Commitment To Democracy

King Birendra's recent statement reminds his commitment to democracy

By  A CORRESPONDENT

King Birendra

Even as rumors of a possible coup and reversal of ten-year old democracy are hysterically whipped by certain sections of press and vested interest groups, for reasons best known for them, King Birendra has made some important statements, which merit serious attention.

More important, the statement was made to foreign diplomats. Receiving letters of credentials from ambassadors of Bulgaria, Cyprus, Croatia and Belgium, His Majesty King stressed the need to strengthen democracy. Following are the remarks of His Majesty

"In Nepal we are engaged in the task of improving the quality of life of our people through the multiparty system of governance."

"Nepal and Belgium share and value the ideals of constitutional monarchy and democratic dispensation."

"Both the countries are committed to the democratic values and respect for fundamental freedoms and human rights."

"We are taking measures to alleviate poverty and to speed up economic growth and social development within a  democratic dispensation."

It was natural that coup-aspirants including some political pundits and political analysts and commentators ignore the statement of the King. But it was more surprising that even "democratic forces" also failed to take notice of what the King said on democracy.

November 29 1999

General Manager
Telecommunication Coorperation
Singha Durbar, Kathmandu

Dear Sir :

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