National 4 (Spotlight Weekly)

'All Political Forces Must Recognize Each Other's Existence'

- MADHAV KUMAR NEPAL

After returning from a hectic party convention in Janakpur with a fresh mandate, CPN-UML general secretary MADHAV KUMAR NEPAL is busy holding several rounds of political consultations. The newly re-elected general secretary was born in March 1953. Known as a moderate communist, Nepal also held the position of deputy prime minister with the portfolios of defense and foreign affairs in 1994-95. Having secured preliminary membership of communist party in 1969, Nepal was a founder member of CPN-ML and became politburo member and central committee member in 1975. After the death of Madan Bhandary, Nepal was elected general secretary. Although he is the leader of the largest united party, Nepal treats all parties equally. He spoke to KESHAB POUDEL at his residence on the national and international scenario. Excerpts from the hour-long conversation:

The seventh national convention of the CPN-UML has recently been concluded and you have been re-elected as general-secretary. How do you see the state of Nepalese politics at present in the context of the regional and international situation?

Our party held its seventh general convention in Janakpur from Feburary 1 to 6. It was completed successfully, giving a message of unity in the party organization. After our sixth national convention, we have seen many ups and downs and tragic situations in the national, regional and international levels. On September 11, 2001, terrorists attacked the United States. This attack paved the way for the "war against terrorism". After September 11, terrorism is regarded as the major threat to world security. But we must consider who has promoted the terrorists and why terrorism has appeared. Who backed the terrorists and what are the reasons behind terrorism. Terrorism is not a good thing. It should be condemned. One must find the roots of terrorism to eradicate it.

What is required to wipe out terrorism?

If we are unable to locate the roots of terrorism, we cannot contain it in the real sense. Dissatisfaction and injustices promote terrorism. Thus, injustice and discrimination must be stopped. As long as the tendency to exploit bad practices to protect one's interests continue, human society might have to face many other disasters. We cannot easily justify the policies of the world's developed and advanced countries to put unnecessary pressure against smaller countries. Many developing and least developed countries are still discriminated against and their voices are ignored. Because of hegemonic attitude of the big and developed nations, there is a feeling of nationalism among the people of smaller nations. The hegemonic power of the developed countries generated the feeling of national identity among citizens of poor and small countries. One cannot pre-empt smaller countries on the ground that it is weak militarily. As a small country, Nepal, too, opposes any such move.

As general secretary of the CPN-UML, a party that has always opposed foreign interference in internal affairs of nations, what is your stand on the Iraq crisis? If a US-led coalition were to attack Iraq, what would be your reaction?

When we talk about Iraq, we must keep in the mind the Israeli-Palestinian dispute. Our party firmly holds the view the Israel has every right to survive as an independent and sovereign nation. The Palestinians, too, have been given the right to set up their own independent and sovereign homeland. We are very much sympathetic toward the struggle of Palestinian to restore their state. We must see the policies of the United States, the world's only superpower. We must oppose bad policies as well as support the cause of developing and least developing countries.

How do you see the demand to disarm Iraq?

I don't understand the demand of developed countries to scrap weapons from countries like Iraq. How can you justify the demand when the developed countries are free to store the weapons as much as they want and deny similar rights to other countries? If developed countries can test, research and build those weapons, why cannot smaller nations do the same. It is unjustifiable. There is a proverb in our village, that a man can justify torching the entire village arguing that it is being done to reconstruct the village. But the same person forbids his neighbors to light a candle on the ground saying it may destroy the village. We cannot justify such irrational arguments.

Is military force needed to disarm Iraq?

We cannot justify the use of force against Iraq, but it is also the obligation of Iraq to decide how can it lives peacefully in the global community. It is the right of people of Iraq to decide what kind of political system and political leaders they want. One cannot impose political systems and leaders on other countries. If there is concern for the democratic rights of the people, they must have a clear stand applicable to all. There must be a uniform policy toward the world's dictatorial regimes. This is not a justified policy. France, China, Russia and Germany oppose attack against Iraq. The United Nations arms inspectors have said they should be given more time to determine whether Iraq has weapons of mass destruction.

Do you think Iraq is complying with the UN resolutions?

When Iraq has accepted that it will respect and uphold the resolution of the United Nations Security Council, it must be given adequate time to prove its compliance. We oppose any kind of hegemony. We want peace in the world through the destruction of all kinds of weapons of mass destruction. Every nation must accept the sovereign equality of other countries. In our seven party conventions, we have discussed all matters relating to the international situation and the problems of developing and least developed countries. We always support the struggle against injustice and discrimination.

As you mentioned, the world is against every form of terrorism. How do you view the recent cease-fire between the government and the Maoists?

Frankly speaking, the global situation is against armed struggle. The regional environment is not conducive, either. The domestic situation is also unfavorable. There is a constitutional process through which citizens can exercise their rights and duties. Every political party should go to power through elections and public support. If a party secures a majority, it can implement its policies and programs through a peaceful means. We can develop our country through the participation in the political process. As long as there is a process to go to power through peaceful elections, it is unjustifiable to hold the gun and overthrow the regime through violent means.

From your telephone conversations with Maoist leaders, do you think they have realized the need for a peaceful solution?

The Maoists seem to have realized this reality. If they continue to wage their armed struggle, there is a threat of foreign intervention. One cannot justify the killings of one Nepalese against another. There are large numbers of victims of war. Many young women have lost their husbands and many young boys have lost their fathers and mothers. Many people are displaced from the village. More than 10,000 were injured and same number of people were killed. It is unfortunate to say that the public property worth of billions of rupees was destroyed. The social life is destroyed and the development process is halted. It has done more bad than any good. We have achieved nothing in the last seven years, but only destruction of the public property. When we have all kinds of democratic rights and political freedom, one cannot justify the use of violent means. The Maoist may have realized all these things and announced the cease-fire.

As some quarters are demanding an active role for the monarchy in the present political scenario, do you foresee any change in the role of the King?

The King cannot go for active monarchy. Even if the King wants to play active politics, it will harm the interest of institution of monarchy. People do not want to see the active monarchy. The society cannot go for regressive way like we cannot justify radicalism and violence. Our party cannot justify the violent approach of extreme left. The Maoists cannot establish one-party system and closed society like the party-less system. The party that held the reins of power for the longest period in the last 12 years is also responsible for the present destruction. People want change in the political and social process. People want a system and clean government. If we can change the society in settling the Maoist problems, it will help the country to change it radically. All people can contribute to restoring peace in society.

When different forces are harping on different agendas and complicating the situation, how do you see the present state of national politics?

All political forces must recognize each other's existence and one has to accept the situation as it is. We must protect the achievements gained through the people's movement 1990 with the sacrifice of so many people. The people's movement has accepted constitutional monarchy, multiparty democracy and sovereignty of the people as inalienable features of Nepal. We must not forget the atrocities of 30 years of Panchayat, but we must see our mistakes of the last 12 years.

The Maoists and some intellectuals have been demanding a constituent assembly to sort out the present problems. Do you think the country needs a constituent assembly?

It will not be our first option. We must evaluate whether the Constitution of the Kingdom of Nepal 1990 can still help us move forward. As long as the constitution can provide a way through amendments, we must go for it. If a constitution review committee is required, we can for that. Our party has left open all options, including referendum and constituent assembly. If there is a possibility for consensus, why not improve the present constitution through the proper way.

As the CPN-UML has opened the door to all alternatives, what will be its stand in case of conflict?

We can take decisions consulting with other parties. We have already started discussions with nine left parties, four national parties and four other parties. We are discussing with all political parties. We will talk with the King and the Maoists. We must be flexible and there must be some give and take. At a time when there are suspicions among the various political forces, we must develop a conducive environment among us to solve the present problems. There is a big gap among the political forces. We must have to break the ice and end the present political uncertainty encouraging dialogue and understanding with each other. In this respect, people are expecting something from the CPN-UML.

There is suspicion among the common people that the cease-fire will break as it did last time. How assured are you of the prospects of lasting peace?

The cease-fire was announced in surprising and mysterious circumstances. But cease-fire and lasting peace are the wish of the people and is, therefore, a very positive step. We must work to make it sustainable. There must be a code of conduct. The people would not have been so suspicious, if it had been announced with a code of conduct.

Don't you think there is code of conduct or some other means in existence to guarantee lasting peace?

Both parties can still formulate a code of conduct and honestly follow it. There must be monitoring mechanisms to see whether it continues or there is something wrong. Negotiations must start as soon as possible. It is the duty of every Nepali to back the negotiations to find lasting peace in the country. There should be no hurry to see a solution overnight. But the process cannot go on forever. The opinions of mainstream parties must be consulted in taking any long-term decision. There must be understanding between the two sides. Both must do adequate homework. Otherwise, the cease-fire could collapse again.

How do you see the conflict between the constitutional forces?

We are not talking about just one aspect of conflict, between the state and the Maoist. There is another conflict among constitutional forces. As long as there is conflict between the palace and political forces, one cannot end the conflict between the state and the Maoist. This is a dummy government. The people will not back a government which does not have political legitimacy.

What type of government do you want and how can you guarantee that such a government would be acceptable to all?

The country requires a strong all-party government which has understanding with the King, political parties and people. You can call it a government of national reconciliation or national government. The government must be formed in accordance with the spirit of Article 128 of the constitution and consultation with the major political parties. Only such a government can decide the base line and bottom line to negotiate with the Maoists.