In depth Analysis

Hard-pressed population demand change!

Kathmandu: There is now little doubt that the congress Pokhara convention is to culminate in the Prime Minister’s win over the organization. How he will consolidate the victory will determine the course of congress politics in the aftermath. The Deuba camp will remain an assertive force in the congress, how this presence will be asserted for sake of credibility alone will also contribute to the congress politics. A confidant Girija, after having ensured pliable convention participation, as acceded to demands for additional elected members in the central committee. However, he has retained his grip over key party portfolios by asserting his privilege as chairman who nominates such central committee positions.

This makes out that it will be by and large a Girija dominated central committee and a Girija dominates working committee that will emerge from Pokhara. This is distinct from the current central committee, which was a compromise at Nepalganj between then powerful thespian K.P. Bhattarai and organization man Girija Prasad Koirala.

Already the Girija camp is making loud noises on the possibility of additional elected central committee members precipitating divisions in the party. This should make sure that it is their camp that will assert its presence in the elections. This, despite high hopes in the KP-Deuba lobby that the votes they will garner will not be insignificant.

Whatever, after Pokhara the politics that will ensue is likely to be one of Girija assertion regardless of gestures of compromise. If the opposition politics likely to take a different tempo, government policy can’t but reflect the assertion. How this will effect the general mass is surely to be watched.

With the UML talking of "impeachment" and a distinct "anti-Girija" congress presence in the parliament, the politics of parliament is poised to take a new twist. On the streets the Maoists’ campaign is likely to take advantage of this Girija alienation. It is considered significant, moreover, that the CPN (ML) whose representation at the local levels of government is fairly high, should call for a "role" of the "Monarchy" to correct current aberrations. This goes along well with extra-systemic demands for constitutional change.

Although Girija babu seems to have launched moves outside his party to mend fences, the body politic at large await definitive policy responses from government. Scarcities in essential items have hit the consumer hard. Flagrant black marketeering and price rises is alienating a population which is finding its incomes depleting government figures itself show that not all is well with industries and trade; tourism is on the wane and the stock exchange is showing successive declines. Government admits an increase in IC-Indian Currency- use has been undermining the national currency. Low interest rates has been hindering savings and low money supply has virtually blocked investments. Clearly, the preoccupation with organizational politics has hit the economy hard and the population, pressed with hardships, is demanding change.

Nepal and B’desh voice the need to "fully reactivate" SAARC process

Kathmandu: Nepal and B’desh have felt the need to "fully reactivate" the SAARC process for the overall socio-economic progress of the peoples of the South Asian region.

The two nations from the SAARC also expressed their "satisfaction" at the recent decisions of the member countries to hold meetings at the technical levels and have also "hoped" that meetings at "higher levels" would take place in the near future.

This has been stated in a statement issued after the conclusion of Nepali foreign minister’s visit to Dhaka last week.

This notwithstanding, sources at the SAARC Secretariat, however, maintain that though the junior levels meetings of the SAARC were moving smoothly but yet the chances for the early resumption of the SAARC Summit were fairly remote.

According to Shital Nivas sources, even if every thing went smooth in Indo-Pak ties then the Summit might take place by the end of this year or early next year.

In the meantime, an Indian team comprising of scholars and former diplomats following Track-2 diplomacy is paying a visit to Islamabad to manage a rapport with Pakistani scholars who could influence the establishment for a constructive dialogue with India so that the now suspended SAARC Summit could be brought to its original track. Among others in the Indian team is India’s former foreign secretary J.N.Dixit.

Below we produce the full text of the joint statement issued after Bastola’s Dhaka visit-Chief editor.

• His Excellency Mr. Chakra Prasad Bastola, Foreign Minister of Nepal paid an official visit to Bangladesh from 8 to 11 January 2001 at the invitation of His Excellency Mr. Abdus Samad Azad, Foreign Minister of Bangladesh. The Foreign Minister of Nepal was accompanied by senior officials of His Majesty’s Government of Nepal.

• During his visit, the Foreign Minister of Nepal visited Bangbandhu Memorial Museum and paid homage to the memory of the father of the nation Bangbandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. The Foreign Minister of Nepal called on the Hon’ble President and the Hon’ble Prime Minister of Bangladesh. During his call on the Hon’ble Prime Minister of Bangladesh, the Foreign Minister of Nepal handed over a message from the Hon’ble Prime Minister of Nepal. He had an exclusive meeting with the foreign minister of Bangladesh, which was followed by delegation level talks on bilateral and other matters of mutual interest. He also had a meeting with the Hon’ble commerce minister of B’desh during which matters relating to trade and economic cooperation were discussed. The Foreign Secretary of Bangladesh paid a courtesy call on the Hon’ble Foreign Minister of Nepal.

• The official talks between the two countries were led by the respective Foreign Ministers. B’desh foreign minister was assisted by the State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Foreign Secretary, Secretary (Multilateral) and other senior officials of the Government of Bangladesh. The Foreign Minister of Nepal was assisted by the Nepalese Ambassador to Bangladesh and senior officials of His Majesty'’ Government of Nepal. During the official talks, the entire range of bilateral relations between the two countries as well as regional and international issues of mutual concern were discussed.

• The bilateral issues covered during the talks included commercial and economic cooperation and ways and means of enhancing the existing level of trade exchanges including diversification of exportable items by either sides, investment, joint venture, tariff concessions, cooperation between the chambers and private sectors, improving the existing air link between the two countries etc.

• The two sides discussed matters to transit routes by rail as well as road and modalities for improving the present transit arrangements. The Bangladesh side offered to the Nepalese side increased facilities including special tariff for port handling, longer storage facilities, concessional warehousing and larger number of railway wagons for lifting increased cargo at Mongla port for bilateral as well as transit trade. The official talks also covered issues relating to improved infrastructure including customs, immigration, banking and telecommunication links at Banglabandh to further facilitate trade and transit between the two countries.

• During the talks, the two sides discussed ways and means of enhancing cooperation in the field of water resources including modalities for flood mitigation and harnessing of water resources of the region. The talks also dealt with the possibilities of increased cooperation in the field of agriculture through sharing of experiences in this sector for mutual benefits.

• The two sides reviewed cooperation in the field of education and methods of improving the existing level of cooperation in this field. Also covered during the talks was the matter relating to cultural cooperation and it was stressed that steps need to be taken to further intensify cultural exchanges between the two countries. The two sides reviewed the existing cooperation in the tourism sector and it was agreed that the existing potential for cooperation in this sector needs to be further tapped for mutual benefit. Matters relating to telecommunication links between two countries came up for discussion and it was agreed that the existing links need to be increased both quantitatively and qualitatively for more efficient tele-link to enhance trade, economic and other inter-changes between the two countries.

• The two Foreign Ministers decided to form a sub-committee consisting of senior officials of the two governments to look into the possibilities of expediting increased cooperation in matters relating to trade, transit and overall economic cooperation, and to recommend initiatives to be taken for enhancing cooperation in all these sectors.

• During the official talks the two sides reviewed the current status of activities of SAARC and agreed that steps need to be taken to fully reactivate the SAARC process for the overall socio-economic progress of the peoples of the South Asia region. In this context, the two Foreign Ministers expressed satisfaction at the recent decisions of the member countries to hold meetings at the Technical level and they expressed hope that meetings at higher levels would take place in the near future.

• The official talks between the two sides were held in an atmosphere of warmth and cordiality that amply demonstrated the commonality of interest of the two countries. It was also a reflection of the long standing and deep rooted tradition of friendship, trust and confidence that has characterized relations between the two countries and the two peoples. The two Foreign Ministers reiterated the commitment of their Governments to further strengthen the close and friendly relations between the two countries in the spirit of trust, understanding and partnership for mutual benefit and future-oriented cooperation.

• During his stay in Bangladesh, the foreign minister of Nepal visited the Export Processing Zone at SAVAR to see infrastructural facilities provided by the Government of B’desh to various industrial units and to explore the possibilities of Nepalese investment in Bangladesh through full equity and joint venture participation. The Nepalese foreign minister and his delegation had a meeting with the members of Federation of B’desh Chambers of Commerce and Industry during which matters relating to existing bilateral trade between the two countries were discussed extensively.

• The visit of the foreign minister of Nepal to B’desh was yet another milestone in B’desh-Nepal relations and has added a new dimension to the already existing close ties between the two countries.

• The foreign minister of Nepal invited the foreign minister of Bangladesh to pay an official visit to Nepal at an early date. The invitation was accepted with pleasure. The dates for the visit would be worked through the diplomatic channels.

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"Current turmoil in Nepal" concerns Nepalese in the U.S

Kathmandu : Nepalese citizens residing in the United States have expressed their deep anxiety over the recent sad happenings in Nepal and have asked the government to arrest the deteriorating situation in the country.

A statement issue by the Nepalese living in New York received through email reads as follows:

"The Foundation of the Nepalese in America (FNA) expresses its concern regarding the loss of Nepali lives, destruction of property, turmoil, instability and ongoing breakdown of law and order in the nation. We strongly demand that this crisis existing in the soil of Nepal since the last few years, which has weakened the nation, be stopped immediately. We condemn all the leaders, parties and other external and internal forces that have their vested interest in continuing this situation in the country. We demand that these tragic and destabilizing situations be immediately stopped.

The activities carried-out by the extreme leftist group (Maoists) for the last four years and directed against the institution which is a symbol of national unity and the dignity of all the Nepalese, are anti national acts  and their coercion, threats and violence has caused pain and suffering of the Nepali people. The high handed manner and the irresponsible acts committed by the Nepali police has only worsened the situation. The government of Nepal, the police and the Maoists have all committed various human rights violations and terrorized the innocent Nepali people. All this must be immediately stopped.
We request the government to maintain law and order, provide security to all the people and build the confidence of the Nepali people. The process of dialogue with the Maoists must be concluded by bringing the insurgents into the mainstream of democratic Nepali political institutional process. The many acts of corruption committed by the many leaders and political parties has diminished the confidence and aspirations and hopes of the people. We express our outrage in the various ill intentions committed by the various corrupt Governments formed after the restoration of the multiparty democracy, which has created havoc thereby threatening the life of all innocent people. Expressing its deep condolence and sympathy to the families who have lost their near and dear ones, due to the terrorism and the various acts committed by the Government, the 'FNA' condemns all acts of terrorism
that have been committed by the various elements.

The 'FNA' unequivocally deplores the dishonesty of all leaders of the major and minor political parties like NC, UML, ML, RPP, NSP, RJP, UPF and others who are destined to fulfil vested interests at the costs of peace, prosperity and the lives of the innocent peoples of our motherland. The 'FNA' also deplores the ill-fated motives of conspiracy committed by those who are trying to fulfil vested interests, with their hidden agenda of breaking the cordial relationship between Nepal and India that have been conditioned by the special historical ties, which are illustrated by our territorial, socio-cultural, and religious affinity between the two people. It is therefore, the 'FNA' expresses its solidarity with all the Bhutanese refugees living in Nepal and requests His Majesty King of Bhutan to call all the Bhutanese
citizens of Nepali origin. All refugees to be allowed to return to their homeland peacefully with dignity and security".

Deuba hoping against hope

Kathmandu : If Sher Bahadur Deuba’s fresh utterances expressed in various interviews were taken at its face value then the Pokhara Summit of the congress party might see the repetition of the Battle Royale between the two declared rivals for congress presidency: Koirala and Deuba.

The confidence with which Sher Bahadur Deuba is talking with the press forces us to conclude that he is the next congress party president. However, this could be a day dreaming exercise for Deuba say those who have spent years and years with Koirala and understand the latter’s lust for chair.

On the other hand, Koirala supporters remain more than confident on the victory of Koirala at Pokhara.

"Come Pokhara! Girija will emerge out with flying colors", said a staunch supporter of Koirala. He further said that since Deuba is sure to lose thus he would be advised to mend differences with the would be president so that some space could be offered to him by the new president in the party.

"And he should do this prior to the start of the convention", added Koirala supporter.

Deuba supporters believe that their candidate will merge victorious with a thousand votes margin over Koirala.

A case perhaps of hoping against hope.

The congress convention begins two days from now and is supposedly being participated in by 1435 congress voters. The convention will elect its new president and some 18 central committee members through the use of the ballots. The new president will nominate the rest 18 members for the CC.

As usual, Koirala’s slogan has been that if he gets elected this round of elections as party president he would finish the yet "unfinished jobs" of the party.

On the other hand, Deuba claims that if the prestigious chair goes to him he would "unite" the party even by listening to those activists who differ on so many burning issues of the party. This is perhaps an indirect indication to Koirala who usually rejects the voices of his dissenters.

Now that the election of the congress president is round the corner, only a miracle can save Deuba from losing the game. In case he loses the election, which is perhaps his fate at the moment now, the Battle Royale will continue as many observers believe that a Deuba defeat will make him dead against his arch rival Koirala.

With 3M’s in hand and at work round the clock, Koirala is the next party president.

Nepal and Bhutan Move to Resolve Refugee Problem

Kathmandu: The US has expressed its deep satisfaction over the increased activities of Nepal and Bhutan taken for the smooth repatriation of the Bhutanese refugees languishing in Nepali camps for well over a decade or so.

To recall, the issue of the Bhutanese refugees took a dramatic turn when only recently the US Assistant Secretary of State, Carl Inderfurth talking to Nepali media men said that the outgoing US administration had some unfinished jobs and the issue of the Bhutanese refugees constituted one.

Carl Inderfurth later visited Thimpu and is reported to have told the Dragon Kingdom to sort out the matter amicably with Nepal or face grave consequences. To recall, the accompanying minister Julia Taft also contributed to the speedy solution to the refugee issue when she aired the possibility of the diversion of the aid packages pouring in Bhutan to other countries if Bhutan continued dilly-dallying process regarding the repatriation of its citizens from Nepali camps.

Unconfirmed sources say that on Monday the Kathmandu based diplomatic missions belonging to the European Union also took stock of the ongoing verification process of the refugees as agreed by Nepal and Bhutan last year.

A statement issued by the US Department of State in this regard is as follows: "The United States is pleased to note that Nepal and Bhutan are moving to implement their recent agreement to resolve the longstanding problem of nearly 100,000 persons claiming refugee status from Bhutan who have been hosted by Nepal in refugee camps during the past decade. On January 4, in accordance with an agreement signed in Kathmandu on December 28, each country named five-member expert teams that are scheduled to visit the camps next week to begin the process of verification and repatriation of those found eligible to return to Bhutan. The statement further adds: "The United States has encouraged Nepal and Bhutan to resolve this refugee issue fully and fairly, and we applaud their recent measures to do so. We have long been a major contributor, through the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and the World Food Program, to the humanitarian needs of these people. We plan to continue working with all concerned parties, at their request, to facilitate the just resolution of this longstanding humanitarian problem.

Lauda Air scandal to expose many big-wigs

Kathmandu : At last the Commission for the Investigation of the Abuse of Authority-CIAA has decided to bring to book the general manager Mr. Hari Bhakta Shrestha of the all time ailing airliner of the country-RNAC-to book.

Mr. Shrestha has been summoned by the Authority for interrogation regarding the illegal means acquired by him and some men at the Civil Aviation Ministry for bringing the Austrian Lauda Air for the use in the RNAC fleet.

To recall, the Public Accounts Committee of the parliament had time and again warned the concerned authorities not to proceed with the Lauda Air deal for it sensed that some "dirty games" were being played by some big-wigs of the country to amass wealth as part of commission as against the bringing in of the Lauda Air.

However, the authorities at the RNAC and the ministry brushed aside the PAC advice and proceeded with their deal which reportedly is to the tune of 40 crores Nepali Rupees.

It is not yet certain as to who has grabbed this astronomical amount alone or were some others as well to pocket the benefits from the Lauda air deal.

To recall, the PAC only recently invited the Prime Minister at its office and demanded his clarifications on the issue. Prime Minister Koirala only assured the PAC men that any body found guilty in the deal will be severely punished.

The Lauda air has been brought here by paying extra amount that far exceeds the existing international rates. The Lauda air was brought in without inviting tender bids. Thirdly, the Lauda air is already 12 years old and the practice is that it should be well under ten years in use.

Now that Mr. Shrestha is already under investigation and interrogation, his disclosures will in all likelihood the very good names that were behind this clandestine deal with the Austrian airliner.

Media reports have it that Mr. Shrestha was about to leave the country for good but unfortunately the Commission nabbed him.

Sources inside the RNAC say that a sort of tremor has gripped the RNAC officers who one way or the other remained instrumental in finalising the deal with Lauda air and perhaps have already pocketed some sweets.

Unconfirmed reports say that the hand of Prime Minister Koirala’s daughter Ms. Sujata Jost can’t be ruled out.

Sujata is married to a German national. However, she prefers to work in Nepal as a social worker.

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