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EDITOR'S NOTE Nepal heartily welcomes the United States Secretary of State Colin Powell.The highest dignitary to visit Nepal from the United States was the VicePresident nearly three decades back. Nepal missed the opportunity to rollout the red carpet when former President Bill Clinton visited the sub-continent in the recent past. But this time that the U. S. Secretary has included Nepal in his itinerary has come as the most happy news to all the Nepalese. Since the U. S. has taken upon itself the arduous responsibility of eradicating terrorism from the face of the world, we do trust the Nepalese statesmen will avail themselves of this golden opportunity of apprising the U. S. dignitary how the Maoist terrorists have devastated the poor country's economy by their violent activities of loot and murder. Since Nepal has a very long open border with her giant neighbor India in the south, the terrorists are able to enjoy a safe haven whenever they want. India, indeed, has denounced the Maoists as terrorists. But, why they are hesitating to apprehend them and hand over to Nepal is very surprising. Not that they are not keeping a close watch over them and their intelligence is unaware of their whereabouts. Still why should they delay in translating their words into action when their small friendly neighbor is plagued by the terrorists is beyond anybody's comprehension. The U. S. Secretary's visit to South Asia is expected to diffuse the vicious tension the region is suffering from. As Nepal is also facing the serious problem of cross border terrorism, we trust, the Nepalese statesmen will be able to withstand all kinds of pressures in bringing the issue in detail to the notice of the visiting dignitary and seek his good offices for a quick resolution of the vexing problem. We do wish the Secretary's efforts would be crowned with success when he meets leaders of the countries poised for a full-fledged war. South Asia seems to be a jinxed region. It is a sheer paradox that a region so full of potentials and resources should suffer the agonies of abject poverty. The irreconciling animosity between the two bigger nations ever since they emerged as two sovereign independent states has not only impeded their own speedy development but also adversely affected the smaller nations of the region. The threat of a nuclear war between the two feuding nations, at the moment, is causing great consternation all over the world. The two leaders did meet for a regional summit in the most changed atmosphere sometime back. The cool restraint, wisdom and diplomacy shown by the Pakistani President in extending his hand of friendship to the Indian Prime Minister did contribute to generate some kind of thaw. But the aggressive and obdurate statements of the Indian leaders gave rise to concerns that they were spoiling for a war. The serious appeals made by the world leaders for calm and moderation have, so far, been able to avoid active confrontation. Since war is not the solution for disputes, and in case of a war even the winner too turns out to be a loser ultimately, we are fully convinced there will be no war. Moreover, recent measures taken by the Pakistani President Gen. Pervez Musharraf have been hailed by the world community and should be able to ease the tension. The General's address to his nation a few days back has clearly manifested his sincere desire for peace. A few quotes from the General's speech would not be irrelevant. 'Our peace loving people are keen to get rid of the Klashnikov and weapon culture.''Pakistan needs Jehad-e-Akbar at this juncture.''Strict action will be taken against any Pakistani individual, group or organization found involved within or outside the country.'And now the last quote, 'Pakistan will not allow its territory to be used for any terrorist activity anywhere in the world.'These are all categorical and strong statements. Coming from the Head of a State they should not be doubted. Regarding the cause of all problems:the Kashmir issue:the President is equally unequivocal when he says, 'The Kashmir problem needs to be resolved by dialogue and peaceful means in accordance with the wishes of the Kashmiri people and the United Nation's resolutions.'Now the ball seems to be in the court of India. In the cause of peace and prosperity in the region, we do trust, India will not fail to take courageous decisions.n
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