be one of faith and understanding, he said this relationship would break if the press publishes what is not true or what has not been said. The country is in need of professional journalism and the press is also in need of cooperation in this, he observed.

On the occasion, vice president of the Federation of Nepalese Journalists (FNJ) Badri Binod Pratik and FNJ Kaski district president Punya Poudel demanded access to advertisement revenue for newspapers published from outside the capital, the release the journalists held in custody and access to information.

Reporters Club Kaski district president Raj Bahadur Gurung presided over the programme.

ANNFSU (R) leader not in police custody

By A Staff Reporter

KATHMANDU, March 16: The Home Ministry said today that there is no record in any police office indicating that Purna Poudel, General Secretary of the All Nepal National Free Students' Union (Revolutionary), has been detained by the police.

In a press statement today, the Ministry said that the demands made by the All Nepal National Free Students' Union (Revolutionary) has drawn the attention of the ministry. One of the demands is the disclosure of the whereabouts of the so-called missing from custody, includingPurna Poudel. The Ministry said that search for Poudel is on, and has made a public appeal to inform the nearest police post if anyone has any information about him.

Foreign employment loan delayed

By A Staff Reporter

KATHMANDU, March 16: The implementation of the policy to provide loans for foreign employment to youths of low income, socially deprived section of the society and those affected by violence has failed to take off.

The government had announced in this year's budget that loans would be provided to persons willing to go abroad for employment through the employment promotion council. But it is already 4 months into the fiscal year and there is no indication that the plan would be carried out this year. "I doubt the government will implement its policy this year," says Shanta Kunwar, who is one of the aspirants. He regularly visits the Employment Promotion Commission for loan, but is disappointed that he is first asked to find a job before he can get the loan. The commission said it has adopted the policy of providing loan only after the loan-seeker finds job either by him or through employment agency.

Subarna Lal Shrestha, member of the commission said the loan would be provided through bank to people under the priority criteria. He said that it is up to the person to seek the kind of job or the salary, and the commission is not involved in such responsibilities. He, however, accepted that the implement of the policy has been delayed due to bureaucratic formalities.

Sources at the commission said that there has been some misreading regarding the policy and the commission is thinking of improving and clarifying some points mentioned in the earlier policy.
According to Shrestha, the policy has given priority to people displayed by the Maoists insurgency, dalits and of the ethnic communities of the mid-western development region. "The current situation of the country has made us to shift our focus in that region," he added. People, who were victims to the Myanglung fire, are also in the priority list. The commission will provide loan to the youths of Myanglung within this year, said Shrestha. He said they would be provided loans within one month. "We have already made a list of the employment agencies to find work for them," he said.

Shrestha said that the commission is planning to send the youths through 16 employment agencies. These companies will have to submit the details of employment situation to the commission. The government will provide 80 per cent of the total cost as loan through the commission and the employment seeker should manage the remaining 20 per cent, said Shrestha. According to him, the government charges 11 per cent interest and the loan will have to be paid within 18 months.

Some 300 Nepalese will get such loan under the first of the implementation of the pilot project. But the commission is yet to organise the meeting of the chief district officers of all the districts, which is an essential criterion to determine the identity and the economic status of the employment seekers before releasing loan to them.

"Identifying the real poor and deprived is difficult for government," said Nanda Raj Rai, general secretary of Foreign Employment Association. He said those wishing to go abroad need to be given basic training about the job and knowledge of the language of the host country before sending them.