VOL. 25, NO. 17, December 23 2005 (Paush 08, 2062 B.S. )

Relevant Issue

The outcome of the ministerial meeting of the WTO in Hong Kong has become a concern of the entire business fraternity of the world “WTO HONG KONG MINISTERIAL: Will It Deliver?” (SPOTLIGHT December 16). It is commendable that you covered a timely and relevant issue. The article was very analytical and well written. It gave me an overview of the developments of global trade agendas, particularly those related to the trading of agricultural products.

Rabindra Shrestha
Patan

Informative Article

The cover story this issue was very informative and analytical “WTO HONG KONG MINISTERIAL: Will It Deliver?” (SPOTLIGHT December 16). Through this I learnt that developed countries like the USA and some EU nations have been giving heavy subsidies to farmers. Because of these heavy subsidies the agricultural products come at a much lower price and the products from developing countries cannot compete with them in price and quality. I think the developed countries should reduce the subsidies they are providing to the farmers so that products from all countries can compete equally well.

Seema Bhattarai
Nepaltar

Old Wine In New Bottle

While you have presented the recent reshuffle of the cabinet as a positive move for power sharing, I have a different opinion on it “CABINET RESHUFFLE: Pulls And Pressures” (SPOTLIGHT December 16). I agree with the version of the political leaders that the reshuffle of the cabinet is politically quite insignificant. As long as the process of democratization does not begin, it does not matter who comes and who goes out of the cabinet. The working style and agenda of the government will not change. With only new faces in the old structure I would say that the appointment of new ministers and change of portfolios is merely ‘old wine in new bottle.’

Sudarshan Khadka
Chhetrapati

Positive Move

The recent reshuffle of the council of ministers has introduced many new faces “CABINET RESHUFFLE: Pulls And Pressures” (SPOTLIGHT December 16). Whatever may be the process of appointment, it is a positive thing that people with better image in public have been included this time. It is also laudable that socially stained people who had been included in the cabinet earlier have been sacked. I hope the present team of ministers will deliver well to the people.

Shirish Nyaupane
Kalanki

Insightful Interview

The interview with prominent industrialist Mohan Gopal Khetan was very insightful “As Long As There Is No Economic Progress And High Literacy, Democracy Cannot Deliver” (SPOTLIGHT December 16). As Khetan has said, we should all wait patiently for another three years till normalcy returns to the country. The King has time and again expressed his commitment towards multiparty democracy and we should trust him. It is the responsibility of all citizens to bear with some hardships when the country is going through a crisis.

Nirmal Dhungana
Kalimati

Convincing Argument

I am very convinced by Mohan Gopal Khetan’s opinion that democracy cannot deliver well in the absence of economic progress and high literacy “As Long As There Is No Economic Progress And High Literacy, Democracy Cannot Deliver” (SPOTLIGHT December 16). Democracy is a system which demands conscience from all citizens. For it to function well, citizens have to be well aware of their duties as much as their rights. Likewise, a sound economy is a must for the rule of law to run smoothly. So, before enchanting slogans for the restoration of democracy it is imperative that we work towards economic progress and improving the education system of the country.

Minendra Shakya
Lagankhel

Pleasing News

I am a great fan of Pradeep Raj Pandey’s songs and would like to thank you for featuring his profile this issue “PRADEEP RAJ PANDEY: Singing People’s Woes” (SPOTLIGHT December 16). The songs that he sang in the late 80s has touched the lives of thousands of people like me. However, it is surprising and equally sad to know that Pandey had stopped singing for a long time. I am pleased to hear that Pandey has resumed singing and hope to hear similar melodious songs from him in the future.

Kabita Panta
Koteshwore