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| LETTERS |
Good For Nepal The 11th SAARC Summit provided Nepal with an unprecedented opportunity to project itself positively in the international media ("Hope For Revival", SPOTLIGHT, January 11). Although the proceedings of the summit cannot be termed as remarkable, the fact that it took place in an atmosphere heavy with Indo-Pak rivalry itself is a big success. To bring leaders of two countries on the verge of a war is no small feat. Nepal must take pride in this achievement. Kailash Basnet Implement The Convention Two very appropriate conventions have been adopted by the 11th SAARC Summit ("Hope For Revival", SPOTLIGHT, January 11). The conventions on child welfare and on prevention of girl trafficking are very relevant, given the problems faced by these vulnerable groups in the region. Nepalese and Bangladeshi girls are sold to Indian brothels, but lack of cooperation among the authorities of the three countries stands in the way of punishing the perpetrators of such crimes. The new convention attempts to bring regional authorities closer and provides them with a strong basis to act in coordination. One hopes this convention will prove to be a cornerstone of SAARC's achievements. However, for that to happen, the governments need to forcefully implement the convention. Bilas Gautam Unfinished Agenda The leaders of SAARC had vowed to alleviate poverty in the region by 2001 ("Hope For Revival", SPOTLIGHT, January 11). This target remains unachieved. In fact, poverty is the single most pressing problem of South Asia. While terrorism is also a matter of major concern, unless one does away with poverty, it will always provide a breeding ground for violence. This has been the experience around the world. Therefore, it is imperative for regional leaders to join hand in removing poverty. Hemanta Rai Tax Awareness Unlike other countries, people in Nepal think taxes are something better left unpaid ("Taxing Exercise" SPOTLIGHT, January 4). Nobody considers it an important civic duty. This mind-set could be the result of the corruption those in power indulge in. The massive scale of corruption in Nepal may have led people to believe that the amount they pay in taxes would end up in the pockets of unscrupulous officials. Quite clearly, there is a need to raise awareness about the civic responsibility of paying taxes. It is equally important to root out corruption. Dhiraj Gurung Still Infant Nepal as a modern nation is still in its infancy ("Vacuum Of Leadership", SPOTLIGHT, December 28). It would be wrong to expect big achievements from a country with a modern history that dates back only five decades. In fact, the country is gaining maturity very quickly, given its manifold political, social as well as constitutional problems. With help from true friends and able guidance, the country will overcome its problems soon. Jeevan Bista Leadership Needed Amid the chaos and instability prevailing in almost all sectors of the country ("Vacuum Of Leadership", SPOTLIGHT, December 28), the only hope is strong leadership. The people are waiting for an effective leader who can steer the country out of its mess. Whether that leadership will ever materialize is the million-dollar question. Sujata Rai |
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