Quote Unquote (Spotlight Weekly)

“The government is ready to adopt any level of flexibility. But there will be no compromise on the issue of constitutional monarchy and multiparty democracy.”

Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba, saying that the government is ready for talks with the Maoists, speaking at a program organized by J.P. Academy in the capital.

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“Stay away from the journalists. If they ask you any questions tell them that you do not know or ask them to question those who know.”

Madhav Kumar Nepal, General Secretary of the Unified Marxist Leninist (UML), directing the ministers from his party.

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“I have to bring the Maoists to the mainstream at any cost.”

Girija Prasad Koirala, former Prime Minister and President of Nepali Congress, speaking to the journalists.

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“Had there been elected bodies, the overall development expenditure would have been much higher than we have today.”

Dr. Shankar Sharma, vice-president of the National Planning Commission, in The Kathmandu Post.

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“I am not clear about the meaning of maximum flexibility in the talks. I will ask the Prime Minister to explain it in the cabinet meeting.”

Dr. Mohammad Mohsin, Minister for Information and Communication, expressing his differences over the government’s Common Minimum Program, which promises to adopt maximum flexibility to end the Maoist problem, at a face to face program organized by the Reporters’ Club.

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“It is not normal for a minister to differ with the Prime Minister in the Prime Ministerial system.”

Ishwor Pokhrel, Minister for Industry, Commerce and Supplies, in response to the comments made by another minister Dr. Mohammad Mohsin.

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“What do they mean by strong man? Do they mean a heavily built person or a one who can wrestle well?”

Bharat Mohan Adhikari, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance minister, in response to the demands made by some of his party colleagues who are saying that the UML should have sent a strong person to lead its team in the government, in Drishti.

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“Do not open your mouth on issues of Maoists and the palace. Stick to the Common Minimum Program.”

Pashupati SJB Rana, president of the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP), preaching the members of the cabinet representing his party.

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