Quote Unquote (Spotlight Weekly)

"Do not give a brand name to them."

Dr. Tulsi Giri, vice chairman of the Council of Ministers, urging journalists not to use the word Maoists.

* * *

"The call made in the King's proclamation is enough for them if they are serious about resolving the problems amicably."

Tanka Dhakal, Minister for Information and Communication and spokesperson of the government, at a press conference, responding to a query whether the new government would again call the Maoists for negotiations.

* * *

"We expect the detainees to be released; we expect constitutional freedom to be restored; we expect the government to start reaching out to the political leaders. I think we have made no secret in that there is pressure on our assistance right now, that is undeniable. That pressure will only increase, if we don't see movement in those areas."

James F. Moriarty, the U.S. Ambassador to Nepal, talking to reporters.

* * *

"The King should give a chance to the political parties to self-criticize themselves."

Mohan Chandra Adhikari, central committee advisor of the Unified Marxist Leninist, in Jana Bhawana.

* * *

"As there is a commitment of multiparty democracy and constitutional monarchy in the royal proclamation, it will not be difficult for our party to support it."

Padma Sundar Lawati, vice-president of Rastriya Prajatantra Party.

* * *

"We need to introduce education that teaches nationalism1."

Radha Krishna Mainali, Education Minister, talking to reporters.

* * *

"The royal proclamation of February 1 has brought back the days of joy for Nepalese people. The King took this move to lead the country forward after he could not bear the woes facing the Nepali people."

Parshu Narayan Chaudhary, chairman of the Raj Parishad Standing Committee, in Rajdhani

* * *

"It (house arrest) made no difference to me."

Badri Prasad Mandal, president Nepal Sadbhavana Party, after being released from the house arrest.

* * *