FOREIGN MINISTER RAMESH NATH PANDEY left for New York on Saturday (September 10) leading a Nepalese delegation to attend the 60 th General Assembly of the United Nations. Talking to reporters at the airport, Pandey said he would emphasize for common approach of the international community to end terrorism. He termed the efforts by political parties and certain quarters – who have requested the UN not to recognize the current Nepalese government – as unfortunate and claimed that the international community would not be affected by such efforts. Earlier, on Friday, Pandey had said that the King could not lead Nepali delegation to the UN because he desired to work for the establishment of peace within the country.
THE AMERICAN EMBASSY IN KATHMANDU, on behalf of the American people, has thanked the government and citizens of Nepal for their response to the human suffering and devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina in parts of the southern United States . “The Embassy particularly welcomes a $25,000 donation by the Nepali government and its initiative to set up an account at the Rastriya Banijiya Bank (RBB) for Nepalis to make contributions for hurricane relief efforts. Such support for the victims of Hurricane Katrina, and the human concern this reflects, is an impressive display of international solidarity. As Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said a few days ago about the outpouring of global assistance: Every contribution is important,” states the press release issued by the Embassy.
THE EUROPEAN UNION (EU) HAS welcomed the three-month-long unilateral ceasefire announced by the Maoists and has urged the government to respond positively to it. The EU has also urged the Maoists to take concrete steps towards a permanent end to the use of violence for political ends. The statement, released by the British Embassy on behalf of the EU, has stated that EU condemns violence by the Maoists that has caused considerable suffering and hardship to the Nepalis. “All the political forces now need to work strenuously for a democratically based peace process leading to a durable negotiated solution, involving a national consensus and reintegration of the Maoists into a multiparty democracy,” the statement reads. The EU urged the Maoists to implement their latest undertakings in good faith. The statement adds that the EU continues to believe that such a solution will require the assistance of an independent and credible external partner and the active support of the international community. It states that the EU is also ready to consider positively any request for assistance the Nepali political forces deem appropriate.
A DELEGATION OF LEADERS OF SEVEN agitating political parties met with a senior UN official in Kathmandu last week and handed her their letter addressed to Secretary General Kofi Annan requesting him not to recognize the royal regime or its representatives at the upcoming 60 th General Assembly. The delegation including Dr. Ram Sharan Mahat, Dr. Minendra Rijal and Jhal Nath Khanal, among others, handed over the letter to senior UN official Erica Jorgenson. In the letter, the parties have stated that the current government has no competence, authority and legitimacy to represent and speak on behalf of sovereign Nepali people.
Defence Day Of Pakistan
Pakistan observed its Defense Day on 6 th September reminding of a supreme trial in Pakistan ’s national history. It was on this day 40 years ago that “ Pakistan ’s survival was threatened by an army possessing overwhelming numerical superiority. Every Pakistani inspired by a patriotic fervor was thirsting for action against the aggressors, thus proving that a nation imbued with the spirit of sacrifice cannot be overawed even by the mightiest of adversaries.” On the occasion of the Defense Day, Pakistani Embassy in Kathmandu organized a special function. “People of Pakistan had two options to choose from; honorable survival and ignominious capitulation. They chose the path of courage, dignity and honor. From the Khyber to Karachi , the Pakistani nation stood like a rock to defend their homeland with vigor, strength, loyalty and alertness. Pakistani Armed Forces responded to the challenge with alacrity and boldness,” stated the Embassy. The Embassy press release further stated that the day of 6 September “reminds of those dauntless and daring soldiers who laid down their lives in the defense of the motherland. This is the day to pay tribute to martyrs whose supreme sacrifices in the line of duty will be etched in gold in the history of valor and faithfulness.”
