NEWS NOTES (Spotlight Weelky)

Royal Message On The New Year

In a message to the nation on New Year 2058 B.S. Saturday, King Birendra has said as peace with security is essential for development and for society to progress, development becomes necessary. His Majesty stressed that the primary responsibility of the state is to function within the framework of a just and equitable polity, safeguarding the lives, property and freedom of its citizens. It has now become imperative to overcome the prevailing economic anomalies and social aberrations through good governance and political stability and provide the people a credible basis for optimism towards a prosperous and secure future, the King said. Analysts say the royal message carries a significant meaning as it comes amid growing violence and attacks upon security personnel by Maoist rebels in different parts of the country. Compiled from reports April 15.

PAK Diplomat Leves Nepal

The first secretary at the Pakistan Embassy, Mohammed Arshad Cheema, left here for Pakistan Friday after the Nepalese government ordered his expulsion in connection with the seizure of 16 kg of RDX from the ground floor of the house he was residing in. Police, who took Cheema into custody Thursday, did not provide further details. "Since it is incompatible with his diplomatic duties and inconsistent with the Vienna convention on diplomatic relations, the government has decided that Mr. Cheema should leave the country within 24 hours," a Foreign Ministry spokesman said Friday. The government of Pakistan has assured that following the investigation, action will be taken against Cheema, if found guilty, the ministry said. Cheema is the second official at the Pakistan Embassy to be expelled from Nepal within a year. A junior embassy official was expelled from Nepal last year in connection with a racket of fake Indian currency. Compiled from reports April 15.

Leftist Parties Slam 'External Interference'

Six left parties, including the main opposition Communist Party of Nepal (United Marxist-Leninist), have strongly protested against what they call "external interference" in the domestic affairs of Nepal. In a statement issued Saturday, they alleged that some national and international forces were out to protest the "corrupt" government of Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala crossing the limits of diplomatic decorum. Stating that the whole country was united to throw the Koirala government out, the left parties said they strongly objected to any wrong attitude toward the Nepali people's united and lawful protests. The left parties' statement came in response to statements by the European Community, and the US and Norwegian governments that they would not support any violent act to overthrow a legitimate government elected by the people of Nepal. Compiled from reports.

EU, US Express Concern

The European Union (EU) has expressed its profound concern at the serious escalation of violence and loss of life in the context of the Maoist insurgency in Nepal and has extended its condolences to the families of the bereaved. Condemning recent attacks upon police posts by Maoist rebels in Nepal, the EU said it supported the democratic government and process of democracy enshrined in the constitution of Nepal. It has urged all parties to exercise full respect for human rights in the search for a solution to the Maoist issue, to strengthen democracy and rule of law in Nepal. In its significant message, the EU stressed its belief that citizens have a legitimate right to expect to live in safety, and governments have a legitimate right to provide for the security and well-being for the people. The EU urges all parties to redouble their efforts to find a negotiated and peaceful solution to the current conflict, to promote stable and continuing development in Nepal. The US and Norway associate themselves with this statement, a press release issues by the EU said. Compiled from reports Apr. 13.

UML Criticizes US Ambassador's Remarks

The main opposition Unified Marxist-Leninist has protested against media reports referring to comments made by the US ambassador to Nepal, Ralph Frank. In a statement, chief of the party's foreign affairs department, Jhala Nath Khanal, said Saturday that the Nepalese people always want to resolve their problems themselves and always reject any foreign interference, pro-UML Chhalphal weekly reported Sunday. He, however, did not mention what were his party's specific objections. Meanwhile, Kantipur daily quoted UML lawmaker and chairman of the Public Accounts Committee of parliament, Subash Nemwang, as saying that it was unfortunate on part of Nepal to see foreign diplomats commenting on the country's law-and-order situation and other matters. Talking to reporters in the eastern town of Dharan Saturday, Nemwang said diplomatic concerns over the country's deteriorating law-and-order situation were a serious matter. Compiled from reports Apr. 16.

New Strategy To Fight Poverty

Nepal has prepared a country report outlining its strategy to fight pervasive poverty in the country. The report, to be presented at the third international conference on Least Developed Countries, has stressed on the need to increase agricultural production by at least 4 to 5 percent annually. Similarly, the action plan made public here at a function by member of National Planning Commission Dr. Shanker Sharma Friday, the government has also given emphasis on the growth of non-agriculture sector and continue financial sector reform program. The proposed strategy also aims at encouraging export-oriented and import-substituting industries with emphasis on their backward and forward linkages. Compiled from reports April 15.