HM constitutes Council of Royal representatives

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KATHMANDU, Mar. 20: His Majesty the King has, in accordance with the Constitution of the Kingdom of Nepal -1990, constituted a Council of Royal Representatives under the chairmanship of His Royal Highness Crown Prince Paras Bir Bikram Shah Dev to carry out the works during the absence of His Majesty as His Majesty the King is leaving for various pilgrimage sites in the Republic of India today.

This is stated ion a notice issued today by the press secretariat of His Majesty the King.

Maoist urged to join peace talks

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KATHMANDU, Mar. 19: His Majesty's Government has called on members of the Maoist talks team to take part in the talks process without any hesitation for creating an appropriate environment for the peace talks.

It is stated in a press communiqué issued here today by convenor of the talks team on behalf of the government and Minister for Physical Planning and Works Narayan Singh Pun that the government was fully committed to abiding by the provision in the code of conduct which has come into effect after agreement between both sides that no obstructions would be created in the movement of persons from either side taking part in the talks.

The press communiqué states the government's attention has been drawn towards the legal process initiated against the convenor and members of the Maoist talks team and towards their possible arrest.

The initial stages for the peace talks are complete with the announcement of a cease-fire between both sides on Jan. 29 and with the coming into force of a code of conduct on the cease-fire on march 13 to conduct the formal talks much-expected by the nation and the people, and the government has made full preparations for the same, the communiqué states.

His Majesty's Government, as per its pledge to fulfilling its responsibility with all seriousness towards the supreme interests of the nation and the people, wants to give the assurance that the members of the CPN-Maoist talks team would not be subjected to any kind of arrest in course of the talks and that the process of peace talks would be conducted in a smooth manner to proceed ahead towards permanent peace, it is stated in the communiqué.

The Maoist side has already announced a five-member team under the convenorship of Dr. Babu Ram Bhattarai and including Ram Bahadur Thapa, Krishna Bahadur Mahara, Matrika Yadav and Dev Gurung, for the formal talks.

Meanwhile, His Majesty's Government has appointed Minister for Physical Planning and Works Narayan Singh Pun the Convenor and Kamal Thapa the member of the committee for the implementation of the Code of Conduct between the government and the CPN-Maoist.

Govt prepared to face impact of possible Iraq war: Pandey

By A Staff Reporter

KATHMANDU, Mar. 19: In view of the impact the possible war in the Gulf will have on Nepal, especially as regards the security of the Nepalese workers there, supply of petroleum products, internal security and minimising the effects on the economy, His Majesty's Government has formulated a plan of action.

In a statement issued today, Minister for Information and Communications Ramesh Nath Pandey said that the government would take steps to keep stock of petroleum products, adopt alternative ways for their supply and adjust the price of the products according to international prices, if necessary. This is being done as recommended in a report submitted by a task force to the Prime Minister on February 14.

The task force was formed under the convenorship of the Foreign Secretary as directed by the Prime Minister. The task force comprised of secretaries in the Ministries of Finance, Home, Industry, Commerce and Supplies, Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation and Labour and Transport Management as well as the secretary of the National Planning Commission.

Pandey, who is also the government spokesman, said that His Majesty's Government is holding talks with the Saudi government and other international organisations to help evacuate Nepalese working in Kuwait. The Royal Nepalese Embassy in Riyadh has formulated a contingency plan, he said.

According to the plan, Nepalese working in Kuwait will be allowed to enter Saudi Arabia free of cost and provisions will be made for their food and lodging before they are flown to other places.

The government is also thinking of having Royal Nepal Airlines Corporation operate special flights to bring back the sick, he said.

Nepal has already sent 2,000 travel documents to the region to assist those Nepalese who might not be possessing passports and travel documents. The government has already taken the decision not to send any Nepalese workers to the Gulf region, especially to Kuwait, Pandey said.

Pandey said that the government has also given instructions to the security organs to minimise the effects of the war. "His Majesty's Government will pay special attention to the security of foreign embassies and foreigners while maintaining communal harmony within the country."

He also said that the government would monitor the economic effects and the impact (of the war) on the tourism sector and will take necessary measures to minimise them.

Minister Pandey said that the Iraqi question and the world's concern had come up after Iraq attacked and tried to capture its small neighbour Kuwait 12 years ago on the mere strength of its army.

In the statement, he said in an effort to maintain the status quo ante, the United Nations Security Council took a number of steps to protect the independence of Kuwait. They included, among others, the total elimination of weapons of mass destruction. Iraq and the international community and especially the permanent members of the Security Council have the responsibility to see that these conditions are met immediately and without condition.

Govt issues warning against looters

By A Staff Reporter

KATHMANDU, Mar. 19: The Defence Ministry today issued a strong warning after a group of alleged Maoists looted cash and kind worth more than Rs. 850,000 from several houses in Kirtipur municipality on Tuesday.

Tuesday evening, a group of about 14-15 youngsters calling themselves Maoists had forcefully entered the house of Ram Adhikari at Jhulpokhari in Kirtipur and looted cash and goods worth Rs. 150,000 at gunpoint.

According to a Ministry statement issued today, the youngsters in masks looted 10 tolas from gold, Rs. 25,000 in cash, two watches, one camera, one VCD deck, one iron and some pots and pans from Adhikari's house.

Similarly, the culprits looted cash and kind worth about Rs. 700,000 from the houses of Ramhari Adhikari, Dhruba Adhikari, Jhalak Bahadur Shrestha and from a shop belonging to Tej Bahadur Tamang.

It is a matter of regret that such incidents of looting continue to take place even when a ceasefire has been announced and a code of conduct made public for talks between the government and the Maoists, the statement adds.

The Ministry has warned groups or sides not to engage others or be engaged in such activities. Should they ignore the warning and resort to murder, violence and looting, the security forces will not lag behind in taking action against any individual or group, the statement reads.

Permanent peace today's need: Speaker

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KATHMANDU, Mar. 19: Speaker Taranath Ranabhat has welcomed the cease-fire between the government and the Maoists and stressed the need for establishing permanent peace in the country and for mutual trust and working together between the state power and the power of the people.
Speaking at a function organised by the National Gurung (Tamu) Co-ordination Council here today, Speaker Ranabhat said everyone should give up their individual interests and cultivate mutual trust and goodwill, adding that the country will forge ahead only if there is political stability along with peace.

He said what is needed now is amendments to the existing constitution, seeing a solution to the people's problems within those parameters and an election government which includes the Maoists, instead of going in for an interim government or a constituent assembly.

Pointing out that the country needs unity, goodwill and co-ordination, he said the civilisation, culture and traditions of the Gurung community should be preserved.

On the occasion Ranabhat felicitated journalists who contributed to the collection of news, article writing and the preservation of Gurung culture through the media on the occasion of the Lhoshar Festival.

Those felicitated are chief editor of the Annapurna Post Govinda Pradhan, NTV correspondent Rita Gurung, Krishna Adhikari of RSS and Khim Ghale of Kantipur daily.

Also felicitated were Danda Gurung of Ujagar monthly, Kamal Gurung of Rodhi monthly and Mani Gurung of Arun Susheli.

Former MP Toran Bahadur Gurung disclosed that the national convention of the National Gurung (Tamu) Co-ordination Council would be held from Baisakh 6 to 8.

During the function chaired by Tamu Lhosar Main Organising Committee convenor D.B. Gurung, Govinda Pradhan, programme coordinator Ashok Gurung, committee general secretary Anjasingh Gurung and others also expressed their views.

Maoist serious about peace talks: Mahara

By A Staff Reporter

KATHMANDU, Mar.19: While the country's traders and industrialists are expressing concern about the economic policies of the Nepal Communist Party - Maoist, its politburo leader Krishna Bahadur Mahara today clarified that his party would accord priority to the free economic policy. "We encourage free, fair and healthy economic practice for an equitable and effective of the distribution national resources," said Mahara.

Speaking at a gathering of entrepreneurs and traders in the capital today, Mahara said that a political revolution was necessary for a meaningful economic and social transformation.

"The development of a country is not possible without economic progress. It is possible only when progressive changes take place in the state mechanism. That state machinery can only change when the conventional political system is changed" he asserted.

"We believe in Marxism which is based on the philosophy of economic empowerment of the people. Hence we focus our priority on economic development," he added.

Mahara further said that the Nepal Communist Party -Maoist was very serious about making the forthcoming peace talks a success.

We want permanent peace and progress. We do not have any intention of going back to the previous stage, he said. " But the efforts from our side alone are not enough. We want the government to be equally serious. If compelled; we are ready to go to war" he said.

While sharing ideas with the business community, Mahara also emphasised the need for national unity to make the peace talks more fruitful to fulfill the aspirations of the people across the country. The people are well convinced that their economic empowerment is possible through changes in the existing political system. So they want change in the state mechanism, he added.

Referring to queries about the economic model of the Nepal Communist Party - Maoist, he said; " It depends upon the existing factors. It could be a new model according to the existing situation."
"We are bringing out our economic programmes very soon," Mahara said.

Chairman of the SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) Padma Jyoti emphasised the need to thrash out solutions for a national consensus.

Binod Bahadur Shrestha, acting president of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) said that the private sector would be ready to make the peace talks a success.

Rajendra Khetan, second vice president of the FNCCI, pointed out the need for developing a common understanding for national development. The programme was organised by the FNCCI.

Their Majesties' visit to boost Nepal-India ties

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KATHMANDU, Mar. 19: The visit of His Majesty King Gyanendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev and Her Majesty Queen Komal Rajya Laxmi Devi Shah to India in connection with a pilgrimage to various places there beginning tomorrow is believed will prove to be crucial in promoting mutual goodwill and understanding between Nepal and India.

Various foreign relations analysts speaking in a special programme in connection with Their Majesties' visit to India broadcast over Nepal Television today, said that Their Majesties' visit would be fruitful in further consolidating the historic, multi-faceted and high-level relations between the two countries.

President of the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) Pashupati Shumsher J.B. Rana said that the respect bestowed to His Majesty the King, the only Hindu Monarch in the world, is Nepal's asset and resource.

He said if the feeling of reverence which the people of India have towards our King could be tapped in a special way, Nepal would achieve high rewards in every sector including the economic, diplomatic and political realms.

He pointed out that we need to be serious regarding our country's conduct in the changing world scenario of the twenty-first century and how to capitalize upon the tradition of the institution of the crown that we have with us.

Former foreign minister Dr. Ram Saran Mahat said that the people of India have respect towards Nepal as a Hindu Kingdom. He added that Nepal could capitalise this sentiment in expanding its international relations and promoting economic prosperity.

He said the future prosperity of the Nepalese people is bound to India and as Indian capital, market and technology was essential for harnessing the water resources of Nepal, His Majesty's visit would be fruitful in terms of dispelling existing mistrust between Nepal and India regarding these issues.

He also expressed the view that the discussions which His Majesty the King would have with the top level Indian leaders during His Majesty's visit to that country would also end the situation of discomfort existing between the two countries.

Central member of the CPN-UML Jhala Nath Khanal believed that the visit would play a special role towards further deepening the diplomatic and other ties subsisting between Nepal and India.

This visit of Their Majesties the King and Queen to India will give out the message that Nepal has the highest level of goodwill towards India.

Stressing the need of international cooperation in transforming the cease-fire in place in the country at present into a state of permanent peace, he believed that visit would play an important role in garnering India's support and cooperation in this context.

Meanwhile, Our Staff Reporter adds, foreign experts and political leaders have expressed the hope that His Majesty the King's visit to India, beginning tomorrow, would further cement the cultural and bilateral relations between the two neighours.

Their Majesties the King and Queen will be visiting India from March 20 t0 30 in the course of visiting various pilgrimage sites.

Although the visit is for a purely religious purpose, it has great significance since it is happening at a time when important political changes have been taking place at home and abroad.

"The visit will play a vital role in creating a conducive atmosphere for the peace talks between the government and the Maoists," they said unanimously at a Face to Face programme organised by the Reporter's Club here today.

They said that although the Nepalese themselves are capable of resolving their internal problems, goodwill, inspiration and encouragement from the neighbouring countries are now needed to solve the Maoist problem.

The experts held the view that mutual interest should guide the country's foreign policy.

Former foreign minister and Nepali Congress leader Chakra Prasad Koirala said that the visit would help build confidence, increase understanding and consolidate future relations between the two countries.

"We should not expect much from this visit because it is a goodwill and informal visit and so does not have any agenda," said Bastola.

However, His Majesty will be discussing a wide range of issues during the meeting with the heads of state and government of India and various Indian political leaders, Bastola said.

He said that there has been a gradual change in the Indian perception towards Nepal regarding security in the changed context. "Therefore, this is the right time to put Nepal's concerns before India."

Former foreign minister and leader of the Rastriya Prajatnatra Party Prakash Chandra Lohani said that mutual co-operation and interdependence should be the basis of the relations between the two nations.

"Nepal needs goodwill from India to restore a lasting peace in the country. A stable Nepal is in the interest of India to maintain stability there as well as both the countries enjoy an open border," Lohani said.

Standing Committee Member of the CPN-UML Jhalanath Khanal said that Nepal should adopt a balanced and non-aligned policy while establishing foreign relations with other nations. Khanal said that His Majesty's visit would help create a congenial environment to make the government-Maoist talks successful.

Foreign affairs expert Hiranya Lal Shrestha said that visits for religious purposes - by both heads of state and government as well as by the people - were made long before other types of visits. "But this type of visit is symbolic."

Referring to the political changes in Nepal in 1950 and 1990, Shrestha said that India had played an important role in maintaining peace and stability in the Himalayan Kingdom.

Former vice-chairman of the National Planning Commission (NPC) Mohan Man Sainju said that the visit by the head of the state would help clear many of the confusions prevailing between the two nations.

Another NPC vice-chairman and leader of the Nepali Congress (Democratic) Dr. Narayan Khadka said that His Majesty's visit could be an important event in forming a common South Asian opinion ahead of the possible US-Iraq war.

Former foreign minister Shailendra Kumar Upadhyaya said there should be a pragmatic attitude while defining relations with other nations.