subject:"\[GreenYouth\] Nepal Updates"

[GreenYouth] Nepal Updates: Nepali Prime Minister KP Oli was once called 'Man of India'. Why has he turned such a bitter critic?

2016-07-19 Thread Sukla Sen

http://scroll.in/article/811912/nepali-prime-minister-kp-oli-was-once-called-man-of-india-why-has-he-turned-such-a-bitter-critic

INDO-NEPALI TIES

Nepali Prime Minister KP Oli was once called 'Man of India'. Why has
he turned such a bitter critic?

His government is now in a minority after the Prachanda's Communist
Party of Nepal (Maoist-Centre) pulled out of the alliance.

Yesterday · 03:30 pm
Updated Yesterday · 04:28 pm
Special Correspondent

Embattled Nepal Prime Minister KP Oli has indicated that he holds
India responsible for the decision of the Communist Party of Nepal
(Maoist-Centre) to withdraw support to the ruling coalition – a charge
that India vehemently denied. At a conference on national security in
the capital city of Kathmandu, Oli had reportedly said that “India’s
role was primarily behind” the crisis and that his government had been
destabilised “by remote control”

On July 12, the CPN(M-C) announced its decision to pull out of the
coalition government, alleging that the prime minister had failed to
honour past agreements. Oli, who refused to step down even though his
party has only 175 seats in the 601-member Legislature Parliament, now
faces a no-confidence vote. The CPN(M-C), which has 80 seats in the
Parliament, has struck a deal with the Nepal Congress, the main
opposition party.

This is not the first time that Oli has alleged political interference
by India. Though Nepal and India have historically enjoyed good ties
and strong trade relations – ties between the two have hit an all-time
low over the last year or so.

‘Man of India’

However, relations between Oli and India weren’t always this hostile.
Contrary to his current stance, Oli was once portrayed as a “Man of
India”, or pro-India in Nepali politics.
His role in historic Mahakali Treaty (1996) – on equal rights and
joint development of the Mahakali River – between the two countries
was perceived as a sign of loyalty towards the Indian establishment.

Oli was a Cabinet minister in the early 1990s and post 2006 he held
several roles in the government – including a stint as foreign affairs
minister till 2007. During these years, he established a good
relationship with the Indian government.

In 2008, Pushpa Kamal Dahal , widely known as Prachanda, chairman of
the CPN(M-C), became prime minister when Nepal formed its first
Parliament. This was the culmination of a decade-long civil war where
the Maoists, led by Prachanda, had waged a campaign against the ruling
monarchy of Nepal.

Oli was deeply unhappy with Prachanda's victory. As a longstanding and
sharp critic of the Maoist party, Oli, it is believed, used all his
energy to vilify Prachanda and dislodge his government. When Prachanda
attempted to sack Army Chief General Rukmangad Katwal, Oli, political
analysts say, rallied several parties and players to pressurise
President Ram Baran Yadav into blocking Prachanda’s plan. As a result,
Prachanda stepped down as prime minister in May 2009.

Prachanda was known for his anti-India stance and India, on its part,
wanted to tame the former insurgent. Oli purportedly used India’s help
to have Prachanda replaced with Madhav Kumar Nepal as prime minister.

Friends to foes

Things, however, changed with time. Oli and Prachanda entered into an
unlikely alliance in October 2015, when Oli became prime minister.
Prachanda hoped this would help him consolidate his dwindling power,
and Oli would help get his name cleared in several cases dating back
to the civil war.

The two together invoked an anti-India rhetoric after the four-month
blockade in Nepal starting September 2015. Madhesi groups – an ethnic
minority in the country from the plains – had blocked roads leading to
India, demanding adequate representation in the country’s
constitution, which was passed towards the end of that month. Tharus,
another ethnic group, residing in the western plains, also backed the
protest. The blockade caused a shortage of fuel and other supplies,
including supply of relief material shortly after a devastating
earthquake in April that year in Nepal. The government accused India
of supporting the Madhesi protests and having a hand in the blockade,
which India denied.

The Nepal government then amended the constitution in January, but
failed to meet a key demand of the Madhesis and Tharus – that of
redrawing provincial boundaries to form contiguous provinces
comprising only of plains instead of including flatlands and hills in
the same province. This, the minority communities say, is the only way
to ensure they are not discriminated against.

Cracks appear

The cracks in the ruling coalition first came out into the open in
May, when Prachanda announced that he would withdraw support to Oli,
but less than 24 hours later, purportedly under pressure from China,
he decided to continue backing the prime minister.

This time, however, there was no such reconciliation. The CPN(M-C)
said Oli’s party had gone back on a nine-point agreement signed
between the two p

[GreenYouth] Nepal Updates: NC preparing to stake claim to 12 ministries

2016-07-13 Thread Sukla Sen

http://kathmandupost.ekantipur.com/news/2016-07-14/nc-preparing-to-stake-claim-to-12-ministries.html

Capital
NC preparing to stake claim to 12 ministries

Either Nidhi or Sitaula to lead Congress team
- SARIN GHIMIRE, Kathmandu

Jul 14, 2016- With a majority government led by the CPN (Maoist
Centre) looking set to be in place, the Nepali Congress is preparing
to stake claim to at least 12 ministries in the new dispensation.

NC leaders say a tentative agreement on distribution of ministerial
portfolios has already been reached and that extensive discussions are
underway on composition of the party’s team in the government.

The NC is set to get 12 ministries while the Maoist Centre will
control eight, a leader close to NC President Sher Bahadur Deuba as
well as a Maoist leader told the Post.

However, if the Madhes-based parties are brought on board, the
equation could change.

According to highly placed sources, either Bimalendra Nidhi or Krishna
Prasad Sitaula is likely to lead the NC team in the government with
the home ministry portfolio. Among others, Prakash Sharan Mahat and
Bal Krishna Khand are other likely candidates.

Earlier on Wednesday, the NC officially decided to support a majority
government led by the Maoist Centre, as leaders formally made public a
seven-point deal between the two parties to form the new government
and a verbal agreement on power-sharing.

Apart from the seven-point deal in which the NC and Maoist Centre have
agreed to amend the constitution to address the Madhesi concerns,
prepare laws necessary to implement the constitution and hold three
elections—local, provincial and federal—by speeding up local body
restructuring works, and creating an environment to conclude the peace
process, among others, a “gentleman’s agreement” to rotate government
leadership had also been reached between Maoist Centre Chairman Pushpa
Kamal Dahal and NC President Deuba, confirmed NC leader Arjun Narsingh
KC.

As per the power-sharing agreement, the Maoists will lead the
government for the first nine months and hold local elections and
after that, a Congress-led government would conduct federal and
provincial elections in the next nine months. Speaking at the party’s
central committee meeting on Wednesday morning, Nidhi apprised the
members of the changing political scenario and the agreements the
party has reached with the Maoists.

“Our party’s official decision was endorsed by the central committee
after we were notified about both the seven-point deal on government
formation and the verbal agreement on power-sharing,” KC said.

Poudel piqued

KATHMANDU: Senior Nepali Congress leader Ram Chandra Poudel is learnt
to have been miffed by what he believes a “unilateral move” by party
President Sher Bahadur Deuba regarding agreements with the CPN (Maoist
Centre) on government formation and power-sharing. “Our former party
presidents used to discuss such sensitive matters at least with the
senior leaders, but you did not even bother to inform the office
bearers,” a leader quoted Poudel as saying during the party’s
Wednesday’s central committee meeting that decided to support a Maoist
Centre-led government. Deuba, in response, said that the developments
were kept secret for the fear that the agreement could have been
breached had it been made public beforehand.

In Cong’s kitty (tentative)

- Ministry of Home Affairs

- Ministry of Foreign Affairs

- Ministry of Federal Affairs and Local Development

- Ministry of Education

- Ministry of Tourism

- Ministry of General Administration

- Sports

- Labour

- Ministry of Energy or Irrigation


Published: 14-07-2016 08:20



-- 
Peace Is Doable

-- 
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups 
"Green Youth Movement" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email 
to greenyouth+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com.
To post to this group, send an email to greenyouth@googlegroups.com.
Visit this group at https://groups.google.com/group/greenyouth.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.

[GreenYouth] Nepal Updates: NC, Maoist file no-confidence motion against PM Oli

2016-07-13 Thread Sukla Sen

http://kathmandupost.ekantipur.com/news/2016-07-13/nc-maoist-slmm-file-no-confidence-motion-against-pm-oli.html

Capital
NC, Maoist file no-confidence motion against PM Oli

- Post Report, Kathmandu

Jul 13, 2016- Nepali Congress, CPN (Maoist Center) and CPN-United have
filed a no-confidence motion against Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli in
the Parliament.

NC leader Ram Krishna Yadav informed the motion was filed after 183 NC
parliamentarians, 70 from Maoist and three of CPN-United put their
signatures. NC leader Ramesh Lekhak and Maoist leader Ram Narayan
Bidari made preparations for the no-confidence motion.

The parties decided to file the motion to oust PM Oli after the latter
refused to resign despite being reduced to minority after the Maoist
withdrew support to the government.

PM Oli has previously refused to quit and said he would rather face
the parliament.


Published: 13-07-2016 15:00




-- 
Peace Is Doable

-- 
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups 
"Green Youth Movement" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email 
to greenyouth+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com.
To post to this group, send an email to greenyouth@googlegroups.com.
Visit this group at https://groups.google.com/group/greenyouth.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.

[GreenYouth] Nepal Updates: Dramatic Developments: Maoist-UML Coalition Stays for Now

2016-05-05 Thread Sukla Sen

I/II.
http://kathmandupost.ekantipur.com/news/2016-05-05/maoist-uml-coalition-intact-for-now.html

Maoist-UML coalition intact for now

- Post Report, Kathmandu

May 5, 2016- UCPN (Maoist) has decided that, as of now, the party will
continue to support Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli led government.
Interlocutors said UCPN (M) Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal decided to
continue support to Oli after the latter proposed him to lead the
government after passing the annual budget and policies.

The Nepali political scenario heated up after UCPN (Maoist), a key
ally in the incumbent government, on Wednesday said it was considering
leading its own government with the support of Nepali Congress, the
largest party in the parliament.

However, Dahal made a U-turn on Thursday refusing NC’s proposal to
push for a vote of no confidence against PM Oli.

“Our party has decided to wait for now given that there are some legal
complications in registering the no confidence motion against this
government. The coalition will remain intact now,” said a Maoist
leader.

How things transpired

On Wednesday morning, UCPN (Maoist) surprised its partners in the
coalition with formal announcement of its plan to break the alliance.
The party was also considering pulling back its members from the
government.

Later on the day, PM Oli, who also leads the second largest party in
the parliament, made a new offer to Dahal to break the alliance in
making. During a meeting with Maoist leaders including Dahal at his
residence, Oli said that he was ready to support Maoist-led government
if the former rebels support him in presenting the annual budget
policies and programmes.

Maoist sources said that the meeting ended with an understanding to
sign a new agreement on rotating the government between the two
parties. On Thursday morning, Dahal reportedly informed NC President
Deuba about his party’s new decision.

Published: 05-05-2016 13:30

II.
http://kathmandupost.ekantipur.com/news/2016-05-05/parliament-heats-up-with-debate-on-change-of-government.html

Parliament heats up with debate on change of government

Kathmandu

May 5, 2016- The major political parties attending the parliamentary
session today were starkly divided over the prospect of a change of
government.

Nepali Congress (NC) and UCPN (Maoist) lawmakers have insisted on
finding an alternative to the present government while CPN-UML, the
ruling party and coalition partner RPP Nepal, sided with giving
continuity by correcting the weaknesses.

NC leader, Dr Prakash Sharan Mahat, accused Prime Minister, KP Sharma
Oli of promising too much and delivering less and alleged that rule of
law was losing grip.

Asking for time with House Speaker, Onsari Gharti, NC leader Mahat
termed the 'Oli Government as Talk Government' and added that the PM
was occupied with retaining power than addressing the necessities of
the people.

Dr Mahat said government failed to spend the economic support pledged
by the donors after the earthquake, and fell short of securing
people's access to economic prosperity. He said it was not a right
thing that state organs are turned into a recruiting ground for party
cadres.

CPN-UML lawmaker, Yuvraj Gyawali, said it was wrong that one of the
coalition partners was working to fail the government at a time when
it was preparing to introduce a new budget along with new policy and
programmes.

He added that to accuse the government – formed at the bubbly state of
condition in the aftermath of the quake and at a time of Indian
blockade – of not doing anything was an accusation made for sake of
accusation.

There may be complaints over the government's undertakings, but it is
not the time to change the government, Gyawali argued. He urged the
parties to allow the government to bring policy and programme
including the budget as the effort to change government would not
drive the country on a right path.

UCPN (Maoist) lawmaker, Janardhan Sharma, blasted the government of
letting people down. The people wanted to see the implementation of
the constitution, post-quake relief and inflation control among others
following the promulgation of the new constitution which did not
happen, therefore a search for an alternative to the present
government was sought.

Sharma further stressed that a national unity government was a
necessity for providing relief to the quake-stricken and implement the
new constitution.

RPP Nepal lawmaker, Sushil Kumar Shrestha, said the parties' attention
must be diverted towards implementing the new constitution than
changing the government.

He warned that the game of state power mathematics would weaken the country.

Shrestha further argued that the present government could be moulded
into a form of national consensual government. The change of
government will impact the post-quake reconstruction, he warned.
(House Session Continues) RSS

Published: 05-05-2016 12:52

--
Peace Is Doable

--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google

[GreenYouth] Nepal Updates: K P Sharma Oli of CPN-UML, New PM-elect, to Take Oath Tomorrow

2015-10-11 Thread Sukla Sen

I/IV.
http://kathmandupost.ekantipur.com/news/2015-10-11/pm-elect-oli-to-take-oath-on-monday.html

PM-elect Oli to take oath on Monday
- Post Report, Kathmandu

Oct 11, 2015- Newly elected Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli will the take
the oath of office and secrecy on Monday.

House Speaker Subas Nembang met President Ram Baran and finalised the
PM’s swearing-in ceremony for 1 pm on Monday.

During the meeting, Nembag expressed his happiness with the president
saying that the parties, who were dissatisfied with the new
constitution, took part in the prime minister’s election. “Today is a
historic day as the entire nation has accepted the new constitution,”
said the president’s office source, quoting Nembang as telling the
president.

The prime minister also expressed his happiness over the election of
new prime minister through democratic process.

Published: 11-10-2015 20:11

II/IV.
http://kathmandupost.ekantipur.com/news/2015-10-11/oli-elected-38th-pm-of-nepal.html

Oli elected 38th Prime Minister of Nepal (Update)
- Post Report, Kathmandu

Oct 11, 2015- CPN-UML Chairman KP Sharma has been elected the 38th
Prime Minister of Nepal. ***He secured 338 votes during the election
held at the Legislature-Parliament on Sunday, while his rival
candidate Nepali Congress President Sushil Koirala secured 249
votes.*** [Emphasis added.]

A total of 587 lawmakers cast their votes.

Oli is the first prime minister after the adoption of new constitution
through Constituent Assembly.

Born on February 22, 1952, in Terhathum district, Oli was elected to
the Constituent Assembly in the second CA election from Jhapa district
constituency.

Oli became CPN-UML's Parliamentary Party in the 2nd Constituent
Assembly on February 4, 2014, defeating former party Chairman Jhala
Nath Khanal.

Oli, who had served as Home Minister in 1994/95 after the restoration
of democracy in 1990, became the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister
for Foreign Affairs during the interim government in 2006.

Influenced by communist ideology of Marxism-Leninism, Oli joined
political activities in 1966 and became a member of Communist Party of
Nepal in February, 1970. He became involved in underground politics
against autocratic party-less Panchayat System in 1970. He was
arrested in 1973 and imprisoned for 14 years. He was released in 1987.

Published: 11-10-2015 15:55

III/IV.
http://kathmandupost.ekantipur.com/news/2015-10-11/here-is-a-biography-of-newly-elected-pm-oli.html

Read a brief biography on newly elected PM KP Sharma Oli
Oli's childhood name was Dhruba
- Post Report, Kathmandu

Oct 11, 2015- The eldest child of father Mohan Prasad and mother
Madhumaya Oli, KP Oli lost his mother at the age of four to smallpox
which was spread like an epidemic then. After the death of his mother,
Oli’s grandmother Rammaya had brought him up.

Prime Minister Oli’s childhood name was Dhruba. While enrolling in
school, his parents changed his name to Khadga Prasad. He studied up
to the fifth grade at local Pranami Middle School.

According to his childhood friends, KP Oli was a smart kid from the
beginning and had a sharp mind. He liked playing chess and encouraged
others to take up the game as it helped in brain development, they
recall.

Besides, Oli also enjoyed playing football and used to make balls out
of rags. He was good at scoring goals after successful dribbles, his
childhood friend and distant nephew Padam Prasad Oli said. Those days,
he liked writing nationalistic poems and reading those to friends,
Padam Prasad continued.

With help from communist leader Ramnath Dahal, Oli migrated to Jhapa
in 1963 at the age of 12. Dahal was later killed in Sukhani Murders.
Having been influenced by Marxist and Leninist philosophies, Oli
entered communist politics in 1966.

Oli went underground in 1970 after taking membership of Nepal
Communist Party. The same year, he was arrested for the first time by
the Panchayat government. In 1971, he took leadership of Jhapa
Rebellion which was initiated by beheading landlords in the district.
Between 1973 and 1987, Oli spent total 14 years behind bars in
different jails in the country.
After his release, he became the central committee member of CPM-ML.
In 1989, Oli took upon the responsibility of party’s Lumbini zone
chief.

Following 1990 democratic movement that brought down the Panchayat
regime, Khadga Prasad Oli became a popular name in the country. In
1991, he became the founding chairman of Prajatantrik Rastriya Yuwa
Sangh. A year later, he became the party’s publicity department chief
and established himself as a key figure in Nepali politics.

Published: 11-10-2015 19:45

IV.
http://kathmandupost.ekantipur.com/news/2015-10-11/india-welcomes-olis-election-as-new-nepal-pm.html

India welcomes Oli’s election as new Nepal PM
- Post Report, Kathmandu

Oct 11, 2015- The Indian Ministry of External Affairs has released a
statement on Sunday conveying Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s
congratulatory message to newly electe

[GreenYouth] Nepal Updates: More on Indo-Nepal Relations

2015-10-03 Thread Sukla Sen

I/II.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Nepal-turns-to-UN-over-Indias-blockade-of-trade-point/articleshow/49210855.cms

Nepal turns to UN over ‘India’s blockade’ of trade point
PTI | Oct 3, 2015, 11.15 PM IST

Nepalese oil tankers and commercial trucks stand stranded near a gate
that marks the Nepalese border with India, in Birgunj, Nepal. (AP
photo)

KATHMANDU: Nepal has turned to the UN over alleged obstruction of a
key border trade point with India that has resulted in acute shortage
of essential goods as it appealed to the international community to
ensure that landlocked countries' freedom of transit is not curtailed.

Deputy prime minister Prakash Man Singh, who led Nepal's delegation to
the UN general assembly, held talks with UN secretary general Ban
Ki-moon during which the issue of "India's blockade" on the border
also figured, sources close to Singh told PTI.

Ban expressed his concern over the obstruction of essential supplies
and the difficulties resulting from it, they said.

While addressing the general assembly on Friday, Singh appealed to the
world community to ensure effective and unhindered access to the sea
for landlocked developing countries (LLDCs) like Nepal through
effective implementation of the Vienna Programme of Action for
2014-2024.

READ ALSO: Protesters block Nepal's major trade checkpoint with India

"The world needs to ensure LLDCs unhindered access to the sea for free
movement of people and goods. We stress that the freedom of transit of
LLDCs should not be constrained under any circumstance or pretext to
disrupt the flow of goods and services.

"The freedom of transit of LLDCs must be fully and unconditionally
adhered to by all transit countries," said Singh, also the Nepali
Congress general secretary.

His remarks come at a time when Nepal claims to be suffering from
scarcity of essential goods like fuel and cooking gas due to what it
terms as "undeclared blockade" of a key trade point at the border with
India by people protesting the controversial newly-promulgated
constitution.

READ ALSO: Nepal says 'can't make everyone happy'

India has rejected as "totally false" allegations that it blockaded
the checkpoint and has emphasised that it can only take goods up to
the border and beyond that it is the responsibility of the Nepalese
side to ensure adequate safety and security for the trucks.

The secretary general commended Nepalese government and people on the
adoption of the new constitution, according to a statement issued by
the UN Office here today.

Ban strongly welcomed the decisions made by the council of ministers
on October 1 to create the conditions for dialogue with agitating
groups, including Hindu Madhesis who are Indian-origin inhabitants of
the Terai region bordering India and opposed to splitting Nepal into
seven provinces.

READ ALSO: Violence continues in Nepal over new constitution

The secretary general also urged all parties to respond to the calls
for dialogue and to resolve their differences in a peaceful and
flexible manner.

Singh had travelled to New York after Prime Minister Sushil Koirala
cancelled his visit to the UN headquarters at the last minute due to
the ongoing political unrest gripping the Himalayan nation.

II.
http://www.dailyo.in/politics/india-nepal-ties-narendra-modi-pashupatinath-temple-saarc-maoism-china/story/1/6576.html

No, Nepal isn't the 'most beautiful state of India'

The general attitude among Nepalis is that whatever their southern
neighbour does for them is in its own interest.

SANDIP GHOSE

A leading Bollywood actress of the 1990s (still a diva on the small
screen) - famously said in a live interview on a FM channel in
Kathmandu: "Nepal is the most beautiful state of India". She had to be
escorted out through the back gate of the hotel in Lazimpat and put on
the next flight to Delhi. Then there was Sahib Singh Verma, who in
trying to elaborate on his close ties with the people of Nepal said,
"Both my cook and watchman are from Nepal." After the so-called
Hrithik Roshan riots - the actor was quoted as saying, "How can I say
anything abusive about Nepalis? I was brought up by a Nepali nanny."
Anecdotes of such insensitive gaffes by Indians abound. These are
unpardonable and not funny even in retrospect.

I have a special affinity for Nepal having lived there for some years
during its most tumultuous period between the late 1990s and early
2000s that saw the Maoist insurgency reaching its peak, the royal
massacre, the hijacking of IC-814 and anti-India riots. There is a
long-standing joke among expatriates in Nepal: "You cry twice. Once
when you arrive in Kathmandu and the next only when you are leaving."
In between, you spend what could probably be some of the best years of
your life. So, when we moved back to India we carried with us precious
memories and left behind many good friends who have graciously made us
a part of their extended family. Thanks to social media, a virtual
cosy club has emerged with an ecle

[GreenYouth] Nepal Updates: 8 things Nepalis dislike about Indian interference

2015-10-02 Thread Sukla Sen

http://kathmandupost.ekantipur.com/news/2015-10-02/8-things-nepalis-dislike-about-indian-interference.html

8 things Nepalis dislike about Indian interference
- BBC, Kathmandu

Oct 2, 2015- The ‘unofficial blockade’ imposed by India against Nepal
expressing its discontent over the newly adopted constitution in Nepal
has sparked anti- India sentiments in Nepal.

What is it about India’s behaviour that Nepalis dislike?

1. Big-brother attitude
Many Nepali citizens feel that India holds a “big-brother” attitude
towards Nepal and interferes in its internal affairs. Time and again,
India is accused of utilising diplomatic power for its
vested-interests. A case in point is the recent “undeclared blockade”
by India.

2. “Unfair” treaties
There exists a long list of treaties which are considered unfair by
the Nepali side. This list includes 1950 Indo-Nepal Treaty of Peace
and Friendship, Koshi and Mahakali water treaties, among others.
Nepali people feel that they are not provided with their fair share of
water and also they are angry about how Nepal’s political leadership
easily bows down to India’s terms.

3. No respect for sovereignty
People think that Nepal finds it necessary to consult India on every
important matter including its internal issues.
Nepali people are angry about India’s unwarranted objection over its
new constitution which was endorsed by more than 90 percent of
people’s representatives elected to the Constituent Assembly—the body
mandated to draft the constitution.

4. Mistreatment at border entry points
Nepali migrant workers who work in India complain that officers of
Indian border security force, Seema Suraksha Bal, mistreat them at
border entry points. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his
Nepal visit last year, had promised to improve that situation but the
problem still persists.

5. Encroachment of border areas
Complaints of encroachment of Nepali territory often create tension
between these two countries. For instance, the Nepali side accuses
India of encroaching key strategic areas like Kalapani and Lipulekh
(also bordering China) which lie within the Nepali territory.

6. “Insensitive” Indian media
Indian media, especially TV news channels, are considered weapons to
spread sensationalism and ultra-nationalism in Nepal.
Many people feel that Indian media is insensitive towards its smaller
neighbouring countries and does not respect their concerns, and
disregards important facts.
When Indian media was covering Nepal in the aftermath of the April 25
earthquake, the hashtag #GoHomeIndianMedia trended on microblogging
site Twitter. A lot of criticism came from within India.

7. Friendship-enmity relations
Nepali people like many Indian things such as holy places, Bollywood
movies and food that have become part of the daily life of Nepali
people. But Nepali people do not take any criticism hinted towards the
country lightly.
In the year 2000, Indian actor Hrithik Roshan’s alleged anti-Nepal
statement provoked riot in some places of Nepal. However, Hrithik
Roshan denied making such statement.

8. Influence of China on Nepal
People feel that India keeps unnecessary concerns about “China’s
increasing proximity” with Nepal.
A majority of Nepalis think that no other nation can be as close with
Nepal as India is because of many similarities between the two
countries.
But people are unhappy about India’s inability to understand the
difficult situation faced by Nepal even when it tries to maintain
balance between the two big countries which surround it.

Published: 02-10-2015 20:52

--
Peace Is Doable

--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups
"Green Youth Movement" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email
to greenyouth+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com.
To post to this group, send an email to greenyouth@googlegroups.com.
Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/greenyouth.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.

[GreenYouth] Nepal Updates: Indian Commerce Minister assures she will inform her Boss, who's now back to India on a trip, about the continuing blockade and its consequences

2015-09-30 Thread Sukla Sen

http://kathmandupost.ekantipur.com/news/2015-09-30/indian-commerce-minister-assures-to-draw-modis-attention-to-nepal-crisis.html

Indian Commerce Minister assures to draw Modi’s attention to Nepal crisis
- Post Report, Kathmandu

Sep 30, 2015- Indian Minister of Commerce and Industry Nirmala
Sitharaman has said that she would draw the attention of Prime
Minister Narendra Modi about crisis in Nepal due to the halt in the
export of petroleum products and other daily essentials from India.

Minister of Commerce and Supplies Sunil Bahadur Thapa, who is in
Indian Capital New Delhi for the past few days to attend South Asia
Economic Conclave meeting, notified his Indian counterpart Sitharaman
about problems that surfaced in Nepal, during a meeting at Udyog
Bhawan on Wednesday. “I notified my counterpart about the problems
caused by halt in imports and supplies and its possible long-term
impacts on Nepal-India relations,” Minister Thapa told the Post.

Minister Sitharaman assured her Nepali counterpart that he would meet
PM Modi at the earliest and inform him about the problems in Nepal.

Thapa has also been taking initiatives to arrange meetings with Indian
Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and Indian Minister of Finance
Arun Jaitley.

Earlier, Minister Thapa met Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma
Swaraj and informed about the crisis in Nepal due to shortage of
essential supplies following blockade from India.

“Immediate solution to the week-long crisis in supply caused by
unofficial blockade is not likely to end anytime soon unless India’s
Central government takes any decision towards that end,” said a former
Nepal’s ambassador to India, “The decision to use blockade over the
political issues in Nepal is likely to embarrass India. We hope some
positive decision regarding this by Thursday.

Published: 30-09-2015 21:04

--
Peace Is Doable

[GreenYouth] Nepal Updates: [Nepali] Student unions draw UN’s attention to Indian blockade

2015-09-30 Thread Sukla Sen

http://kathmandupost.ekantipur.com/news/2015-09-30/student-unions-draw-uns-attention-to-indian-blockade.html

Student unions draw UN’s attention to Indian blockade
- Post Report, Kathmandu

Sep 30, 2015- Various students union have drawn the attention of
United Nation and its Chairperson Ban Ki-moon over the hardships faced
by the Nepali people due to the unofficial blockade imposed by India.

Students submitted a memorandum to Resident Coordinator of the United
Nations Jamie McGoldrick today stating that India, with an excuse of
security threats to its freights, imposed the blockade and deprived
the citizens of fuel and other food items.

The organisations say that the blockade imposed was against the Vienna
Convention and demanded the UN resolve the current crisis in the
country.


Published: 30-09-2015 14:07
-- 
Peace Is Doable

-- 
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups 
"Green Youth Movement" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email 
to greenyouth+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com.
To post to this group, send an email to greenyouth@googlegroups.com.
Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/greenyouth.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.

[GreenYouth] Nepal Updates: India is choking life in Nepal with its blockade: a ground report from the border

2015-09-28 Thread Sukla Sen

[For the past few days, trucks carrying everyday supplies have not
entered Nepal from major checkpoints at the Indian border. Many
Nepalis, including government officials have called this an
“unofficial economic blockade” imposed by India.]

http://www.asiaprogressive.com/indias-economic-blockade-nepal-is-crippling-its-people-this-is-what-happening-at-the-border/

DEMOCRACY, NEPAL
India is choking life in Nepal with its blockade: a ground report from
the border

September 28, 2015

Anup Kaphle

***For the past few days, trucks carrying everyday supplies have not
entered Nepal from major checkpoints at the Indian border. Many
Nepalis, including government officials have called this an
“unofficial economic blockade” imposed by India.*** [Emphasis added.]

Here is what I was able to find out based on a couple of calls this afternoon.

Mitra Lal Regmi, head of customs for Nepal government at the
Birgunj-Raxaul border — it accounts for more than half of the trade
between Nepal and India — says he last spoke to his Indian
counterparts on Thursday, after which not a single truck has been
allowed to pass through into India. Indian officials, according to
him, say customs agents on Indian side have not been coming to work
since they do not feel safe because of the ongoing protests. So, there
is no one to clear those trucks and allow them to enter Nepal.

'Economic blockade' cripples life at Ind... [Video]

About those protests on the border that Indians say are causing
disruption: Just hours after India released a second statement on
Nepal’s constitution on Wednesday — India for the first time hinted at
difficulties at the border, even though protests were ongoing for past
couple of months — Indian customs officials stopped doing their
paperwork at the border, according to Bhusan Yadav, reporter for The
Kathmandu Post in Birgunj, who lives about 4 kilometers away from the
border. However, by that evening, they allowed trucks coming from
Nepali side to enter India, Yadav told me.

Then on Thursday, a few hundred Madhesis who had been protesting
against the constitution showed up at the border and staged a sit-in
near a bridge, which falls under “no man’s land” between India and
Nepal. Nepali police used microphone to ask agitating parties to clear
the bridge, saying they were obstructing incoming trucks, which was
creating problems at the customs. At this point, according to
Kathmandu Post’s Yadav, protesters told Nepal police that they had no
jurisdiction on “no man’s land” and should go away. When Nepal police
fired tear gas, the crowd dispersed, and then the group of 400-500
people fled across to the Indian side of the border.

Since then, these protesters, including Madhesi leaders like Rajendra
Mahato, have been sitting on the Indian side and blocking the passage
of trucks that need to enter Nepal. When I asked Indian embassy
spokesperson Abhaya Kumar why India wasn’t clearing protesters on its
side of the border, he said the embassy is not aware of any such
sit-ins on the Indian side of the border and that it is actually the
truckers who have complained and expressed reluctance on entering
Nepal fearing their safety.

“There is no official or unofficial blockade by India, the blockade is
being caused by protesting Madhesis,” Kumar said. “For the first
couple of days, we even asked the truckers to cross the border but as
protests intensified, we have stopped forcing the truckers to drive
into Nepal.”

Nepali petroleum tankers have been allowed to fill up at a handful of
Indian oil depots but when they arrive at the Indian border, Indian
customs officials have repeatedly cited security risks and stopped
them from passing through. Abhaya Kumar at the Indian embassy also
said that Indian television station that have sought to report on the
protests in Madhesh and the border areas have been denied entry by
Nepali police at the border.

#BackOffIndia: social media erupts in Nepal against Modi’s misadventure
Nepal has erupted in protest against India’s interference after the
Himalayan country adopted its secular constitution. Though there are
many issues pending, the constitution seeks to transform Nepal into a
modern republic and guarantees civil rights to all its citizens.
Read the article on asiaprogressive.com >

Indian customs officials echo Indian embassy’s statements. Kamlesh
Kumar, the head of customs on the Indian side told Kathmandu Post’s
Yadav that they are unable to send trucks into Nepal because of the
protesters.

However, according Ram Sharan Mahat, Nepal’s finance minister says
that the Nepali government has guaranteed full security of trucks and
tankers entering Nepal. “We haven’t had any reports of a single supply
vehicle entering Nepal that was damaged or has been under threat from
protesters,” Mahat said.

The Kathmandu Post has reported that empty Nepali tankers that have
crossed into the Indian side to refuel without any problems have been
denied refueling.

A handful of trucks have been allowe

[GreenYouth] Nepal Updates: Baburam Bhattarai, former Prime Minister, quits UCPN (Maoist), resigns from parliament

2015-09-26 Thread Sukla Sen

http://kathmandupost.ekantipur.com/news/2015-09-26/bhattarai-quits-ucpn-maoist.html

Bhattarai quits UCPN (Maoist), resigns from parliament
- KAMAL DEV BHATTARAI, Kathmandu

Sep 26, 2015- Senior leader Baburam Bhattarai has severed his ties
with the UCPN (Maoist) party.

Organising a press meet at Indreni Foodland in New Baneswor today,
Bhattarai also resigned as a Legislature Parliament member. “I have
apprised party Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal about my decision to quit
the party,” he said.

Bhattarai said he had informed about his decision to quit the
parliament to Subash Chandra Nembang. He was elected as a Constituent
Assembly, now Legislature Parliament, member from Gorkha constituency
1.

During the press meet, Bhattarai said that he has not made up his mind
to open a new party anytime soon and will instead remain as a free
citizen. When asked about the possibility of returning to the Maoist
party as a chairman, he said, “chances of me joining an old or a
cracked house is out of option.”

Bhattarai, of late, was critical of the new constitution claiming it
could not address the aspirations of Madhesis and had openly supported
the ongoing protests in Tarai region. He also shunned the recent
meetings of the top leaders of the major parties and said that the
promulgation of the new constitution was no time for celebration.

The former prime minister was critical of India’s undeclared blockade
to Nepal and suggested the problem be solved through diplomatic means.
Despite resigning from the party and the parliament, Bhattarai said he
will continue serving the country and its people.
He had served as the prime minister from August 2011 to March 2013.


Published: 26-09-2015 15:55
-- 
Peace Is Doable

-- 
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups 
"Green Youth Movement" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email 
to greenyouth+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com.
To post to this group, send an email to greenyouth@googlegroups.com.
Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/greenyouth.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.

[GreenYouth] Nepal Updates: New Constitution and Indian Arm Twisting: CPI(M), from India, Evaluates

2015-09-26 Thread Sukla Sen

http://peoplesdemocracy.in/2015/0927_pd/nepal-constitution-historic-step

Vol. XXXIX No. 38
September 27, 2015

THE adoption of a federal, democratic and secular Constitution in
Nepal is a historic occasion. The protracted struggle of the Nepalese
people against feudal authoritarianism and for democracy has
culminated in the establishment of a federal, democratic and secular
State. Eight years after the interim Constitution, after a tortuous
political process, the Constituent Assembly voted overwhelmingly (507
out of 601) to approve the Constitution. We congratulate the people of
Nepal, the three major political parties – the Nepali Congress, the
CPN(UML) and the UCPN(M) – and all democratic forces for this
significant achievement.

India should have been the first to welcome the adoption of the
Constitution. Instead, the Modi government has adopted a negative
attitude and an unwarranted interventionist stance. Two days after the
adoption of the Constitution in the Constituent assembly, the Modi
government sent Foreign Secretary Jaishankar to Kathmandu to meet the
president and the prime minister and leaders of major political
parties in an attempt to stall the formal proclamation of the
Constitution which took place on September 20. The plea made for this
blatant interference in Nepal’s sovereign matters is that that
Constitution was not inclusive enough and there was serious unrest
among the Madhesi people. After the formal promulgation of the
Constitution, the Indian foreign ministry issued a statement
expressing concern at the protests and violence and just “noted” the
adoption of the Constitution. This was followed by two statements on
successive days expressing concern about the situation in the Terai
region and calling upon the Nepalese government to take the Madhesi
people’s concern on board as far as the Constitution is concerned. The
Indian Ambassador was also recalled for consultations.

There has often been a big brother attitude to Nepal on the part of
the Indian ruling establishment. This has however been taken to new
heights now with the callous disregard shown to Nepal’s sovereign
right to formulate the country’s Constitution as per their own
democratic process.

The Constitution has enunciated fundamental rights of citizens which
are more wide-ranging than those provided in the Indian Constitution.
The electoral system has provision for proportional representation for
45 percent of the seats in the House of Representatives. Quotas are
provided for women, dalits, Madeshis and janjatis in various
constitutional bodies. There are seven provinces and three levels of
government – the federal, provincial and local. There are many
features of the Constitution which represent an advance over existing
democratic Constitutions in South Asia, though there may be some
shortcomings too.

One of the clauses in the draft constitution which was opposed
vehemently by some sections in Nepal was the definition of Nepal State
as secular. The pro-monarchy Rashtriya Prajatantra Party and various
other Hindutva outfits organised protests throughout the country
demanding that Nepal be declared a Hindu State. The Constituent
Assembly rejected this demand overwhelmingly. The RSS and all the
Hindutva forces in India campaigned, supported and propped up the
forces within Nepal who wanted a Hindu Rashtra. BJP MP Avaidyanath had
written to the president of Nepal and the chairman of the Constituent
Assembly calling for Nepal to be declared a Hindu Rashtra. Earlier,
Rajnath Singh, the union home minister, as a BJP leader had visited
Nepal to attend the funeral of then Prime Minister GP Koirala in March
2010. On that occasion he had said “We used to feel proud that Nepal
was the only Hindu kingdom in the world. I will be happy when Nepal is
a Hindu state again.” (IANS, March 22, 2010). The Hindutva
organisations from India sent their sadhus and leaders to participate
in the campaign for a Hindu Rashtra in Nepal.

The rejection of the demand for a Hindu State and the assertion that
Nepal will be a secular republic has outraged the Hindutva forces in
India. The BJP shares this anger, though it cannot display it openly.
This has probably contributed to the negative stance taken by the Modi
government.

The Madhesi people who constitute 50 percent of the population of
Nepal may have legitimate grievances. But the Modi government’s open
stance advocating their cause cannot but be construed as an
interference in the internal affairs of a neighbouring country. The
Modi government’s stance of tacit support to the Madhesi agitation is
also motivated by the Bihar assembly elections where a large number of
people in the border districts are linked to the Madhesi people across
the border. Such narrow political considerations are also at play in
harming relations with Nepal. The government and the political
leadership in Nepal will have to consider how to accommodate the
aspirations of the Madhesi people. Constitutions are not rigid s

[GreenYouth] Nepal Updates: New Constitution and (Continuing) Indian Arm Twisting

2015-09-25 Thread Sukla Sen

I/II.
http://kathmandupost.ekantipur.com/news/2015-09-25/india-continues-to-obstruct-nepal-bound-freights.html

India continues to obstruct Nepal bound freights for third consecutive day
- Post Report, Kathmandu

Sep 25, 2015- The Indian authorities on Friday continued to stop the
Nepal bound freights at major entry points to Nepal from India in the
name of tightening security measures.

Indian customs officials have been obstructing the goods carrier
vehicles, LPG bullets and oil tankers at Nepal-India border citing
security reasons in Nepal’s Tarai region and orders from above.

The movement of freight trucks has been obstructed at key entry points
in Biratnagar, Kakadbhitta, Birgunj, Bhairahawa and Nepalgunj.
Sunauli border in Rupandehi has not seen any vehicular movements
except two empty freight-trucks since Friday morning.

Apparently upset over the promulgation of new constitution, Indian
side started holding up Nepal bound freights at the border since
Wednesday. The India has been expressing serious concerns over
increased violence in Tarai region and has been urging the government
to resolve the crisis through dialogue.

Published: 25-09-2015 18:31

II.
http://kathmandupost.ekantipur.com/news/2015-09-25/minister-adhikari-meets-indian-envoy-rae-urges-cooperatation-for-freights-movement.html

Minister Adhikari meets Indian envoy Rae, urges cooperatation for
freights' movement
- Post Report, Kathmandu

Sep 25, 2015- Indian Ambassador to Nepal Ranjit Rae on Friday called
on Minister for Health and Population Khaga Raj Adhikari and discussed
the situation at the border checkpoints between Nepal and India.

During the meeting held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Singha
Durbar, Minister Adhikari, who is also in charge of the Ministry of
Foreign Affairs, sought cooperation from the Indian government for
uninterrupted movement of vehicles carrying essential supplies to
Nepal as before.

Highlighting the significance of excellent relations existing between
the two governments and peoples, Minister Adhikari stressed on the
need to remove the lapses in the supply chain that has surfaced in
recent days, according to a statement issued by the Ministry of
Foreign Affairs.

He also assured that there would not be any security problem inside
the Nepali territory for the transport vehicles since arrangements are
already in place for their security.

Minister Adhikari also reiterated full commitment to ensuring security
of life and property of the Indian nationals in Nepal.

In response, Ambassador Rae said that he would convey the issues
raised by the Minister to the higher authorities of the Indian
Government.

Published: 25-09-2015 18:32
--
Peace Is Doable

[GreenYouth] Nepal Updates: New Constitution and (Continuing) Indian Arm Twisting

2015-09-25 Thread Sukla Sen

I/II.
http://kathmandupost.ekantipur.com/news/2015-09-25/india-continues-to-obstruct-nepal-bound-freights.html

India continues to obstruct Nepal bound freights for third consecutive day
- Post Report, Kathmandu

Sep 25, 2015- The Indian authorities on Friday continued to stop the
Nepal bound freights at major entry points to Nepal from India in the
name of tightening security measures.

Indian customs officials have been obstructing the goods carrier
vehicles, LPG bullets and oil tankers at Nepal-India border citing
security reasons in Nepal’s Tarai region and orders from above.

Published: 25-09-2015 18:31

II.
http://kathmandupost.ekantipur.com/news/2015-09-25/minister-adhikari-meets-indian-envoy-rae-urges-cooperatation-for-freights-movement.html

Minister Adhikari meets Indian envoy Rae, urges cooperatation for
freights' movement
- Post Report, Kathmandu

He also assured that there would not be any security problem inside
the Nepali territory for the transport vehicles since arrangements are
already in place for their security.

Minister Adhikari also reiterated full commitment to ensuring security
of life and property of the Indian nationals in Nepal.

In response, Ambassador Rae said that he would convey the issues
raised by the Minister to the higher authorities of the Indian
Government.

Published: 25-09-2015 18:32
--
Peace Is Doable

[GreenYouth] Nepal Updates: New Constitution and (Continuing) Indian Intervention

2015-09-24 Thread Sukla Sen

["In his meeting with Ambassador Upadhyay on Wednesday, India’s
National Security Adviser Ajit Doval had urged the Nepali envoy to go
to Kathmandu, if need be, to create a conducive environment for talks.
"According to sources, Doval also telephoned Indian Ambassador to
Nepal Ranjit Rae and asked him to convey to all sides of India’s
expectation for an early political agreement, peace and stability in
Nepal."
(Excerpted from, and highlighted in, the report at sl. no. III below.)

It is significant that on the Indian side the baton has virtually been
passed on from the Foreign Secretary to the National Security Advisor,
Ajit Doval, considered too close to Prime Minister Modi.]

I/III.
http://kathmandupost.ekantipur.com/news/2015-09-25/govt-defends-contents-of-new-constitution.html

Govt defends contents of new constitution
- Post Report, Kathmandu

Sep 25, 2015- The government on Thursday issued a statement defending
the contents of the new constitution.

According to the statement, the Constituent Assembly, with 601
members, itself reflects the diversity of various backward regions and
ethnic, religious, cultural and social groups, including Madhesis,
Adivasi Janjatis, Dalits and Muslims.

The government said that the constitution drafting went through a long
process, nearly eight years, characterised by inclusivity,
participation, transparency and openness, making it the largest
democratic exercise Nepal has ever had in its political and
constitutional history.

 “Republicanism, federalism with delineation of provincial boundaries,
secularism and religious freedom, separation of power, political
pluralism and competitive parliamentary system of governance, rule of
law, independent judiciary, human rights and proportional inclusion
are enshrined in the constitution. The debate and discussion on these
issues took considerable amount of time and energy to seek a
compromise,” the statement said.

“The government of Nepal believes that the promulgation of the new
constitution and the political development that has evolved through
painstaking democratic process will further contribute to the warm and
cordial relations that we enjoy with close neighbours, other friendly
countries and the international community.”

Noting that Nepali society is diverse in terms of religion, culture,
ethnicity and
geography, the government said it was impossible to
satisfy everyone’s demand in entirety.

The government, however, maintained that given the vast diversity of
Nepal and representation of political parties even with diametrically
opposite political views and non-majority situation in the Constituent
Assembly, promulgation of the constitution was possible only by
reaching compromise with broadest possible consensus.

It is evidently clear that the early promulgation of the new
constitution was an imperative to end protracted transition, which has
cost the country a lot in terms of political stability, economic
development and social progress, the statement said.

“Moreover, its promulgation is a historic achievement and a milestone
to preserve and institutionalise democratic gains that the people of
Nepal achieved over the years through historical people’s struggles
and movements.”

Thanking to the international community for their support, the
government extended its cordial thanks and appreciation to the
neighbours and all friendly countries and the international community
who for their valuable support to the Nepali people in the
constitution making process and its promulgation.

“The leader and the people of Nepal are aware of the fact that some
groups still harbour dissatisfaction with some of the provisions of
the constitution. The government and Nepali political parties have
repeatedly called for dialogue and expressed their commitment to
address the genuine concerns of any group through appropriate process
recognising the fact that the constitution itself is a dynamic
document and could be amended for the genuine cause of the people,”
the statement said.

The government, according to the statement, is wholly committed to the
principles of human rights while dealing with the violent and
aggressive agitators too. “However, the government is also cognizant
of the rights and duties of all democratic sovereign states and it is
equally essential to maintain law and order and to protect the life
and property of the people in all circumstances.”

Published: 25-09-2015 09:44

II.
http://kathmandupost.ekantipur.com/news/2015-09-25/yadav-warns-against-anti-indian-rhetoric.html

Yadav warns against anti-Indian rhetoric
- Post Report, Kathmandu

Sep 25, 2015- Sanghiya Samajbadi Forum Nepal Chairman Upendra Yadav
has urged against engaging in any activities that could effect the
Nepal-India relations.

 “It’s irresponsible to misinterpret, make unnecessary remarks or
suppress the protest of Madhesis, Adivasi Janajatis, Tharus, Dalits,
Muslims and other backward communities by linking their struggle with
the neighbour.

It won’

[GreenYouth] Nepal Updates: New Constitution in a nutshell

2015-09-23 Thread Sukla Sen

http://indianexpress.com/article/explained/eight-parts-305-articles-nepals-latest-constitution-in-a-nutshell/

Eight parts, 305 articles: Nepal’s latest constitution in a nutshell

Nepal’s seventh constitution in 67 years was promulgated in Kathmandu
on Sunday. Apart from the seven provisions to which New Delhi has
objected — the source of violent Madhesi protests along the border
with India — what else does it contain?

Written by Yubaraj Ghimire | Updated: September 24, 2015 2:34 am

President Ram Baran Yadav promulgates the constitution on Sunday [20
09 2015]. (Source: AP)

The preamble envisages establishment of sustainable peace, good
governance, development and prosperity in a federal democratic
republic. However, under Article 274, nothing except the sovereignty,
territorial integrity and independence of Nepal — with the Nepalese
people as the source of that independence — is unalterable or
unamendable. A future Parliament may, by a two-thirds majority, change
in part or whole, the federal, secular character of the republic.

*Sovereignty and state authority; the Nation*
The sovereignty and authority of the state are vested in the Nepali
people. Having multi-ethnic, multi-lingual, multi-religious,
multi-cultural characteristics, with common aspirations of people
living in diverse geographical regions, and committed to and united by
a bond of allegiance to national independence, integrity, national
interest and prosperity of Nepal, all the Nepali people collectively
constitute the nation.

WATCH VIDEO: Nepal’s New Constitution Most Progressive But An Open
Document : Nepal’s Ambassador To India
[Video]

*The state of Nepal*
Nepal is an independent, indivisible, sovereign, secular, inclusive,
democratic, socialism-oriented, federal, republican state. The
constitution clarifies that ‘secularism’ in this context means the
preservation of dharma sanskriti (religion and culture) that has been
in existence for generations (sanatan), as well as the freedom of
religion and culture. The explanation of secularism was introduced in
the wake of mass movements against the provision of secularism, and in
favour of Nepal continuing to be a Hindu state.

*Citizenship*
This has been contentious; many in the plains complain they have been
denied the right to be citizens. Between 2006 and 2008, some 3 million
were granted citizenship, but there were allegations of
irregularities.

Under the constitution, no Nepali resident can be denied the right to
acquire citizenship, and there shall be a provision for a single
federal citizenship with the name of the province to which the citizen
belongs.

Almost all top constitutional posts, including that of head of state,
are reserved for citizens by descent — one of the provisions that
India has objected to as being discriminatory to the many Madhesis who
have acquired citizenship by birth or naturalisation.

*Right to religious freedom*
According to the constitution, each person is free to profess,
practise, and preserve his/her religion according to his/her faith,
and distance himself/herself from any other religion. However, no
person shall act or make others act against public health, decency and
morality, or behave or act or make others act to disturb public law
and order, or convert a person of one religion to another religion, or
disturb the religion of others. The EU and Scandinavian countries had
lobbied hard for a right to convert, but the proposal was dropped
following widespread protests.

*International treaties*
Past treaties shall be reviewed, and new ones signed, on the basis of
equality and mutual interest. The ratification of any treaty that has
a bearing on Nepal’s peaceful and friendly relations with other
countries, security and strategic interests, its boundaries and
natural resources, shall need a two-thirds majority in Parliament.

*The federal executive*
Executive powers shall vest in the cabinet. The President shall
appoint as its head the leader of the largest party commanding a
majority in the House of Representatives.

*The federal legislature*
It will be bicameral, with a House of Representatives — 165 members of
which will be elected by the first past the post system, and 110 by
the system of proportional representation — a third of whose members
shall be women, and a National assembly of 59 members. Either the
chair or deputy chair of these Houses shall have to be women.

*The judiciary*
The three-tier judiciary will have high courts and district courts
below the supreme court. The SC Chief Justice will serve until the age
of 65, or for six years, whichever is earlier.

*National Security Council*
A seven-member council will be headed by the prime minister. The chief
of the army will be a member. The decision to include the COAS was
taken very late.
--
Peace Is Doable

--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups
"Green Youth Movement" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send a

[GreenYouth] Nepal Updates: New Constitution and India's Spectacularly Failed Intervention: Two Views from India

2015-09-23 Thread Sukla Sen

I/II.
http://scroll.in/article/757599/the-daily-fix-with-nepal-ignoring-indias-requests-on-new-constitution-modi-faces-a-massive-foreign-policy-failure

With Nepal ignoring India's requests on new constitution, Modi faces a
massive foreign policy failure

Shoaib Daniyal · Today · 09:25 am

The Big Story: We are not another Sikkim

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s November 2014 visit to Nepal was a gala
event. With much publicity, Modi visited the famous Pashupati Nath
temple and enthralled crowds wherever he went. However, beyond the
optics, the core diplomacy side of the visit, it has now become clear,
was far less successful, as Nepal’s newly promulgated constitution
clean ignores almost all of Big Brother India’s policy objectives.

Nepal’s federal constitution restricts the political rights of the
Madhesis, the Taru and janjatis (adivasi) groups. Madhesi people share
close ethnic ties with Bihar and the region that they dominate, the
Terai, adjoins India. Delhi fears that unrest in the region could have
a spillover effect in India, especially given that the Bihar elections
will be conducted soon.

While India tried its utmost to influence the constitution-making
process to address these concerns, in the end, Nepali politicians
ignored the Modi government when promulgating the new constitution.
This came after a backlash from Nepal, where India was largely seen to
be an overbearing Big Brother, dictating terms. Prime Minister Sushil
Koirala’s press adviser even wrote an op-ed asking India not to
interference.

As a last-minute response, India has now taken the unprecedented step
of asking Nepal to make seven specific changes to its constitution.

The process has consequently seen a sharp backlash from the Nepali
media. The Kathmandu Post says in an editorial, "Delhi would do well
not to be seen as crossing the red line to meet its objective. It
could box itself in a difficult position and see it lose its
diplomatic leverage against certain parties and sections of the
polarised society."

On social media, angry Nepalis also trended #backoffIndia which
trended worldwide for around two days till Tuesday.

Until now, Nepal has refused to bend. Nepal’s ambassador to India Deep
Kumar Upadhyay claiming in an interview with the Indian Express that
his country’s constitution was the “most progressive in South Asia”
and “is better than the Indian Constitution since it takes care of
minorities as well as women”.

II.
http://blogs.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Globespotting/nepal-messed-up-its-constitution-india-messed-up-its-handling-of-nepal/

Nepal messed up its constitution, India messed up its handling of Nepal

September 24, 2015, 12:00 AM IST Indrani Bagchi in Globespotting |
Edit Page, India, World | TOI

For years Indians have been trying to get Nepal’s fractious and
petulant leaders to clean up their act to write a constitution. Having
done that, we find ourselves inexplicably in a constitutional mess
there, and a severely dented relationship. In fact, all Prime Minister
Narendra Modi’s investment in building a new relationship with Nepal
has just washed down the Sun-Kosi River.

Nepal now has a constitution that will create an unequal society, and
perpetuate the hold of the Brahmin-Chetri elite. Frankly, if the
Nepalese population were all happy with it, India would have no card
to play. But there have been violent protests for well over a month in
the Madhesi, Tharu-dominated Terai region, with major human rights
violations, in areas abutting the Indian border. With Bihar elections
coming up, the border areas will be aflame for some time, adding to
the uncertain security situation.

India though is in an avoidable diplomatic situation. First, there was
no way the establishment did not know this was coming – we have the
biggest political, popular and security presence in Nepal. Second,
it’s laughable for us to claim “betrayal” by Nepal’s leaders. So
Nepal’s leaders outmanoeuvred India to get themselves the constitution
they wanted.

Now, India cannot openly bat for the Madhesis and other disaffected
groups without alienating the hill people or Kathmandu. New Delhi
cannot take heavy-handed measures against Kathmandu because that would
be like sitting on a squashed cabbage leaf. But there will be
consequences against Kathmandu, there is no doubt about that. More’s
the pity.
Actually, though New Delhi is loath to admit it, Nepal fell off the
radar. There is a security relationship with Kathmandu, but that
should not be allowed to overtake the substantive political and
diplomatic relationship. That’s exactly what has happened.

After the PM’s visits and massive mobilisation of government resources
for Nepal’s earthquake, there was a sense in the government that they
could go back to the episodic focus on Nepal. Nepali leaders too are
not easy to deal with, which added to the ennui.
Leaders across the political spectrum in India have excellent
relations with their Nepalese counterparts, who should have been
acti

[GreenYouth] Nepal Updates: India's Failed Attempt at Intervention in Constitution Making Triggers Undesirable Tension

2015-09-22 Thread Sukla Sen

[Just imagine what would have been the response from the Indian side
had Nepal opted to comment, and advise, on the Gorkhaland issue and
the related violence, regardless of the merits of such advice.]

I/III.
http://indianexpress.com/article/world/neighbours/make-seven-changes-to-your-constitution-address-madhesi-concerns-india-to-nepal/

Make seven changes to your Constitution, address Madhesi concerns:
India to Nepal

These “amendments” have been conveyed to Nepal’s leadership by the
Indian government through official channels Ranjit Rae, India’s
ambassador to Nepal.

Members of the United Madheshies of Nepal protest outside the Nepal
embassy in New Delhi, Tuesday. (Source: PTI)

Upset over Nepal’s newly promulgated Constitution, New Delhi wants
Kathmandu to carry out “seven amendments” to ensure it is acceptable
to the Madhesis and Janjatis, South Block sources told The Indian
Express Tuesday. These amendments are at the heart of the protests and
violence in Nepal which have left at least 40 dead.

Read: We cannot bow down before pressure or persuasion: Prachanda

These “amendments” have been conveyed to Nepal’s leadership by the
Indian government through official channels — Ranjit Rae, India’s
ambassador to Nepal, is in New Delhi for consultations — after South
Block reviewed the new Constitution.

Watch Video
India Wants Nepal To Carry Out 7 Amendments In The Constitution

The proposed amendments are:

* Article 63 (3) of the Interim Constitution provided electoral
constituencies based on population, geography and special
characteristics, “and in the case of Madhes on the basis of percentage
of population”. Under this provision, Madhes, with more than 50 per
cent of the population, got 50 per cent of seats in Parliament. The
latter phrase has been omitted in Article 84 of the new Constitution.
“It needs to be re-inserted so that Madhes continues to have electoral
constituencies in proportion to its population,” a government source
told The Indian Express.

* In Article 21 of the Interim Constitution, it was mentioned that
various groups would have “the right to participate in state
structures on the basis of principles of proportional inclusion”. In
the new Constitution (Article 42), the word “proportional” has been
dropped — Delhi wants it re-inserted.

* Article 283 of the Constitution states that only citizens by descent
will be entitled to hold the posts of President, Vice-President, Prime
Minister, Chief Justice, Speaker of Parliament, Chairperson of
National Assembly, Head of Province, Chief Minister, Speaker of
Provincial Assembly and Chief of Security Bodies. This clause is seen
as discriminatory for the large number of Madhesis who have acquired
citizenship by birth or naturalisation. Delhi says this should be
amended to include citizenship by birth or naturalisation.

* Article 86 of the new Constitution states that National Assembly
will comprise 8 members from each of 7 States and 3 nominated members.
Madhesi parties want representation in National Assembly to be based
on population of the Provinces. This, Delhi says, should be done to
address concerns.

* Five disputed districts of Kanchanpur, Kailali, Sunsari, Jhapa and
Morang: Based on the majority of the population, these districts or
parts of them may be included in the neighbouring Madhes Provinces.

* Article 154 of the Interim Constitution provided for delineation of
electoral constituencies every 10 years. This has been increased to 20
years in Article 281 of the new Constitution. Echoing the Madhesi
parties, India wants this restored to 10 years.

* Article 11(6) states that a foreign woman married to a Nepali
citizen may acquire naturalised citizenship of Nepal as provided for
in a federal law. Madhesi parties want acquisition of naturalised
citizenship to be automatic on application. This also finds favour
with Delhi.

Sources said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi called up counterpart
Sushil Koirala on August 25. He appealed to the government, all
political parties and the people of Nepal to eschew violence and
maintain social harmony.

“During the August 25 phone call, the PM told Koirala that the
political leadership of Nepal should resolve all outstanding issues
through dialogue with all political parties and through the process of
widest possible consultation, including with the public… to strengthen
the climate of trust and confidence across and between all sections of
society, and arrive at solutions that reflect the will and accommodate
the aspirations of all citizens of a richly diverse society within a
united, peaceful, stable and prosperous Nepal,” an official said,
quoting from a statement of the Ministry of External Affairs.

In the last one month, New Delhi repeatedly asked Kathmandu — this
included sending Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar as the PM’s envoy — to
accommodate concerns being expressed by Madhesis and Tharus but that
did not happen.

Former Indian ambassador to Nepal Jayant Prasad told The Indian
Expre

[GreenYouth] Nepal Updates: Promulgation of New Constitution as Viewed by the Leading Indian English Daily

2015-09-20 Thread Sukla Sen

[It's a front page news.]

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/south-asia/Nepal-snubs-India-adopts-constitution-amid-protests/articleshow/49034772.cms

Nepal snubs India, adopts constitution amid protests
Indrani Bagchi,TNN | Sep 20, 2015, 06.06 PM IST

Nepal adopts first democratic Constitution
[Video]

NEW DELHI: ***In a spectacular rebuff to India, Nepal on Sunday
promulgated a constitution despite India's pleas to postpone until it
could be more acceptable to a greater number of people in the
Himalayan republic.*** [Emphasis added.]

The announcement came alongside violent protests leading to a death,
and the new constitution's rejection by almost 40 per cent of the
population of the country, raising questions about its legitimacy.

Nepal's decision, coming a day after foreign secretary S Jaishankar's
visit, leaves India grappling with the spillover of the continuing
violence and a growing security problem on its borders, particularly
on the eve of Bihar elections.

Jaishankar had met Nepalese leaders on Friday as PM Narendra Modi's
special envoy, suggesting to them a constitution should not be
accompanied by such widespread unrest, and suggested they postpone the
promulgation until the situation in the terai region was brought to
normal, or even consider making a public assurance to the protesting
communities.

The suggestion was disregarded even as there were voices in Kathmandu
protesting against the visit of the Indian special envoy, accusing
India of interference.

Over the past few months, as the protests have grown among people in
Nepal's terai region — such as the Madhesis, Tharus and Janjatis — a
stream of Nepali leaders have assured the PM and other Indian leaders
that they would accommodate their concerns. Ajit Doval, national
security adviser and foreign minister Sushma Swaraj have tried to
persuade the Nepali leadership, but in vain.

In a coldly worded statement, India stopped short of welcoming the new
constitution, which is significant given the years India has spent
exhorting the Nepalese leadership to complete the exercise. "Noting"
the development, MEA said, "We urge that issues on which there are
differences should be resolved through dialogue in an atmosphere free
from violence and intimidation, and institutionalized in a manner that
would enable broad-based ownership and acceptance."

India's thumbs down has been echoed by the US and EU, both of whom
have, in the past few days, expressed concerns about the violence, and
urged for it to be more inclusive. China on the other hand has
wholeheartedly approved the constitution, which could be used by the
Nepal leadership, thumbing their nose at India.

Cautioning that Nepal's leadership was taking a "false step", former
ambassador to Nepal, Jayant Prasad, said, "All constitutions -
Bangladesh, Pakistan and India - have been unanimously endorsed by
their people. But here 20 districts are under curfew in the midst of
violent protests. How legitimate can this exercise be?"

There have been questions about the haste with which the promulgation
was pushed through, and the role played by K P Oli, who expects to be
the next PM, in the process. Sushil Koirala, the incumbent prime
minister, plans to look for global endorsement for the move when he
addresses the UN next week.

On Sunday, Nepali ambassador Deep Upadhyay asked the Indian government
to intercede with the Madhesi groups and ask them to stop their
protests.

In its statement, India also cautioned Nepal. "We are concerned that
the situation in several parts of the country bordering India
continues to be violent. Our ambassador in Kathmandu has spoken to the
prime minister of Nepal in this regard."

Over the past month, almost 50 people have died in the growing
violence in the terai areas of Nepal, which has pitted the pahadi
(hill) people against those living in the terai, with the Madhesis,
Tharus and Janjatis up in arms against the new constitution.

The final document has created a couple of major problem areas. First,
when the provinces were being drawn up, parts of Madhesh areas were
placed in hill provinces, which would have implications for their
representation in future parliaments. Second, a clause from the
interim constitution, that there would be proportional representation
for Madhesis in high offices, was dropped. What Nepal now faces is
sharp polarization between the hill people and terai people. With the
Janjatis adding to the protests, the prospects of a return of radical
left politics cannot be ruled out.

Politically, the process consolidates the prominence of the old elite
in Nepal. K P Oli is likely to be the next prime minister with Sushil
Koirala as president and Sher Bahadur Deuba as chief of Nepali
Congress. Even though the Nepalese defense has been to point to
Madhesi leaders in the main parties, the fact is they have kept out
all the Madhesi groups from the process and outcome.

In the face of Indian persuasion, Nepali leaders have said they would
rather

[GreenYouth] Nepal Updates: New Constitution Promulgated

2015-09-20 Thread Sukla Sen

I/III.
http://kathmandupost.ekantipur.com/news/2015-09-20/ca-turns-into-legislature-parliament-as-it-completes-its-task.html

CA turns into Legislature-Parliament as it completes its task
- Post Report, Kathmandu

Sep 20, 2015- With the promulgation of new constitution, the
Constituent Assembly (CA) has completed its task. CA Chairman Subas
Nembang on Sunday announced the completion of CA meeting.

According to Article 296 of the Constitution of Nepal 2072 implemented
on Sunday, the CA will turn into Legislature-Parliament.

The CA had been also playing the role of Legislature-Parliament prior
to this. After the first Constituent Assembly failed to draft the new
constitution, the second CA election was held on Nov 19, 2013.

The second CA met for 135 times.

Published: 20-09-2015 19:25

II/III.
http://kathmandupost.ekantipur.com/news/2015-09-20/indian-moea-issues-statement-on-constitution-promulgation.html

Indian MoEA issues statement on constitution promulgation
- Post Report, Kathmandu

Sep 20, 2015- The External Affairs Ministry of India on Sunday issued
a statement on the situation in Nepal following the promulgation of
Constitution of Nepal 2072.

Extending the India’s best wishes to the people of Nepal, the
statement said throughout the process of Constitution making in Nepal,
India has supported a federal, democratic, republican and inclusive
Constitution. “We note the promulgation in Nepal today of a
Constitution,” read the statement.

As per the statement, Indian Ambassador to Nepal Ranit Rae drew the
attention of Prime Minister Sushil Koirala regarding the violence that
is ongoing in several parts of the country bordering with India.

“We urge that issues on which there are differences should be resolved
through dialogue in an atmosphere free from violence and intimidation,
and institutionalized in a manner that would enable broad-based
ownership and acceptance. This would lay the foundation of harmony,
progress and development in Nepal,” read the statement.

Published: 20-09-2015 19:44

III.
http://kathmandupost.ekantipur.com/news/2015-09-20/forgotten-promises.html

[Constitution special] Forgotten promises
The rights of marginalised communities and minorities in Nepal’s
Constitution 2015
- MUKTA S. LAMA TAMANG, Kathmandu

Sep 20, 2015- Nepal’s journey towards a new constitution and state
restructuring began with a promise that it would ensure the rights of
the marginalised: the indigenous peoples, Dalits, Madhesis, Muslims
and other minorities. This commitment to ensure equality and to end
discrimination is not only mentioned in the Comprehensive Peace
Accord, the Interim Constitution 2007 and the Constituent Assembly
(CA) election manifestos of the political parties but also in the
numerous agreements signed by the government of Nepal with various
agitating groups who have experienced historical injustice. The
state, through those agreements, promised that their identities will
be recognised and respected, political autonomy ensured, and the
policies of inclusion institutionalised, among others.

Undoing the gains
The new constitution, nevertheless, seems to have conveniently
forgetten many of these promises and overlooked the very purpose for
which the task of writing a new constitution was undertaken. As
document derived from the first CA recommendations and resolutions,
the new constitution does give continuity to a number of affirmative
actions for the marginalised. But it appears to have missed the
fundamental points. While the political parties steering the CA, may
claim the new constitution to be the most progressive statute, a
closer look reveals that the provisions on the key issues of the
rights of the marginalised and minorities have unfortunately been
rendered obscure. By the time the constitutional clauses reached the
stage for voting in CA, many articles on minority rights had been
omitted, and their wordings either fragmented or distorted. As a
result, the essence of many provisions has become unrecognisable.
Take the issue of secularism for example. The separation of religion
and state was one of the aspirations of the marginalised groups and
liberals to be free from the domination of a single religion as well
as to democratise the state. In Article 4.1 of the draft constitution
submitted as bill, the state of Nepal was defined as “an independent,
indivisible, sovereign, secular, inclusive, socialism-oriented,
democratic, federal republic”. An amendment to the finalised
version, however, provides an explanation on how the concept of
secularism or dharma nirapechhyata should be understood in the context
of Nepal. The explanation reads, “for the purpose of this article,
dharma nirapechhyata should be understood as protection of religion
and culture that is being carried out from the sanatana”. The word
‘sanatana has two meanings. The first meaning is ‘eternal dharma’ also
used alternatively to mean Hindu religion. The second meaning is
‘continuing from the ancien

[GreenYouth] Nepal Updates: Indian Intervention

2015-09-19 Thread Sukla Sen

I/III.
http://kathmandupost.ekantipur.com/news/2015-09-19/utilise-time-before-statute-promulgation.html

‘Utilise time before statute promulgation’
- Post Report, Kathmandu

UCPN (M) Chairman Dahal expresses concerns over the timing of
Jaishankar’s visit as a special envoy

Sep 19, 2015- Indian Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar, who arrived in
Kathmandu on Friday as a special envoy of Indian Prime Minister
Narendra Modi, held extensive meetings with key Nepali leaders in an
effort to persuade them for ‘widest possible agreement’ on new
constitution.

***Urging leaders of the three parties to bring disgruntled
Madhes-based parties and Tharus on board before promulgating the new
constitution, Jaishankar suggested that the window until the
promulgation of new constitution be used effectively to push for its
wider acceptance. India remains concerned by the lack of broad
ownership of the current draft and by ongoing protest in Tarai region
that borders India. India remains worried about spillover effect of
protests in Tarai.*** [Emphasis added.]

India has sent a consistent message throughout the current
constitution drafting process: ensure widest possible agreement on
constitution for peace and stability in the country. In his separate
meetings with President Ram Baran Yadav, Prime Minister Sushil Koirala
and CPN-UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli, UCPN (Maoist) Chairman Pushpa
Kamal Dahal and heads of Madhes-based parties, Secretary Jaishankar
stressed the importance of incorporating disgruntled voices while
completing a historic task of constitution writing process.
Immediately after arriving in Nepal, Jaishankar held two-hour
discussion with CPN-UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli, leading prime
ministerial contender. Jaishankar recommended that the UML leadership
take all disgruntled groups into confidence on constitution.

Oli said their calls for talks went unheeded and that beyond a point
they could not delay the constitution process. “We have not stopped
reaching out to the disgruntled parties. More parties will join us
before promulgating new constitution,” Oli assured Jaishankar,
according to UML Chief Whip Agni Kharel, who was present in the
meeting. “‘Genuine concerns’ of the disgruntled groups will be
addressed even after the promulgation of the constitution.” Stating
the process was internal affairs of Nepal, Oli urged Jaishankar for
India’s support in completing Nepal’s historic task. In his response,
Jaishankar clarified that India is only offering suggestions as an
immediate neighbour.

Following the meeting with Oli, Jaishankar had a lunch meeting with
Samyukta Loktantrik Madhesi Morcha, an alliance of four Madhesi
parties, that has been protesting in the southern plains.

***During the meeting, the Madhesi leaders urged for India’s support,
while briefing Jaishankar on the protest in Tarai and state’s
response.*** [Emphasis added.]

Laxman Lal Karna, a leader of the front, said Madhesi leaders had
collectively informed about ‘widespread oppression of the ongoing
protest centered in Madhes’. “We put forth our differences with major
parties regarding the draft Constitution.

We clarified that we will continue our protest against the
constitution as it curtails rights of Madhesi people,” said Karna.

In his meeting with UCPN (Maoist) Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal,
Jaishankar had said that the protest in Tarai had security
implications for India.

In response, Dahal urged him to look at the interest of India as a
whole. The Maoist chairman also expressed his concern over the timing
of Jaishankar’s visit as special envoy. “It should have been either
prior to the endorsement of the constitution bill or on the day of
promulgation,” Dahal was quoted as saying by an aide. “On Madhes, we
as Nepalis are more concerned than India.”

Prime Minister Sushil Koirala told Jaishankar that the parties are
trying to accommodate Madhesi concerns. “But no one should say it is
my way or highway,” an aide quoted Koirala as saying. “We are trying
to find a win-win solution.”

A statement issued by Prime Minister’s Office said that Prime Minister
Koirala expressed his gratitude to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi
for attaching such significance to relations with Nepal and
dispatching a special envoy. Jaishankar said India wished to see a
sustainable peace, stability and development in Nepal and that the
constitution have to be based on these goals, the PMO statement added.

Before meeting PM Koirala, Secretary Jaishankar met President Ram
Baran Yadav and reiterated India’s concerns. President Yadav’s Press
Advisor Rajendra Dahal said the meeting was “purely a courtesy call.”

Published: 19-09-2015 08:44

II/III.
Big 3, MJF-L deal stuck on wording
- Post Report, Kathmandu

Sep 19, 2015- Even as leaders from both sides have narrowed down
“almost all” outstanding differences, talks between the three major
parties and Madhesi Janadhikar Forum-Loktantrik (MJF-L) could not
produce tangible outcome following contention over the terminologies

[GreenYouth] Nepal Updates: Indian Intervention

2015-09-18 Thread Sukla Sen

[Indian Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar arrived here in Kathmandu at 9
am Friday. Upon his arrival, the Indian Foreign Secretary was taken to
Hotel Dwarika.
The Indian Foreign Secretary, along with Joint Secretary Abhaya Thakur
and Indian Ambassador to Nepal Ranjit Rae, arrived here with Indian
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Old message of widest possible
agreement” on Nepal’s new constitution.]

I/II
http://kathmandupost.ekantipur.com/news/2015-09-18/indian-foreign-secy-meets-uml-chairman-oli.html

Indian Foreign Secy meets UML Chairman Oli
- Post Report, Kathmandu

Sep 18, 2015- ***Indian Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar arrived here in
Kathmandu at 9 am Friday. Upon his arrival, the Indian Foreign
Secretary was taken to Hotel Dwarika.
The Indian Foreign Secretary, along with Joint Secretary Abhaya Thakur
and Indian Ambassador to Nepal Ranjit Rae, arrived here with Indian
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Old message of widest possible
agreement” on Nepal’s new constitution.*** [Emphasis added.]

Jaishankar began his meeting with CPN-UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli at
the latter’s residence in Balkot after Prime Minister Sushil Koirala
had to attend a cabinet meeting this morning. The Indian Foreign
Secretary will be meeting PM Koirala at evening.

Likewise, Indian Foreign Secretary Jaishankar has organised a lunch
for leaders of various political parties at the Lainchaur-based Indian
Embassy at 1 pm. He will be meeting leaders of Madhes-based parties
and discusses the current political situation.

Similarly, the Indian Foreign Secretary will also meet President Ram
Baran Yadav at 3pm and UCPN (Maoist) Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal at 5
pm. The Jaishankar-led delegation will return Delhi on Saturday
morning.

During his visit as the Indian PM’s special envoy, Jaishankar is
expected to take stock of Nepal’s political situation and convey
Modi’s message to Nepal’s political leadership.

Indian Foreign Secy meets UML Chairman Oli
KATHMANDU
Indian Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar arrived here in Kathmandu at 9
am Friday. Upon his arrival, the Indian Foreign Secretary was taken to
Hotel Dwarika.

The Indian Foreign Secretary, along with Joint Secretary Abhaya Thakur
and Indian Ambassador to Nepal Ranjit Rae, arrived here with Indian
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Old message of widest possible
agreement” on Nepal’s new constitution.

K.P. Sharma Oli @kpsharmaoli
बालकोट निवासमा भारतीय विदेश सचिव एस. जयशंकरको टोलीसँग छलफल चल्दै...
11:14 AM - 18 Sep 2015
14 14 Retweets 53 53 favorites

During his visit as the Indian PM’s special envoy, Jaishankar is
expected to take stock of Nepal’s political situation and convey
Modi’s message to Nepal’s political leadership.

Published: 18-09-2015 11:42

II.
http://kathmandupost.ekantipur.com/news/2015-09-18/big-three-mjf-l-meet-inconclusive.html

Big three, MJF-L meet inconclusive
Parties to continute discussions today
- RSS, Kathmandu

Sep 18, 2015- The prolonged meeting of the major three political
parties and the Madhesi Janadhikar Forum Nepal- Loktantrik (MJF-L)
ended without conclusion late night Thursday.

After the meeting held at the Prime Minister's residence, Baluwatar,
MJF-L Chairman Bijay Kumar Gachchhadar said they could not reach the
conclusion, but decided to continue meeting on Friday too.

Similarly, Vice-Chairman of the CPN-UML, Bhim Bahadur Rawal, said
although the big three parties proposed the MJF-L of addressing the
demand of proportional inclusiveness, sorting out disputes on
delineation of province through federal commission, and devising at
least one constituency in each 75 district and others based on
population, the latter did not agree on it, thereby ending the meeting
without conclusion.

Prime Minister and Nepali Congress President Sushil Koirala, NC Vice
President Ram Chandra Poudel, CPN-UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli, senior
leaders Jhalanath Khanal and Madhav Kumar Nepal, UCPN (Maoist)
Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal, Vice Chairman Narayankaji Shrestha and
MJF-L Chairman Bijaya Kumar Gachhadar attended the meeting.

Published: 18-09-2015 11:11
--
Peace Is Doable

--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups
"Green Youth Movement" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email
to

[GreenYouth] Nepal Updates: In a Landmark Development Constituent Assembly Approves Today the New Constitution; to be Promulgated on 20th

2015-09-16 Thread Sukla Sen

http://kathmandupost.ekantipur.com/news/2015-09-16/salient-features-of-the-new-constitution.html

Salient features of the new Constitution
- RSS, Kathmandu

Sep 16, 2015- The Constitution of Nepal 2072 passed on Wednesday (Sept
16) by the Constituent Assembly meeting envisions a federal democratic
republican and inclusive and prosperous Nepal by institutionalising
the achievements of the democratic movements held in the country.

Realising a dream cherished by the Nepali people since the past 65
years, the new constitution will formally take the country towards a
federal structure from the existing unitary structure that remained
rooted in the country for 240 years. The new statute has proposed to
federate the country into seven federal units, which will be one of
the significant changes to take place on the basis of the new
constitution.

The new constitution that will be formally promulgated on September 20
expresses the determination to build an equitable society on the basis
of the principle of proportional inclusion and participation, by
ensuring economic equality, prosperity and social justice.
The preamble of the constitution also mentions people's competitive
multi-party democratic system, civic freedom, fundamental rights,
human rights, period election, voting rights, full press freedom,
independent, fair and competent judiciary, building of a prosperous
nation with the commitment to socialism based on rule of law, and
democratic norms and values, and durable peace, good governance,
development through the federal democratic republic.

Similarly, in order to get the citizenship by decent, one needs to
have father or mother Nepali at the time of his/her birth.

Protection of the age old religions and culture, secularism with
freedom to adopt any religion are other salient features of the
constitution.

The executive rights of the country shall vest on the Council of
Ministers while the President would be ceremonial head-of-the-state.

Similarly, a bi-cameral federal parliament, a constitutional bench in
the Supreme Court, and formation of constitutional commissions on
national natural resources and finance, on national inclusion, on
indigenous nationalities, on Madhesi, on Tharu and on Muslim are other
features of the new constitution that is finally coming after two CA
elections and almost a decade of constitution drafting process. RSS


Published: 16-09-2015 21:33
-- 
Peace Is Doable

-- 
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups 
"Green Youth Movement" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email 
to greenyouth+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com.
To post to this group, send an email to greenyouth@googlegroups.com.
Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/greenyouth.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.

[GreenYouth] Nepal Updates: Voting on Draft Constitution by the Constituent Assembly Likely to Conclude Today

2015-09-15 Thread Sukla Sen

http://kathmandupost.ekantipur.com/news/2015-09-16/ca-begins-voting-likely-to-conclude-today.html

CA begins voting, likely to conclude today
- Post Report, Kathmandu

Sep 16, 2015- The Constituent Assembly has began voting on the
articles of the new constitution as soon as the meeting began at
around 11 am today.

CA Chairman Nembang wished for a happy Teej festival and began the
voting process at CA building in New Baneshwor.

***CA had approved 176 of the 302 articles on Tuesday including
parliamentary system with bicameral legislature, ceremonial presidency
and three-tier judiciary in the new federal setup*** [emphasis added].
The remaining articles are likely to be concluded today.

Published: 16-09-2015 11:29
-- 
Peace Is Doable

-- 
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups 
"Green Youth Movement" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email 
to greenyouth+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com.
To post to this group, send an email to greenyouth@googlegroups.com.
Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/greenyouth.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.

[GreenYouth] Nepal Updates: Constitution Promulgation Date Endorsed and Demand for Constitutional Monarchy Overwhelmingly Rejected by the Constituent Assembly

2015-09-15 Thread Sukla Sen

I/II.
http://kathmandupost.ekantipur.com/news/2015-09-15/proposal-on-setting-constitution-promulgation-date-endorsed.html

Proposal on setting constitution promulgation date endorsed
- RSS, Kathmandu

Sep 15, 2015- ***A meeting of the Constituent Assembly on Tuesday
unanimously passed the proposal on fixing the date for the
promulgation of the Revised Bill of the Constitution of Nepal, 2072 on
September 20.*** [Emphasis added.]

A proposal on determining the date for the announcement of the
Constitution of Nepal before the Nepali people was tabled in the CA
meeting on behalf of the three major parties- Nepali Congress, CPN
(UML) and UCPN (Maoist).

Chief Whip of the Nepali Congress Chin Kaji Shrestha was the sponsor
of the proposal while the CPN (UML) Chief Whip Agni Prasad Kharel and
the UCPN (Maoist) Chief Whip Giriraj Mani Pokharel seconded it.

Meanwhile, Constituent Assembly Chairman Subas Nembang extended
official invitation to President Ram Baran Yadav this morning for his
presence in the constitution promulgation ceremony to be organised at
the Constituent Assembly building at 5 pm on September 20.

Published: 15-09-2015 16:54

II.
http://kathmandupost.ekantipur.com/news/2015-09-15/ca-meet-endorses-75-articles-rpp-ns-monarchy-proposal-rejected.html

CA meet endorses 126 articles, RPP-N's monarchy proposal rejected
- Post Report, Kathmandu

Sep 15, 2015-

The ongoing voting process at the Constitution Assembly has endorsed
upto 126 articles of the revised draft constitution on Tuesday.

The draft constitution has a total of 302 articles.

The Constituent Assembly (CA) meet has been postponed for until 2 pm
on Tuesday after endorsing 99 articles of the revised draft
constitution.

The meeting had endorsed 57 articles on Monday, including the
seven-province model of federal structure.

***Today’s meeting rejected the amendment proposal to replace the
provision of president with monarchy registered by Rastriya
Prajatantra Party-Nepal (RPP-N). RPP-N Chairman Thapa had registered
an amendment motion on the Article 61 of the constitution.***
[Emphasis added.]

Thapa’s proposal was supported only by 25 CA members of RPP-N.
According to the CA regulations, it requires the support of 61 CA
members to put a proposal for voting.

Also today, the CA members also voted down the amendment proposal
seeking directly elected executive president registered jointly by
Satya Narayan Bhagat and Surendra Prasad Jayaswal.

At the Legislature-Parliament meeting, Law Minister Narahari Acharya
tabled the revised Bill on National Reconstruction Authority on
Tuesday. The House session was deferred for 7 pm today evening after
the Bill was tabled.

The three major parties—Nepali Congress (NC), CPN-UML and UCPN
(Maoist—had agreed to present a new Bill on National Reconstruction
Authority.

The ordinance on Reconstruction Authority, under which authority and
its chief executive officer was appointed, had failed to get validity
as a replacement Bill could not be passed from Parliament.

Published: 15-09-2015 12:42
--
Peace Is Doable

[GreenYouth] Nepal Updates: Demand for Hindu Rashtra Overwhelmingly Rejected by the Constituent Assembly

2015-09-14 Thread Sukla Sen

I/.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/south-asia/Nepal-to-stay-secular-proposal-for-a-Hindu-nation-rejected/articleshow/48959256.cms

Nepal to stay secular, proposal for a Hindu nation rejected

PTI | Sep 14, 2015, 07.36 PM IST

KATHMANDU: A proposal to declare Nepal a Hindu state was
overwhelmingly rejected by the constituent assembly on Monday which
reaffirmed that the Hindu-majority nation will remain secular.

The proposal made by pro-Hindu National Democratic Party Nepal to
amend the constitution to make Nepal a Hindu state was rejected by
more than two-thirds of lawmakers who declared that the country should
remain secular as the constituent assembly resumed voting on
individual articles of the draft constitution.

After assembly chairman Subas Chandra Nembang announced that the
proposal has been rejected, Kamal Thapa, leader of the National
Democratic Party Nepal, demanded split voting.

***Thapa's proposal for a vote received the support of only 21
lawmakers in the 601-seat constituent assembly. As the CA rules
requires 61 members to begin the split voting, the voting was not
done.*** [Emphasis added.]

The erstwhile Hindu state, Nepal was declared a secular state in 2007
after the success of the people's movement of 2006 that saw the
abolition of monarchy.

READ ALSO: Maoists protest new Nepal constitution, nearly 250 held

During a public opinion collection held in July, majority of the
people preferred the word "Hindu" or "religious freedom" instead of
using the term "secularism".

Protesting the rejection of the proposal, a group of Hindu activists
carrying yellow and saffron flags clashed with security personnel at
New Baneshwar area in the capital.

The clash erupted after police used force to disperse the agitating
activists who tried to enter the prohibitory area near the constituent
assembly building.

They wanted to march towards the assembly, demanding that Nepal be
acknowledged as Hindu state in the new constitution.

READ ALSO: Nepal must declare itself a Hindu rashtra, Yogi Adityanath says

The protesters attacked passing vehicles, including one of the United Nations.

Nepal on Sunday entered the final phase of promulgating its new
constitution with the three major parties going ahead with clause-wise
voting on the final draft of the statute despite a boycott by Madhesi
parties and violent protests that have claimed nearly 40 lives.

The Madhesi parties are protesting against the seven province model of
the federal structure as proposed by the major political parties.

Southern Nepal has witnessed turmoil since lawmakers from major
political parties struck a breakthrough deal on August 15 to divide
the country into seven provinces.

READ ALSO: Nepal temple bans animal sacrifice

II/.
http://linkis.com/Oav96

Nepal Rejects Calls to Make Nation Hindu, Sparking Violence

By BINAJ GURUBACHARYA, ASSOCIATED PRESS KATHMANDU, Nepal — Sep 14,
2015, 8:59 AM ET

Nepal's Constituent Assembly rejected calls to revert the Himalayan
nation to a Hindu state during voting Monday on a draft of the
country's long-delayed new constitution, sparking violent protests.

Nepal was Hindu for centuries when kings ruled, but has been a secular
state since the monarchy was abolished in 2006.

***More than two-thirds of the assembly, which began voting on the
constitution draft on Sunday, voted against making Nepal a Hindu state
again. The proposal needed the support of two-thirds of the members to
be adopted.*** [Emphasis added.]

The proposal was pushed by the Rastirya Prajatantra Party Nepal, or
National Democratic Party Nepal, which also wants the country to be a
monarchy.

Many people in Nepal, which has a Hindu majority, believe the kings
were a reincarnation of the Hindu god Vishnu.

Following Monday's vote, hundreds of Hindu protesters clashed outside
the assembly hall with police, who fired water cannons and beat them
with bamboo batons.

The protesters attacked passing vehicles, including a U.N. vehicle
that appeared to be carrying an official to the airport. The U.N.
official and the driver were not hurt.

No one appeared to be seriously injured in the tussles between the
police and the protesters.

The constitution has been delayed by years of disagreements between
Nepal's main political parties, and the voting on the draft — done
clause by clause and expected to take at least a couple of days — is
seen as major progress. The three main parties finally reached
agreement this year, enabling the process to move on after years of
stalemate.

Nepal has had an interim constitution since pro-democracy protests
forced then-King Gyanendra to give up authoritarian rule and turn the
country into a republic. A Constituent Assembly elected in 2008 failed
to draft a new charter, and another assembly was elected in 2013.

The new constitution proposes to split Nepal into seven federal
provinces. Some ethnic groups disagree with the makeup, borders and
size of the provinces.

There have been weeks of protests

[GreenYouth] Nepal Updates: New Constitution Likely to be Promulgated on Sept 20 despite Protests

2015-09-14 Thread Sukla Sen

I/III.
http://kathmandupost.ekantipur.com/news/2015-09-14/new-constitution-to-be-promulgated-on-sept-21-ca-sources.html

New constitution will be promulgated on Sept 20: CA sources
- KAMAL DEV BHATTARAI, Kathmandu

Sep 14, 2015- The Constituent Assembly (CA) is gearing up to
promulgate the new constitution at 5 pm on Sunday day (September 20),
according to deputy spokesperson of Constituent Assembly (CA)
secretariat Sudarshan Kuinkel.

Constituent Assembly (CA) Chairman Subas Nembang and CA General
Secretary Manohar Bhattarai were scheduled to meet President Ram Baran
Yadav at 7 pm to formally invite him to attend the promulgation
ceremony.

But the president's office Sheetal said it could not arrange time for
Nembang to meet President Yadav citing his prescheduled engagements.

Nembang and Bhattarai will meet the president on Tueday morning to
give formal invitation for the special ceremony.

President Yadav will announce the promulgation of the new constitution
at a special ceremony to be held at the CA Building, Naya Baneshwar at
5 pm on September 20.

The CA Secretariat has made preparations for concluding within a few
days the process of voting on the amendment proposals, Articles and
Schedules of of the Revised Bill of the Constitution of Nepal, 2072
currently underway in the Assembly.

Published: 14-09-2015 17:41

II/III.
http://kathmandupost.ekantipur.com/news/2015-09-14/sheetal-niwas-tells-nembang-to-meet-prez-on-tuesday.html

Sheetal Niwas tells Nembang to meet Prez on Tuesday
- Post Report, Kathmandu

Sep 14, 2015- The President’s office at Sheetal Niwas has informed
Constitution Assembly Chairman Subas Nembang that President Ram Baran
Yadav is unable to meet him today citing busy schedule.

CA Chair Nembang was planning to meet President at 7 pm today to
invite him to endorse the ‘Constitution of Nepal 2072’ at 5 pm on
September 20.

President’s legal advisor Lalit Bahadur Basnet said, “We could not
arrange the time for CA chair to meet the President, “adding, “The
President is meeting Prime Minister Sushil Koirala tonight.”

Published: 14-09-2015 18:32

III.
http://kathmandupost.ekantipur.com/news/2015-09-14/mahato-says-agitating-parties-leaders-are-ready-for-talks.html

Mahato says agitating parties are ready for talks
- RSS, Mahottari

Sep 14, 2015- Chairman of the Sadbhawana Party, Rajendra Mahato, has
said that he was not against talks.

Talking to media persons at Mahottari today, Mahato said that the
agitating parties would sit for talks if the government creates an
environment conducive for the dialogue.

He said they were ready to hold talks with the government at any place
of Madhes if curfew was lifted and the army men were called back.

Chairman Mahato expressed the view that bullet, curfew and prohibitory
order could not resolve the existing problems.

On a different note, he warned of burning the new constitution as the
new constitution to be brought discriminating them would not be
acceptable.

The Sadbhawana Chairman said that the Madhes agitation would be
continued until their rights were established. RSS

Published: 14-09-2015 16:56
--
Peace Is Doable

[GreenYouth] Nepal Updates: Constituent Assembly Approves Part 1 of Revised Constitutional Bill and Rejects Proposal to Declare Nepal as Hindu Nation

2015-09-14 Thread Sukla Sen

["The draft constitution has 37 parts, 302 articles and 9 annexes."
(Source:
.)

The amendment proposal submitted by Rastriya Prajatantra Party Nepal
to declare Nepal as a Hindu nation by scrapping secularism as
mentioned in the revised draft has been rejected by a majority during
the voting at Constituent Assembly today.
(Excerpted from, and highlighted in, the report at sl.no. II below.)]

I/II.
http://kathmandupost.ekantipur.com/news/2015-09-14/all-articles-of-part-1-of-revised-constitutional-bill-approved.html

All Articles of Part 1 of Revised Constitutional Bill approved
- RSS, Kathmandu

Sep 14, 2015- The Constituent Assembly (CA) meeting today passed all
nine Articles of the Part 1 of the Revised Bill of the Constitution of
Nepal-2072. Earlier, provisions under Article 1 to 4 were passed.

Article 5 states that sovereignty, national indivisibility,
independence, unity, protection of rights and dignity Nepali, border
security, economic prosperity shall be the fundamental issues of
Nepal's national interest. Various amendment proposals lodged relating
to this provision were rejected from majority.

Lawmakers Shyam Shrestha, Bishwendra Pashwan and Chinkaji Shrestha had
submitted amendment proposals in the Article 5.

The joint proposal of three major political parties registered by
Chief Whip of Nepali Congress Chinkaji Shrestha for changing the
terminologies dignity, protection of Nepalis rights' to 'dignity,
protection of rights and interests of Nepalis has been approved.

The Article 6 approved by today's CA meeting states that 'All
languages spoken in Nepal are the national languages'. Lawmakers
Laxman Rajbansi, Kumar Khadka, Jaydev Joshi and Aindra Sundar Nembang
had floated the amendment proposals on the same.

Similarly, Article 7 stating 'Nepali language written in Devnagari
script shall be the language of official use while the federal
provinces shall use one or more languages for their official use
depending on the majority of speakers of the languages in addition to
the Nepali language’ was approved by the CA meeting.

Of the total 16 amendment proposals tabled on the Article 7, nine
proposals were withdrawn whereas eight were rejected.

Likewise, the meeting passed the Article 8 on determining the same
national flag in the new constitution. The national flag of Nepal, as
handed down by tradition, consists of two juxta-posed triangular
figures with a crimson-colored base and deep blue borders, there being
a white emblem of the crescent moon with eight rays visible out of
sixteen in the upper part and a white emblem of a twelve rayed sun in
the lower part

Of the total four amendment proposals lodged on this provision, one
proposal was withdrawn while the CA rejected three others lodged by
Ram Kumar Rai, Shivalal Thapa and Yashodha Kumari Lama.

The CA retained article 9 that mentions the index of the national
anthem, rhododendron as Nepal's the national flower, cow as the
national animal, crimson as the national colour, lophophorus as the
national bird.

Of the total 19 proposals submitted on this provision, one was
withdrawn whereas others were rejected from the CA members during the
clause-wise voting on the Bill of the new constitution.

Published: 14-09-2015 14:52

II.
http://kathmandupost.ekantipur.com/news/2015-09-14/vandalism-in-new-baneshwor.html

Baneshwor area tense after clashes (Update with photos)
Protesters vandalise UN vehicle
- Post Report, Kathmandu

Sep 14, 2015- Even as the Constituent Assembly meeting conducted
voting on Articles of the Revised Draft of Constitution Bill 2072,
supporters of 'Omkar Pariwar' clashed with security personnel at New
Baneshwor on Monday.

The situation outside the CA building became tensed after supporters
of Omkar Pariwar demanding reinstatement of Hindu state, tried to
enter the prohibited zone.

Police wielded baton and used water canon to disperse the crowd from
the area. The police have been able to hold back the demonstrators at
Hotel Everest at the moment.

Meanwhile, the protesters vandalised a vehicle belonging to the United Nations.

***The amendment proposal submitted by Rastriya Prajatantra Party
Nepal to declare Nepal as a Hindu nation by scrapping secularism as
mentioned in the revised draft has been rejected by a majority during
the voting at Constituent Assembly today.*** [Emphasis added.]

Published: 14-09-2015 14:47
--
Peace Is Doable

[GreenYouth] Nepal Updates: Constituent Assembly Begins Voting on Draft Constitution and Takes a Pause

2015-09-13 Thread Sukla Sen

I/II.
http://kathmandupost.ekantipur.com/news/2015-09-13/ca-meet-postponed-until-5-pm-voting-to-begin-today.html

MAIN NEWS
CA approves article 1, 2, 3 of new constitution; next meeting at 11 am Monday
- KAMAL DEV BHATTARAI, Kathmandu

Sep 13, 2015- The Constituent Assembly (CA) on Sunday passed the
Articles 1, 2 and 3 of the Revised Bill of the Constitution of Nepal
2072. The meeting has been adjourned until 11 am on Monday.
CA Chairman Subas Nembang did not present Article 1 and 2 in the
meeting as there was no amendment motion on the Articles.
Article three had two amendment proposals. An amendment proposal
jointly put by three lawmakers—Bishwendra Paswan, Ram Kumar Rai and
Anuradha Thapa Magar—was rejected by the majority.
Another amendment proposal jointly submitted by the chief whips of NC,
CPN-UML and UCPN (Maoist)—Chin Kaji Shrestha, Agni Kharel and Giriraj
Mani Pokharel—was endorsed.
The meeting that was scheduled to be held at 5 pm today began after a
delay of two hours at 7 pm.
According to CA sources, the delay occurred after the lawmakers, who
had filed amendment proposals, took back their proposals.

Article 70 of the Interim Constitution states that each and every
Article, Schedule and Preamble of the new constitution shall be
approved by a two-thirds majority.

CA member Chnadra Prakash Mainali who had registered an amendment
proposal on this Article withdrew his proposal before it was put to a
vote.

A total of 54 amendment proposals were registered on the different
Articles of the revised bill of the Constitution of Nepal, 2072 by CA
members representing different parties including the major parties as
the Nepali Congress, the CPN (UML) and the UCPN (Maoist) and other
parties as the Rastriya Prajatantra Party Nepal, the Rastriya
Prajatantra Party, CPN (ML), the Rsatriya Janamorcha and others.

All the amendment proposals registered on behalf the UCPN (Maoist)
were withdrawn by the party.

Likewise, the proposals registered by the CPN-UML had already been
withdrawn earlier.

The Constituent Assembly (CA) meeting has been postponed for 5 pm
today after the clause-wise discussion on the revised Bill of new
constitution concluded.

Top leaders of three major parties addressed the CA meeting today.

According to CA Chair Subas Nembang, the meeting summoned for 5 pm
will begin voting on the amendment Bill of the draft constitution.

The revised draft of the new constitution is likely to be endorsed
later tonight.

Addressing the meeting of Constitution Assembly, Constitution Drafting
Committee Chairman Krishna Prasad Sitaula has said that the new
constitution would be promulgated within a couple of days once the
voting process is concluded.

He also urged the agitating groups to come for negotiation within this period.

Top leaders are addressing the CA meeting that resumed today after two
days of pause. Voting on draft constitution is expected to begin later
today. Leaders of three major parties, Rastryia Prajatantra
Party-Nepal (RPPN) and Nepal Majdoor Kisan Party will be addressing
the meeting.

[GreenYouth] Nepal Updates: Constituent Assembly Begins Voting on Draft Constitution

2015-09-13 Thread Sukla Sen

I/II.
https://in.news.yahoo.com/nepal-begins-vote-constitution-133616759.html

Nepal begins vote for new constitution
IANS India Private Limited/Yahoo India NewsBy Anil Giri | IANS India
Private Limited/Yahoo India News – 35 minutes ago

Kathmandu, Sep 13 (IANS) Nepal on Sunday entered the final stage of
promulgating a new constitution as the clause-wise discussion on the
Revised Bill of the proposed constitution ended at the Constituent
Assembly with top leaders of the three major political parties
participating.

The top leaders of the three parties taking part in the discussion
were Prime Minister -- and Nepali Congress president -- Sushil
Koirala, CPN-UML chairman K.P. Sharma Oli and UCPN-Maoist chairman
Pushpa Kamal Dahal.

The process commenced on Sunday evening after Nepal's major political
parties waited for two days for the agitating minor political groups
to join the constitution-drafting process.
But repeated talks between the agitating Madhesis and the Tharu
community from Nepal's Terai plains failed prompting the major parties
to move ahead with the long delayed process.
Political leaders said it may take the entire night for the voting to
endorse the new constitution. If the constitution is approved by the
CA, Nepal President Ram Baran Yadav will authenticate the new
constitution in a special ceremony.

Political parties based in the Himalayan nation's Terai region have
been agitating since several months against a seven-province model
suggested in a federal constitution and seeking a recall of the Nepal
Army from the riot-hit areas.

As of Sunday, 40 people have been killed since last one month in
protests against the suggested seven-province model.

Prime Minister Sushil Koirala has said that the major political
parties are in their final efforts to promulgate a new constitution
with federalism, republic, democracy and inclusion as the guiding
principles.

Taking part in the clause-wise deliberations on the amended Bill of
the Constitution of Nepal, 2072 at the Constituent Assembly on Sunday,
Koirala said: "We will succeed in promulgating the new constitution as
we have earlier succeeded in resolving problems including through the
comprehensive peace accord in the past."

Nepal held two Constituent Assembly elections in 2008 and 2013. The
first assembly was dissolved without achieving any progress in its
assigned task.
(Anil Giri can be contacted at giria...@gmail.com)

II.
http://kathmandupost.ekantipur.com/news/2015-09-13/new-constitution-to-secure-language-culture-identity-of-all-pm-koirala.html

CAPITAL
New constitution to secure language, culture & identity of all: PM Koirala
- RSS, Kathmandu

Sep 13, 2015- Prime Minister Sushil Koirala has said that the major
political parties are in their final efforts to promulgate a new
constitution with federalism, republic, democracy and inclusion.

Taking part in the clause-wise deliberations on the amended Bill of
the Constitution of Nepal, 2072 at the Constituent Assembly on Sunday,
he said, "We will succeed in promulgating the new constitution as we
succeeded in resolving problems including through the comprehensive
peace accord in the past."

Pointing out the need for positive support of all to fulfill the
determination of promulgating the new constitution from the CA, PM
Koirala, who is also the President of NC, said the nation was amidst a
significant juncture of institutionalising the people’s rights.

Prime Minister Koirala expressed concern over the efforts being made
to spread communal hatred and damage economic activities, and called
upon the agitating sides to come for a meaningful dialogue to guide
the nation towards a new direction.

Urging the disgruntled parties to come for talks as any problem could
be settled through dialogue and discussion, PM Koirala said, "I
request not to have any doubt as consensus has been forged to move
ahead with unity through the medium of talks, discussion, consensus
and reconciliation. Some amendments could still be made even after
promulgation of new constitution if there are some weaknesses."

He said that although the army was mobilised for the security at local
level due to some violent activities including setting ablaze houses
of lawmakers and killing of police personnel, the PM expressed the
view that the initiatives taken so far for democracy would be
meaningless and the country would be pushed to further conflict if
such incidents were repeated.

PM Koirala said a strong determination should be made for the sake of
national sovereignty, adding that the international community would
also support the historic opportunity of the establishment of
democracy, rule of law and rights in Nepal.

He said, "Identity, languages, culture, costume of all are being
established in the country through the new constitution, and this
historic success should be institutionalised by all through the medium
of reconciliation."


Published: 13-09-2015 17:25

-- 
Peace Is Doable

-- 
You received this message becaus

[GreenYouth] Nepal Updates: Constituent Assembly Set to Vote on Draft Constitution Later Today

2015-09-13 Thread Sukla Sen

[One only hopes that the scheduled voting process is not disrupted by
the dissenters and the voting takes place smoothly to give Nepal a
long delayed republican democratic constitution to replace the interim
constitution now in place.
By far the three largest parties, viz. Nepali Congress, Communist
Party of Nepal (UML) and Unified Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist),
appear to be broadly on the same page.

Of course, like any democratic constitution, this one will also have
provision for subsequent amendments.]

I/II.
http://kathmandupost.ekantipur.com/news/2015-09-13/ca-meet-underway.html

CA meet underway
- Post Report, Kathmandu

Sep 13, 2015- The Constituent Assembly (CA) meeting that was put on
hold for two days since Friday in order to hold talks with the
disgruntled Madhes-based parties resumed on Sunday.

Top leaders of major parties addressed the Constituent Assembly (CA)
meeting before initiating the voting process on the Constitution Bill.
The CA secretariat is all set to start the voting process.

Addressing the CA meet, Prime Minister Sushil Koirala remarked that
the dialogue is the only way to resolve all kinds of problems.  He
said all the parties should come onboard at this historic moment.

The CA meet that was scheduled to be held at 11 am today was delayed
for three hours and began at 2 pm this afternoon.

Published: 13-09-2015 14:29

II.
http://www.nepalitimes.com/blogs/thebrief/

A.
Constitution drafting to go ahead
Sunday, September 13th, 2015
..
Nepali Congress (NC) has decided to move ahead with the
constitution-drafting process after the agitating political parties
did not show up for talks.

The three major political parties postponed constitution-drafting for
two days, keeping the doors open for talks with the agitating parties
regarding delineation of federal states in the constitution.

“The dialogues couldn’t move ahead even though we halted the process.
So we have decided to move ahead while keeping the doors open for
dialogue,” said NC Chief Whip Chin Kaji Shrestha.

The CPN-UML has also urged all its lawmakers to continue with
constitution-drafting. CPN-UML Chairman KP Oli urged all the lawmakers
at a CPN-UML’s Parliametary meeting not to to walk away from the
process.

The meeting between the three political parties scheduled for today
could not take place, however, after the meeting with the agitating
parties failed to materialize.

Meanwhile representatives of the Tharuwan-Tharuhat Joint Struggle
Committee met with the Prime Minister this morning. According to one
of the representatives, Raj Kumar Lekhi, although unofficial talks
ended on a positive note, official talks are yet to be held.

“We will not begin official talks unless our seven-point demands are
met,” said Lekhi, adding, “the Prime Minister has said he will send us
an official letter.”

B.
Voting on amendment proposals
Sunday, September 13th, 2015
..
Chairman of Constituent Assembly (CA) Subas Nembang has said that
voting on amendment proposals for the constitution will be held today.

He said that the voting, which was to start on Friday last week,  was
postponed for two days at the request of the major political parties.
“The voting process will begin after discussions and speeches by
senior leaders,” he said.

According to Nembang, after senior leaders address the CA, the
President of the Constitution Drafting Committee Krishna Prasad
Sitaula will answer questions regarding the draft constitution.

He said that any agreements made before the CA’s meeting at 11:30 AM
can be incorporated into the amendment proposals. “If both the
drafting process and the talks go forward simultaneously, amendments
can be made even after the constitution is promulgated,” he said.

He also said retracting from the constitution-drafting process would
now be impossible.
-- 
Peace Is Doable

-- 
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups 
"Green Youth Movement" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email 
to greenyouth+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com.
To post to this group, send an email to greenyouth@googlegroups.com.
Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/greenyouth.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.

[GreenYouth] Nepal Updates: Constitution within a week: CA Chair Nembang: Yet Uncertainties Remain

2015-09-10 Thread Sukla Sen

I/II.
CAPITAL
Constitution within a week: CA Chair Nembang
- Post Report, Kathmandu

Sep 10, 2015- Chairman of the Constituent Assembly Subas Nembang has
said the country would get the new constitution within a week.

Talking to journalists after the CA meeting on Thursday evening,
Chairman Nembang informed that after the completion of clause-wise
discussion on the revised bill of the constitution, top political
leaders would address the CA meeting which would be followed by the
proposal on the approval of the revised bill of the constitution.

A total of 54 proposals on amendment of the revised bill were tabled
in the CA meeting. The proposals will not be withdrawn, but verbal
voting would decide whether to pass these.

In a question relating to the demand of the postponement of the CA
process to bring the disgruntling parties on board, CA Chairman
Nembang said, "I'm not aware of it. I'm devoted to my work. Within
coming Sunday, the date to promulgate constitution will be fixed."

According to him, the CA will meet on Saturday too.

For the verbal voting, it would take two days. Similarly, the CA
Secretariat would take one day to make technical arrangement, then
begins the voting on passage of every article of the constitution
bill.

If the CA does not witness any obstruction, the passage of the
articles of the constitution bill will be over in two days.

Meanwhile, CPN-UML's leader Surendra Pande, while exiting from the CA
hall after the meeting, reiterated that the country would get the new
constitution within Bhadra (a week).

Similarly, NC CA member Mahendra Yadav said although the constitution
bill has incorporated almost all agenda of republic and change, it was
not clear what the Madhes-centric parties were demanding with
agitation.

Published: 10-09-2015 21:16

II.
http://kathmandupost.ekantipur.com/news/2015-09-10/stop-the-constitution-process-for-few-days-ucpn-maoist.html

MAIN NEWS
Stop the constitution process for few days: UCPN (Maoist)
- Post Report, Kathmandu

Sep 10, 2015- The UCPN (Maoist) has demanded the government and the
political parties halt the constituting drafting process for some time
in order to forge consensus with the disgruntled parties.

A meeting of the party convened its headquarters in Paris Dada,
Kathmandu on Thursday decided to stop the clause-wise voting on the
draft constitution for a few days to avert further violence in Madhes.

“We have decided to take the decision as a proposal before the ruling
parties Nepali Congress and CPN-UML,” said UCPN (Maoist) leader
Baburam Bhaatarai after the four-hour long meeting. “The proposal will
be discussed at the meeting to be held at Prime Minister’s official
residence in Baluwatar on Friday morning.”

Earlier at the meeting, senior party leaders have urged the party to
halt the constitution drafting process for the time being and initiate
talks with the agitating groups.

The leaders demanded that the agitating parties should have stake in
the new constitution.
It is learnt that Prime Minister and Nepali Congress President Sushil
Koirala is positive about it. However, he is apprehensive of being
charged with conspiring to lengthen his government while halting the
CA process.

On the other hand, the ruling coalition partner CPN-UML is against
postponing the CA process under any circumstances.

The Constituent Assembly is intending to wrap up the discussion on
constitution draft today and to initiate the voting process from
tomorrow.

As per the current CA calendar, the constitution will be endorsed by
this Saturday.

Published: 10-09-2015 21:20

--
Peace Is Doable

[GreenYouth] Nepal Updates: Hopeful Signs as regards Framing of New Constitution and Squabbles within UCPN(M) Become Pubic

2015-07-12 Thread Sukla Sen

I/II.
http://www.ekantipur.com/2015/07/12/top-story/indian-envoy-rae-calls-on-oli/407785.html

Indian envoy Rae calls on Oli
- Ekantipur Report

KATHMANDU, JUL 12 - ***CPN-UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli has said that
Nepali people would get the new constitution within the first week of
August by garnering maximum support of the Constituent Assembly (CA)
parties.*** [Emphasis added.]

In a meeting with Indian Ambassador to Nepal Ranjit Rae on Monday, UML
leader, who is also a parliamentary party leader of the party, said
promulgation of the new constitution would not be obstructed just
because of objection from a section of political parties.

“The 16-point agreement has paved way for promulgating the new
constitution. We are making our long-cherished dream a success and it
will not be obstructed under any pretexts this time," said Oli's aide
Ramesh Acharya, quoting him as saying at the meeting.

Envoy Rae had met UML Chief at the UML Parliamentary Party's Office
two days before his India visit and enquired about progress made in
the constitution writing process and the latest political developments
emerged after signing the 16-point agreement among major political
parties.

Posted on: 2015-07-12 08:34

II.
http://www.ekantipur.com/2015/07/12/top-story/ucpn-m-senior-leaders-internal-rift-resurfaces/407780.html

UCPN (M) senior leaders' internal rift resurfaces
- RSS

KATHMANDU, JUL 12 - At a time of circulating rumours of the UCPN
(Maoist) falling prey once again to internal disputes, the party's
leaders corroborated the claim by exchanging heated accusations at a
public programme.

During the 'Political Training and National Labour Campaigners'
Honour' organised by All Nepal National Independent Students Union
(ANNISU) here, UCPN (Maoist) Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal and senior
leader Baburam Bhattarai indulged in recrimination.

On the occasion, UCPN (Maoist) Chair Dahal warned the party could face
dissolution if the unforeseen transformation of the party towards a
bourgeoisie character continued. "The trend of factionalism has been
seen inside the party, there are factions behind every leader; there
are eight parallel committees in a single district and this is not a
communist character; it is bourgeoisie character."

In an apparent indication towards leader Bhattarai, the UCPN (Maoist)
Chairman said that there had been talks of social revolution and
formation of a new party while it is being implemented in attitude by
formation of parallel committees.

"We have a single voice on the course of action and working policy,
the 16-point agreement was also fine and the viewpoints are one, but
why are we seeing different factions in behaviour?" Dahal wondered.

He said the leaders of different level must accept the responsibility
of their mistakes as per their status and added that the second and
third rung leaders must accept responsibility as per their status.

At the programme, UCPN (Maoist) senior leader Bhattarai said the
party's dissolution were unavoidable if it continued to remain in the
current condition and called for formation of parties in line with the
emerging scenario.

"The party cannot be saved only with an accord between Prachanda and
Baburam, in status quo party's destruction is inevitable," Bhattarai
said.

Pressure necessary for federalism with demarcated borders

At the programme, UCPN (Maoist) Chairman Dahal urged the students to
launch a pressure campaign for federalism with demarcation of borders.

He said the pressure from grassroots level would help finalise the
issue after it reaches the Dialogue Committee.

Leader Bhattarai also echoed the view calling for creation of pressure
for a constitution with a final say on demarcation of the federal
provincial borders.

Meanwhile, UCPN (Maoist) leader Narayankaji Shrestha stressed the need
for correction in the draft constitution claiming that it was brought
by overshooting the 16-point agreement.

The programme also saw students involved in the ANNISU (Revolutionary)
launched National Labour Campaign being felicitated.

Posted on: 2015-07-12 07:41
--
Peace Is Doable

[GreenYouth] Nepal Updates: Constitution Drafting Making Tangible Progress

2015-07-07 Thread Sukla Sen

http://www.ekantipur.com/2015/07/07/top-story/ca-endorses-constitution-draft/407572.html

CA endorses constitution draft

- Ekantipur Report

KATHMANDU, JUL 07 - The Constitution Assembly (CA) on Tuesday endorsed
the preliminary draft of the new constitution. All the lawmakers
except Rastirya Prajatantra Party-Nepal (RPP-N) expressed their
support to the draft while the lawmakers of disgruntled Madhesi
parties boycotted the CA meet.

CA Chairman Subas Nembang endorsed the draft after lawmakers expressed
their views on the draft. Only RPP-Nepal lawmakers raised their hands
against the draft.

According to lawmaker Rabindra Adhikari, 15 days have been allotted
for garnering public opinion on the draft by selecting 240 lawmakers
for the task.

At least two lawmakers will be sent to each constituency. The
respective District Administration Office will make arrangements for
their security and accommodation.

The lawmakers will prepare a report on the basis of feedback from
people and submit it to Political Dialogue and consensus Committee.

Finally the draft will be submitted to Constitution Drafting Committee
and later tabled at CA as a bill.

Posted on: 2015-07-07 08:58

-- 
Peace Is Doable

-- 
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups 
"Green Youth Movement" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email 
to greenyouth+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com.
To post to this group, send an email to greenyouth@googlegroups.com.
Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/greenyouth.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.

[GreenYouth] Nepal Updates: More on Constitution Drafting

2015-07-06 Thread Sukla Sen

http://therisingnepal.org.np/news/4621

 Constitution Writing: Obstacles Ahead : Nandalal Tiwari

With the Constitution Drafting Committee's submission of the new
constitution’s draft to the Constituent Assembly (CA) on June 30, it
is now certain that the new constitution will be promulgated within
one or two months. If everything goes well, the major parties which
signed the 16-point pact on June 8, which in some way resolved many
long-disputed issues, have planned to deliver the constitution by
August 5.

Discussion over the draft at the CA is expected to intensify and be
complete as the Rastriya Prajatantra Party Nepal, which obstructed the
CA for two days, has withdrawn its protest after the major parties
confided that there would be no such language in the new constitution
which could interpret religious conversion as a right. Although the
immediate stumbling block to promulgating the constitution created by
the RPP-N in the CA has been removed, there are other obstacles which
demand serious attention.

Grievances

The most serious obstacle is, of course, about how to incorporate the
voices of the Madhes-based parties and those Janajati parties and
forces which want the provinces delineated before the new constitution
is promulgated. These parties have already gone to the extent of
burning the draft of the new constitution in their public programmes.
On the day the draft was submitted to the CA, these parties tore the
draft inside the CA.

Now, if the new constitution is to be made acceptable to all or at
least to these disgruntled forces, the four parties, Nepali Congress,
CPN-UML, UCPN-Maoist and Madhesi Janaadhikar Forum (Democratic), which
signed the 16-pt pact and broke the long-jammed way toward the new
constitution, should listen to their grievances and address them. It
would be best if the four parties could bring on board the
constitution-writing process by somehow addressing the voices of those
political forces, including the CPN-Maoist, which are outside the CA.

It is good that the four parties have been holding internal
discussions to speed up the constitution-writing process in an
effective manner. In their meeting on July 4, they concluded that they
should strive to promulgate the new constitution by August 5. But,
they must also consider the implementation of their agreements, for
instance, how the president will be elected after the new constitution
is promulgated.

As per the agreements, the president is to be elected by a college of
voters comprised of members of the provincial assembly. Now, until the
provincial elections are held, there will be no provincial members.
But the parties have not made any agreement on when to hold the
provincial elections although they have agreed to hold the local body
elections within six months.

Moreover, the provinces will also remain nameless until the provincial
assemblies name them. Such a situation will demand some sort of
provision in the new constitution, which makes it constitutional for
the president, who is elected as per the Interim Constitution but
remains even after the new constitution comes into effect. But for
this to happen, a new kind of power sharing is needed between the NC
and UML because when these two parties reached an agreement to form a
coalition government last year, they had agreed that there would be
election of the president ‘very soon’.

In their 16-point agreement, the parties said that the delineation of
the eight provinces to be made would be carried out by a commission to
be endorsed by the parliament. But in this regard, the Supreme Court
has already ruled against it. The Supreme Court has asked the parties
to ensure that the naming and delineation of the provinces are carried
out by the CA or as per the provision in the Interim Constitution.

The Interim Constitution has it that the naming and delineation of the
states will be carried out by the CA. Although the parties have been
ignoring the SC verdict that asked them to stop implementing the
16-point pact, they cannot ignore the SC verdict for long for the sake
of legitimacy. For this, either they have to amend the Interim
Constitution or follow the given provisions.

Promulgating the new constitution without delineating the provinces
will create ground for the disgruntled parties to take to the streets.
Such a situation will spoil the spirit of joy over having a
constitution through the CA, which has been a political dream for the
different forces for the last seven decades. Since the parties have
agreed on the number of provinces, it would be better for them to take
some time and get the provinces delineated before the new
constitution.

Now the parties must seek public opinion over the draft before the new
constitution is promulgated. In their meeting on July 4, the four
parties agreed that such a process should not take more than a week or
so. But how people's opinion will be taken within such a short period
in this mountainous country is a big question. I

[GreenYouth] Nepal Updates: More on 4-Party "Agreement" on Constitution Drafting

2015-06-10 Thread Sukla Sen

[As it transpires, some critical distance - delineating and naming the
provinces in particular, remains to be covered.
Given the past track records and dissensions among most of the Madhesi
parties, that may still prove somewhat tricky.
But, the shift in national psyche caused by the devastating earthquake
(see, in particular, the write-up at sl. no. III below) and the fact
that four major parties, and some sundry others, are now on the same
page - more or less, will, hopefully, make things move forward to a
successful culmination.
Nevertheless let us keep our fingers crossed.]

I/III.
http://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/nepal-parties-strike-long-awaited-constitution-deal-115060900799_1.html

Nepal parties strike long-awaited Constitution deal
Press Trust of India | Kathmandu June 9, 2015 Last Updated at 17:48 IST

Nepal's warring political parties have struck a landmark 16-point deal
to end years of deadlock over contentious issues of
Constitution-drafting, agreeing to a parliamentary system and eight
provinces, in a rare show of unity following the devastating quakes.

Top leaders of the Nepali Congress (NC), CPN-UML, UCPN (Maoist) and
Madhesi People's Rights Forum-Democratic (MPRF-D) agreed to adopt an
8-province federal model, parliamentary system of governance, mixed
electoral model and include the provision of a constitutional court
for 10 years in the new statute as part of a compromise deal.

The deal was struck late last night with an aim to deliver a
Constitution within the next few months, according to sources close to
the Nepali Congress.

The four major political parties that command around 490 seats in the
601-member Constituent Assembly (CA) also secured the support from
some other fringe parties including the Rastriya Prajatantra Party
(RPP), CPN (ML), for the agreement.

The pact was a historic one as it will pave the way for the drafting
of the new Constitution at the earliest.

As per the agreement, the task of delineating provinces will be
entrusted to a federal commission to be formed shortly. The parties
have announced that a two-thirds majority of the concerned provincial
assembly shall name its province.

"The government of Nepal shall constitute a federal commission and it
will be entrusted with the task of delineating the provinces," the
16-point agreement stated.

"After receiving the report of the commission, the two-thirds majority
of the legislature-Parliament shall take final decision on
delineation," it said. The commission will have given six-month
tenure.

There shall be a bicameral Parliament at the centre with a 275-member
Lower House and a 45-member Upper House.

Of the total 275 members of the Lower House, 165 will be elected
through direct voting under the first-past-the-post (FPTP) system and
other 110 members will be elected under the proportional
representation (PR) system, the agreement states.

This means there will be 60 per cent directly elected members and 40
per cent members elected through proportional representation in the
Lower House.

The Upper House shall have 40 members elected from all the provinces
while five will be nominated by the federal Cabinet.

A parliamentary system of governance will be adopted with a ceremonial
President as the head of state and an executive Prime Minister as the
head of government, the agreement said.

The agreement came a month after deadly earthquakes left a trail of
death and destruction in Nepal with nearly 9,000 people killed and
scores injured in the country's worst natural disaster. Analysts said
the move by the politicians may have been prompted by the criticism
they received for their response to the disaster.

II/III.
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/06/09/world/asia/earthquake-prods-nepal-parties-to-make-constitution-deal.html?_r=0

Earthquake Prods Nepal Parties to Make Constitution Deal

By BHADRA SHARMA and ELLEN BARRYJUNE 8, 2015

KATHMANDU, Nepal — After almost a decade of friction over central
constitutional issues, Nepal’s major political parties reached an
accord on Monday night, agreeing to a federal model with eight
provinces that would allow them to form a government involving all
major parties and rebuild the quake-ravaged nation.

The compromise, propelled by the urgency to begin reconstruction, left
some important issues unaddressed. The eight provinces have not been
named, and their boundaries have not been determined, leaving unclear
how much power will accrue to small, marginalized ethnic groups.

While Nepal’s four largest parties have agreed to the compromise,
smaller opposition parties still oppose it, and will try to mobilize
protests in the coming days, said Prashant Jha, the author of “Battles
of the New Republic: A Contemporary History of Nepal.”

“It will mean that the constitution is contested from Day 1, it will
be burned on the day it is promulgated,” said Mr. Jha, who is also a
journalist at The Hindustan Times. “I don’t think the constitution,
according to the deal th

[GreenYouth] Nepal Updates: Constitution Drafting Continues to be a Deeply Messy Affair

2015-03-18 Thread Sukla Sen

["Consensus", as is being used here, is a rather tricky term.
It just not means that a small minority, in the elected CA - the body
meant to legislate the constitution,, will have veto power, it
actually means that this minority must have the decisive voice.]

http://www.ekantipur.com/2015/03/18/top-story/nc-ca-process-talks-together/402956.html

NC: CA process, talks together

KATHMANDU, MAR 18 - Concluding that the UCPN (Maoist)-led opposition
alliance is in a dilemma over enforcing the second round of protests,
the ruling Nepali Congress has decided to take talks and the voting
process on disputed issues in the Constituent Assembly side by side.

A meeting of top NC leaders held in the presence of Prime Minister
Sushil Koirala on Tuesday decided to keep the door for negotiations
open and press the CA chairman to push the Assembly proceedings
forward for deciding the contentious issues of statute drafting.

A day after appealing to the opposition to return to the negotiating
table, NC leaders briefed Koirala that the Maoists had not ruled out
talks. They suggested that the channel for dialogue should not be
severed.

"We see Prachandaji in a dilemma over re-starting agitation although
they have already announced the protest programme," said NC
Vice-president Ram Chandra Poudel. "So we should wait for them for
some time. If they ignore it, we should go for the CA process."

In Tuesday's meeting, NC leaders said Maoist chief Pushpa Kamal Dahal
was not against dialogue although he was compelled to announce the
protests due to pressure from some forces in the alliance.

As dialogue fails, CA chair steps in

KATHMANDU: After the ruling and opposition parties came to a parting
of the ways, Constituent Assembly Chairman Subas Nembang has begun
consultations with the major parties to set the future course of
constitution drafting.

The breakdown of talks between the four major forces has again placed
Nembang at the centre of politics. Ruling parties are pressing him to
call the CA meeting, while the opposition is keenly watching his next
move.

The head of the constitution drafting body is scheduled to discuss
with the top leaders of the Nepali Congress, CPN-UML and UCPN (Maoist)
on Wednesday afternoon. Even the Maoist party, which has already
announced a series of protests to press the ruling parties to follow
consensus in statute drafting, has agreed to sit for talks with
Nembang.

After the majority process began in the CA, the opposition had earlier
decided not to sit for talks with Nembang, raising questions over his
neutrality. "The CA chairman has intensified consultations to set the
new constitution drafting course. He will also ask the parties to find
consensus on the contentious issues," Nembang's spokesman Sudarshan
Kuikel told the Post.

The CA chairman's first effort would be to bring the ruling and
opposition parties together, and restart negotiations on the disputed
constitutional agendas.

Sources close to him said Nembang is in favour of drafting the new
constitution on the basis of broader consensus. He will also take
initiatives for holding cross-party meetings in quest for consensus.

Nembang played a vital role in bringing the parties together in the
run up to January 22, the failed constitution promulgation deadline,
by organising rounds of meetings. But he has remained largely passive
after the opposition criticised his role when the CA pushed through
the majority process at the behest of the ruling parties despite
protests from others. Opposition parties had then said he failed to
maintain impartiality.

Nembang seeks to garner the support of major parties to take the
constitution drafting process forward on the basis of consensus. If
there is no accord on the contents of the new constitution, he
believes there should be an agreement on the process that has already
begun. He wants the presence of the UCPN (Maoist) and Madhes-based
parties in the CA process, which appears to be a tough task though.

If there is no agreement on both, Nembang prepares to call the CA
meeting and move ahead as per the Rules of Procedure. On Monday, NC
leader Sher Bahadur Deuba suggested that Nembang convene the CA to
start the voting process as there were no chances of agreement with
the opposition parties.

Nembang will also seek suggestions from the chief whips of the NC, the
UML, the Maoists and other parties on the way forward. Spokesman
Kuikel said Nembang will ask the opposition to roll back the protest
programme as it would further damage the atmosphere for talks.

Posted on: 2015-03-18 08:34

-- 
Peace Is Doable

-- 
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups 
"Green Youth Movement" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email 
to greenyouth+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com.
To post to this group, send an email to greenyouth@googlegroups.com.
Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/greenyouth.
For more options, visit https:

[GreenYouth] Nepal Updates: Constitution Drafting Continues to be a Deeply Messy Affair

2015-01-28 Thread Sukla Sen

[The Nepali Congress is the largest party in the current legislature /
constituent assembly closely followed by the CPN (UML). The two are
the constituents of the incumbent ruling coalition. The UCPN (M) is
currently the (rather distant) third largest party, but a significant
force nevertheless.]

I/III.
http://www.ekantipur.com/2015/01/28/top-story/problems-will-be-resolved-through-dialogue-pm/400949.html

Problems will be resolved through dialogue: PM

KATHMANDU, JAN 28 - Prime Minister and Nepali Congress President
Sushil Koirala has said the deadlock seen in the constitution writing
would be settled through talks and dialogue.

The prime minister said this while addressing the NC District
Secretaries who were invited to a tea reception at the PM's official
residence in Baluwatar on Wednesday. The NC district secretaries from
all the 75 districts of the country were present on the occasion.

Saying that the party has adopted flexibility on contentious issues of
constitution writing-- form of government and the judicial system, PM
Koirala urged the UCPN (M) and the Madhes-based parties not to
backtrack from their issues.

On the occasion, PM Koirala remarked that democracy is necessary for
peace, stability, law and order and development in the country, adding
that they were working to orient the forces not subscribing to
democracy also on the path of democracy.

Stating the possibility of development would be lost due to the
agitation, he urged the opposition parties to abandon their movement
and come to talks.

Party vice-president Ram Chandra Poudel, general secretary Prakash Man
Singh, central committee member Dhanaraj Gurung and the party office's
chief secretary Rishikesh Tiwari were present on the occasion.

Party president Koirala on the occasion gave away certificates to the
trainers who trained the party's district secretaries during the
three-day training. RSS

Posted on: 2015-01-28 01:33

II/III.
http://www.ekantipur.com/2015/01/28/top-story/ucpn-m-decides-to-boycott-proposal-committee-meeting/400950.html

UCPN (M) decides to boycott proposal committee meeting
-
KATHMANDU, JAN 28 - The main opposition party, UCPN (Maoist), has
decided that its Constituent Assembly (CA) members would not attend
the Proposal Drafting Committee meeting among other parliamentary
committee meetings .

A meeting of the UCPN (Maoist) parliamentary party held at Singha
Durbar, on Wednesday, besides, reviewing the present situation,
decided not to attend the parliamentary committee meetings as per its
policy of non-cooperation to the ruling parties, the government and
the CA Chairman.

Party leader Agni Prasad Sapkota said decision has also been taken by
which all the opposition CA members would be required to go meet the
people in their respective constituencies to make the movement
initiated by the party more strong and effective and to dispel the
misunderstanding spread by the ruling side regarding the activities
taken place in the CA.

The meeting also decided not to attend any of the CA committees as
well. It said although there is a programme for holding a mass
demonstration until February 28 in Kathmandu as of now, additional
protest programmes would be announced considering the government's
response, it is stated. RSS

Posted on: 2015-01-28 01:37

III.
http://www.ekantipur.com/2015/01/28/top-story/constitution-writing-process-will-not-stop-khanal/400951.html

Constitution writing process will not stop: Khanal
-
KATHMANDU, JAN 28 - CPN-UML Senior leader Jhala Nath Khanal has said
the constitution writing process forwarded by the Constituent Assembly
( CA ) would not be halted at any cost.

Receiving a memorandum submitted by the Reporters' Club Nepal with an
objective to exert pressure for writing constitution , at his
residence in Dallu in the Capital, he said the disputed issues
witnessed during the constitution writing process could be settled
through political consensus.

He said, "Majority of people are in line of promulgating constitution
. Thus, constitution writing process would go ahead if possible by
forging consensus, otherwise as per the CA procedure. The step taken
by the CA is right and it would not be withdrawn at any cost."

Former Prime Minister Khanal said the opposition parties should join
the ongoing process of the constitution writing. "If they do not come
forward for that they would have no political essence," he added.
Senior leader Khanal said the protest announced by the opposition
parties has no meaning at all.

Senior leader Khanal said the CPN-UML was not for talking about the
formation of a new government until the new constitution was
promulgated.

"The UML has not thought about the government for the power and it is
not its current priority, but new constitution is," senior leader
Khanal said. RSS

Posted on: 2015-01-28 01:42
--
Peace Is Doable

--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups
"Green Youth Movement" group.
To unsubscribe from this g

[GreenYouth] Nepal Updates: Four parties fail to fix date for all-party meeting on constitution drafting process

2014-09-12 Thread Sukla Sen

http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/xinhua-news-agency/140912/nepal-parties-fails-fix-date-all-party-meeting-constitution-

Xinhua News Agency September 12, 2014 11:23am
Nepal parties fails to fix date for all-party meeting on constitution
drafting process

KATHMANDU, Sept. 12 (Xinhua) -- A meeting of four parties in Nepal
failed to finalize the date for the all-party conference which is
expected to bring CPN-Maoist which boycotted election process on board
constitution drafting process, leaders said on Thursday.

In the meeting of Nepali Congress (NC), CPN-UML, UCPN (Maoist) and
CPN-Maoist held in Prime Minister's official residence, all parties
remained stick to their position. In the meeting, NC said all-party
conference should be held before Sept. 17 as Prime Minister Sushil
Koirala will have to go America for the treatment on Sept. 19.

The UCPN (Maoist) and CPN-Maoist, however, said that it is not
possible before Sept. 19 due to the lack of the preparations. Due to
the lack of consensus, cross-party talks failed to make any agreement
pushing the constitution drafting process towards uncertainty.

The four-party meeting also failed to finalize the modality and
members of the all-party conference. Earlier, major parties have
agreed to hold the all-party conference to bring the CPN-Maoist in the
election process. "We have proposed to provide us some time to make
preparations but ruling parties did not agree," said CPN- Maoist
Secretary Dev Gurung to the reporters after the meeting.

Due to the delay in talks, the constitution drafting process has been
delayed. Parties are not in mood to forge consensus on contentious
issues until the talks with CPN-Maoist reaches a conclusion.

The CPN-Maoist has said that it is ready to join the constitution
drafting process if contentious issues of new constitution are
discussed on CA.

--
Peace Is Doable

[GreenYouth] Nepal Updates: Developments within the Splintered Maoist Camps

2014-05-06 Thread Sukla Sen

[In Nepal, the UCPN (M) is the parent Maoist party and the third largest
party in the current Parliament, sitting in the opposition. In the first
elected Parliament, after doing away with the Monarchy, it had provide two
Prime Ministers, in two separate instalments.
The CPN (M) is is the breakaway hardline faction which did not take part in
the last election heading a motley group of fringe parties.]

I/II.
http://www.nepalnews.com/index.php/top-story/34116-pkd-re-elected-party-chair,-as-brb-walks-out-updated

PKD re-elected party chair, as BRB walks out
(updated)
Published on Tuesday, 06 May 2014 10:43
The UCPN (Maoist)'s national convention in Biratnagar has re-elected party
chairperson Pushpa Kamal Dahal to the same post again, as senior leader
Baburam Bhattarai has walked out of the convention midway citing
differences with Dahal on Tuesday.

The closed session of the key opposition party's national convention first
approved the proposal of Dahal to form a 99-member central committee. The
new central committee then endorsed Dahal as the party chairperson.

Dahal's name was proposed by Narayan Kaji Shrestha and supported by Posta
Bahadur Bogati. It will be Dahal's 23rd year as the party chair without a
break.

The central committee will hold its next meeting on May 15 so as to elect
other central committee officials. Apart from the current 99 members, the
central committee is expected to name 61 more leaders as the nominated
central committee members.

Meanwhile, Bhattarai has left the closed session in the midway, as he
refused to remain even in the UCPN (M)'s newly formed central committee.

Along with Bhattarai, 16 leaders, who supported Bhattarai, also walked out
of the closed session that resumed today after on-and-off events of the key
opposition party's national convention in the eastern Terai city.

"We will support the party from outside, but will not occupy central
committee posts," Bhattarai said during his short speech in the convention
that lasted for around 10 minutes.

Following Bhattarai's step, yet another leader Top Bahadur Raimajhi also
announced the convention's boycott.

The other leaders who left the convention unfinished included Hisila Yami,
Debi Khadka, Ganga Shrestha, Hemraj Bhandari, Kumar Poudel, Balwati Sharma,
Prabhu Sah and Debenra Poudel, among others.

Leaders of Bhattarai panel said their voices were ignored by party chair
Dahal in the convention, as Dahal involved allegedly in highhandedness in
the selection of party's central committee members.

With the self withdrawal of Bhattarai supporters, chairperson Dahal had
announced the new central committee without including the opposition
leaders of his party.

Bhattarai is leaving for China on Wednesday and he cited it as one of the
reasons for abandoning the convention halfway. This is the first time that
Bhattarai is visiting the northern neighbor after shunning 10-year long
armed conflict and joining the peace process in 2006.

II.
http://www.nepalnews.com/index.php/news/34118-cpn-m-to-expedite-unity-talks-with-two-left-parties

CPN-M to expedite unity talks with two left
parties

Published on Tuesday, 06 May 2014 11:28

A politburo meeting of the CPN-Maoist chaired by Mohan Baidya has decided
to take ahead party merger talks with two communist parties - CPN (United)
and Revolutionary Communist Centre, on Tuesday.

"Unity talks are moving ahead positively with these two parties. Efforts
are being made to bring the mutual talks to a logical conclusion," read a
CPN-M statement issued today.

Both the parties, proposed to be merged with CPN-M, are fringe parties and
hold minimum effect in national politics. However, the merger move has been
taken as an effort of the CPN-M to set up a leftist centre of hardcore
communists, who still believe in non-peaceful means, such as, waging an
armed conflict and people's war.

"For the unity of all revolutionary communists of Nepal, we are at the
stage of developing the theoretical, political and organizational
foundations," added the statement.

According to CPN-M, such "foundation" will have six components: (1)
Marxism-Leninism-Maoism, (2) new pro-people revolution, (3) boycott of
parliamentarianism, (4) acceptance of the role of 'force' for social
revolution and transformation, (5) readiness to correct past mistakes, and
(6) developing party organization as per the spirit of pro-people
centralism.

"We have vested the authority to expedite merger talks to our central
committee comrades," the statement further said.

As a continuation of its previous policy, today's CPN-M meeting also
decided to boycott the by-election of Constituent Assembly to be held in
three constituencies. The CPN-M will hold its national convention sometime
after two months, the meeting further decid

[GreenYouth] Nepal Updates: Maoists agree to disagree in Biratnagar; closed session postponed again

2014-05-06 Thread Sukla Sen

http://www.nepalnews.com/index.php/top-story/34094-maoists-agree-to-disagree-in-biratnagar-closed-session-postponed-again

Maoists agree to disagree in Biratnagar; closed session postponed
again
Published on Monday, 05 May 2014 14:30

The closed session of the UCPN (Maoist)'s national convention in Biratnagar
could not resume even on Monday, as the party's prominent leaders continued
differing on major political issues.

The closed session was supposed to begin early in the morning, to which
senior leaders Baburam Bhattarai and Narayan Kaji Shrestha were scheduled
to address.

The crux of the problem is about the selection process of the new
leadership, it is learnt. Youth leaders are in favour of selecting central
leadership through election, while other leaders are in favor of nomination.

UCPN (M) chairperson Pushpa Kamal Dahal agreed for an election, but he said
it has to take place by raising hands, instead of casting secret ballots.

Dahal said a secret ballot is not necessary for the party's internal
election at this stage.

It has been further learnt that Bhattarai is not happy with the view of
Dahal and was preparing to come back to Kathmandu without completing his
participation in the convention. On Sunday, too, Bhattarai left the
convention in the midway.

A total of 22 groups were formed in the convention. Most party leaders
present in the convention heavily came down on chairperson Dahal's working
style. Various issues ranging from the party's defeat in the November 19
elections to corruption in the UN-monitored Maoist cantonments were raised
during the convention.

Amid uncertainty, the postponed closed session of the convention is likely
to take place on Tuesday morning.

--
Peace Is Doable

[GreenYouth] Nepal Updates: UCPN (M) Convention Begins

2014-05-04 Thread Sukla Sen

http://www.nepalnews.com/index.php/top-story/34049-ucpn-m-convention-dahal-comes-across-sharp-criticism-asks-for-time-to-furnish-replies

UCPN (M) Convention: Dahal comes across sharp criticism; asks for time to
furnish
replies
Published on Sunday, 04 May 2014 13:58

UCPN (Maoist) chairperson Pushpa Kamal Dahal has come under the scanner of
the party's cadres in the ongoing national convention of the key opposition
party on Sunday, as Dahal said he would be able to reply all queries
against him on Monday only.

The party cadres, divided into 22 groups, opined that there are more
internal than external reasons for the mess of the party.

They further said the party needs to address the issues of massive
corruption when the Maoist combatants were placed in the UN monitored
cantonments as a part of the peace process.

"Leaders of 22 groups have completed putting forth their views. The
chairperson will reply to them all on Monday only," said the party's
spokesperson Dinanath Sharma, following postponement of today's convention
until tomorrow (Monday).

On Sunday evening, a meeting of the central committee was also convened to
discuss the grave issues raised by the party cadres.

The ongoing national convention is expected to endorse the existing
leadership of chairperson Dahal with minor changes. However, some party
cadres have also proposed an election so as to elect a new leadership.

The question of selecting leadership through consensus or holding an
election will be decided soon, it is learnt.

Meanwhile, UCPN (M) senior leader Baburam Bhattarai has left the national
convention in the midway today.

"Bhattarai fell ill during the convention. It's not true that he boycotted
the party convention," added speaker Sharma.

Bhattarai is a potential contender of Dahal, if an election is held for the
party's top post. However, it is unlikely that Bhattarai would defeat Dahal
in the election. Dahal enjoys strong party base than Bhattarai, according
to insiders.

--
Peace Is Doable

[GreenYouth] Nepal Updates: CPN-Maoist [the Radical Breakaway Group from UCPN (Maoist)] Kathmandu convention disrupted amid exchange of 'chairs'

2014-04-27 Thread Sukla Sen

[The CPN (Maoist) led a group of smaller parties that did not take part in
the last CA election.]

http://www.nepalnews.com/index.php/top-story/33830-cpn-maoist-kathmandu-convention-disrupted-amid-exchange-of-chairs

CPN-Maoist Kathmandu convention disrupted amid exchange of
'chairs'
Published on Sunday, 27 April 2014 13:48

The Kathmandu district convention of CPN-Maoist chaired by Mohan Baidya was
disrupted and abandoned midway on Sunday, as the party members themselves
resorted to verbal duets, fisting and chair-attack on each other.

With the convention heading nowhere, the representatives, however, headed
to their respective homes leaving the convention unfinished.

The bone of contention among the Baidya Maoists was about selecting and
forming a new district committee in Kathmandu.

Supporters of CPN-M general secretary Ram Bahadur Thapa (Badal) and
secretary Netra Bikram Chand (Biplav) clashed with each other, despite
efforts by another leader Pampha Bhusal to find a solution.

In the list of 99 members of Kathmandu district committee prepared by
Bhusal, the supporters of Chand were not accommodated significantly. It was
the main reason for the verbal and physical attack on each other, it is
learnt.

CPN-M central committee leaders were busy until Sunday evening to make
peace between the two fighting sides. The efforts, however, had not
materialized at the time of writing this news.

--
Peace Is Doable

[GreenYouth] Nepal Updates: All Five Heads of Constitutional Assembly (CA) Committees Elected Unopposed

2014-04-25 Thread Sukla Sen

http://www.nepalnews.com/index.php/top-story/33765-bhattarai-elected-chairperson-of-ca-s-political-dialogue-comm

Bhattarai elected chairperson of CA's political dialogue
comm
Published on Friday, 25 April 2014 13:50

UCPN (Maoist) leader and former prime minister Baburam Bhattarai has been
elected as the head of the Constituent Assembly's Committee for
Constitutional, Political Dialogue and Consensus Building (CCPDC) on Friday.

Bhattarai was elected unopposed as chairperson of CCPDC after Khumbuwan
Rastriya Morcha lawmaker Ram Kumar Rai withdrew his candidacy to the post
on Friday.

Along with Bhattarai, four other heads of Constitutional Assembly (CA)
Committee were elected unopposed during Friday's election at the
Legislature Parliament.

Nepali Congress leader Krishna Sitaula was elected chairperson of the
Constitutional Drafting Committee while CPN-UML leader Bishnu Poudel was
elected unopposed as the head of the Committee to Study and Determine
Constitutional Records.

Similarly, Madhesi Janadhikar Forum (Nepal) lawmaker Laxmi Chaudhary was
elected unopposed as the head of Committee on Capacity Building and
Resource Management while CPN-United lawmaker Pramila Rana was picked as
the chairperson of the Committee on Citizen Relations and Public Opinion
Collection.

All newly-elected chairperson of CA committees will be sworn during an
investiture ceremony to be held at 11 am on Saturday, according to the
parliament secretariat.

Speaking to media-persons after being elected unopposed to the power CA
committee, Dr Bhattarai said he will try his best to promulgate the much
awaited new constitution within January 22, 2015.

"This is an important CA committee. I will try to move ahead by forging
consensus with all the political parties and stakeholders that are both
inside the Constituent Assembly and outside."

The first meeting of the Political Dialogue Committee has been called for
April 28.

--
Peace Is Doable

[GreenYouth] Nepal Updates: All party meet ends inconclusively amid Maoist boycott

2014-04-15 Thread Sukla Sen

http://www.nepalnews.com/index.php/top-story/33391-all-party-meet-ends-inconclusively-amid-maoist-boycott

All party meet ends inconclusively amid Maoist
boycott
Published on Tuesday, 15 April 2014 13:08

The all party meeting called by Prime Minister Sushil Koirala has ended
without reaching a conclusion on Tuesday due mainly to the boycott of the
UCPN (Maoist).

The meeting was summoned by PM Koirala to discuss nominations of 26
Constituent Assembly (CA) members and forming various committees inside the
CA.

Participants of the meeting, instead, suggested PM Koirala to take the UCPN
(Maoist) into confidence first, before taking any decision in the all-party
meeting.

The UCPN (M) decided to boycott today's meeting demanding withdrawal of
charge-sheet against 13 Maoist cadres alleged to have involved in the
war-era Adhikari murder case.

The UCPN (M) further demanded release of their cadres arrested by police in
connection with the murder case.

"We have suggested the PM to address the demands of Maoists, but remaining
within the periphery of the existing laws," said Kamal Thapa, the RPP-N
Chairperson, who took part in the meeting.

"Some want ethnic province, some want regional province and some want
amnesty for their crimes. Due to these demands, there are doubts whether a
constitution would be enacted in time. We suggested the government to be
serious in this context," said Chitra Bahadur KC, Chairperson of Rastriya
Jan Morha (National People's Front).

The other participating parties further advised the government not to
promote impunity in the name of bringing some parties on board.

--
Peace Is Doable

[GreenYouth] Nepal Updates: UCPN(M) and Peace Process

2014-04-14 Thread Sukla Sen

I/II.
http://www.nepalnews.com/index.php/news/33341-hlpc-a-must-to-conclude-peace-process-bhattarai1

II.
http://www.nepalnews.com/index.php/top-story/33349-ucpn-m-boycotts-meeting-citing-lawsuit-against-maoist-cadres-on-adhikari-murder-case

-- 
Peace Is Doable

-- 
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups 
"Green Youth Movement" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email 
to greenyouth+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com.
To post to this group, send an email to greenyouth@googlegroups.com.
Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/greenyouth.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.

[GreenYouth] Nepal Updates: NC, UML for TRC that give greater say to victims

2014-04-08 Thread Sukla Sen

http://www.nepalnews.com/index.php/top-story/33145-nc,-uml-for-trc-that-give-greater-say-to-victims

NC, UML for TRC that give greater say to
victims
Published on Tuesday, 08 April 2014 11:07

Leaders of ruling coalition partners Nepali Congress and CPN (UML) have
stressed on the need to form the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC),
an important aspect of the transitional justice mechanism, which doesn't
grant general amnesty to perpetrators of grave human rights violation or
initiate any kind of reconciliation attempts with them without the consent
of victims (or the family of the victims).

Speaking at a programme organised by Reporters' Club Nepal in the capital
on Tuesday, UML leader Pradip Gyawali opined that the to-be-formed TRC
should respect the rights of the victims on whether to pardon or reconcile
with the victimizers.

Similarly, NC leader Ramesh Lekhak said that the transitional justice
mechanism as well as the TRC should be formed in a manner that will provide
justice to the victims as per the tenet and spirit of the Comprehensive
Peace Accord and the Supreme Court decision.

Also speaking at the programme, UCPN (Maoist) leader Haribol Gajurel
stressed on the need to form the TRC not with any kind of ill-feeling of
taking vengeance but to come up with a concrete solution to serious
conflict era cases.

Making it clear that the victims don't always tell the truth as they could
very well be emotionally driven, Gajurel stressed on the need to reach to a
conclusion on conflict era rights abuse cases after thorough consultation
between the two sides - both the victims and their victimizers.

However, all three leaders had expressed more or less similar view
regarding the matter concerning providing compensation to the victims,
return of the property siezed from them and providing scholarship and other
facilities to the victims and their families.

These remarks from the leaders of the three major political parties comes a
day before the bills on TRC and enforced disappearances are being tabled at
the Legislature-Parliament on Wednesday.

-- 
Peace Is Doable

-- 
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups 
"Green Youth Movement" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email 
to greenyouth+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com.
To post to this group, send an email to greenyouth@googlegroups.com.
Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/greenyouth.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.

[GreenYouth] Nepal Updates: Maoist Factions to Bury the Hatchet?

2014-03-13 Thread Sukla Sen

I/II.
http://www.nepalnews.com/index.php/news/32129-rivals-dahal,-baidya-come-together-strike-two-point-deal

Rivals Dahal, Baidya come together; strike two-point
deal
Published on Thursday, 13 March 2014 08:17

UCPN (Maoist) Chairperson Pushpa Kamal Dahal and CPN-Maoist Chairperson
Mohan Baidya have signed a two-point deal Thursday, opposing the government
preparation for local elections and arrest of individuals alleged of rights
violation during armed conflict.

"The local elections have to be held once a new constitution is
promulgated. Such an election would be unconstitutional as per Article 138
of the constitution. If the local elections are conducted, we will firmly
stand against them," said a statement inked by Dahal and Baidya together.

On the issue of war-era (1996-2006) cases of rights violation, the two
Maoist leaders said they have to be investigated and prosecuted only after
forming a Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

"Our grave attention has been drawn towards the haphazard arrests of our
leaders and cadres on the pretext of war era cases. We demand with the
government to stop this process immediately, as it is against the spirit of
Comprehensive Peace Accord," said the statement.

Dahal and Baidya, whose relation itself has been on and off, have come
together amid the announcement of Deputy Prime Minister Prakash Man Singh
that the local elections would be conducted in Jestha (May 15 - June 14).

Likewise, the Maoist duo's statement has landed at a time when yet another
Deputy PM Bamdev Gautam has declared that the culprits involved in the
murder of Adhikari couple's son would be arrested and prosecuted. Deputy PM
Gautam further said a Maoist leader, Balkrishna Dhungel, alleged to have
involved in war-era murder in Okhaldhunga would also be prosecuted.

The UCPN (M) had provided Constituent Assembly ticket to Dhungel in
November elections under the Proportionate Representation (PR) category.
His candidacy had to be withdrawn after the Supreme Court ruled that
Dhungel is ineligible to contest the polls due to his criminal background.

In today's statement, Dahal and Baidya have further warned that they would
resort to joint protests, if their demands are not fulfilled.

"If our demands are not seriously taken and thereby addressed, a situation
may arise in which we may have to go for a joint agitation. We want to make
all stakeholders alert about this fact," said the statement.

II.

http://www.nepalnews.com/index.php/news/32135-cpn-maoist-makes-public-40-point-demands
CPN-Maoist makes public 40-point
demands
Published on Thursday, 13 March 2014 09:40

The Mohan Baidya-chaired CPN-Maoist, which did not participate in the
November 19 Constituent Assembly polls, has made public 40-point demands,
warning that failure to address their demands would have consequences.

Organizing a press meet at the party's headquarters at Buddhanagar,
Kathmandu, Thursday, Baidya said their agitation will depend on how the
government responds to their demands.

"Our agitation at first will be publicity-focused and peaceful. The
remaining program will be set by the Joint People's Committee," Baidya said.

As announced in the press meet, CPN-M Secretary Deb Gurung will lead the
Committee that will chart out future course of agitation against the
government.

Some of the points of the demands include revoking the 1950 Nepal-India
Treaty, structuring federal democratic republican set up, forming ethnic
autonomous regions in different provinces and arranging prerogative rights
for certain ethnic groups.

Likewise, making the status of disappeared people public, protecting the
families of disappeared people, martyrs and those injured in the people's
war are some other demands of the CPN-M.

The 40-point demands resemble an earlier demand list of Maoists submitted
to the then Sher Bahadur Deuba government before beginning their people's
war in 1996.

--
Peace Is Doable

[GreenYouth] Nepal Updates: Country Has A Cabinet Now

2014-02-25 Thread Sukla Sen

I/II.
http://www.nepalnews.com/index.php/top-story/31462-meet-the-new-cabinet-of-ministers

Meet the new Cabinet of
Ministers
Published on Tuesday, 25 February 2014 12:05

Two weeks after being elected the prime minister of the country, Sushil
Koirala has finally formed his cabinet of ministers today.

Prime Minister Koirala administered the oath of secrecy to new NC and UML
ministers in presence of President Ram Baran Yadav at Shital Niwas on
Tuesday evening. NC leader Ram Sharan Mahat, who had already taken his oath
along with the prime minister two weeks ago, was given his ministerial
responsibilities.

Nepali Congress and CPN-UML were tied in internal discussion since Sunday
to finalise the list of candidates to take ten ministerial positions each.
Although cabinet formation was expected to take place on Monday evening,
the two parties could not complete their list. Discussions began early
today and NC and CPN-UML finally completed their nominations. RPP and
CPN-ML will also head a ministry each, but have not been sworn in yet.

CPN-UML had supported Sushil Koirala's candidacy in the election for the
prime minister after a seven-point agreement between the two parties.
However, UML refused to join the government, claiming that NC had
backtracked from its promises, including provided Ministry of Home Affairs
to the part. Government formation became possible only after Koirala
decided to offer Ministry of Home Affairs to UML.

*Ministries*

*Ministers*

*Party*

Agriculture

Hari Prasad Parajuli

CPN-UML

Communication and Information

Minendra Rijal

Education

Chitra Lekha Yadav

Energy

Radha Gyawali

CPN-UML

Finance

Ram Sharan Mahat

Foreign Affairs

Mahendra Pandey

CPN-UML

Forest and Soil Conservation

Mahesh Acharya

General Administration

Lal Babu Pandit

CPN-UML

Health & Population

Khagraj Adhikari

CPN-UML

Home Affairs/ Deputy PM

Bam Dev Gautam

CPN-UML

Industry

Karna Bahadur Thapa

CPN-UML

Irrigation

NP Saud

Labour and Employment

Tekraj Gurung (State)

Land Reforms and Management

Dal Bahadur Rana

CPN-UML

Law, Justice, CA & Parliamentary Affairs

Narahari Acharya

Local Development/ Deputy PM

Prakash Man Singh

Physical Infrastructure and Transportation

Bimalendra Nidhi

Tourism and Civil Aviation

Bhim Prasad Acharya

CPN-UML

Urban Development

Narayan Khadka

Youth and Sports

Purshottam Poudel

CPN-UML
Sunil ThapaRPP Sita Khadka CPN-ML

Science, Technology & Environment

Defense

Peace and Reconstruction

Cooperatives and Poverty Alleviation

Women, Children and Social Affairs

Commerce and Supplies

Labour and Employment

II.
http://www.nepalnews.com/index.php/news/31464-un-secy-general-ban-congratulates-pm-koirala

UN Secy General Ban congratulates PM
Koirala
Published on Tuesday, 25 February 2014 12:08

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has said he is encouraged by the pledge
Prime Minister Sushil Koirala made to the Constituent Assembly to complete
the constitution drafting process on the basis of cross-party consensus
within a year.

The UN Chief stated this in a congratulatory note he send to leader Koirala
on his election as the Prime Minister.

"It is my strong hope that under your leadership, the country will fulfill
a historic responsibility to complete a new constitution while at the same
timepromoting national dialogue and genuine reconciliation,"
Secretary-General Ban said.

Ban has assured PM Koirala of the continued support of the United Nations
to his efforts.

He has also appreciated the active participation of Nepal in the United
Nations activities, especially in peacekeeping.

Stating he was thankful for Nepal's leadership in the discussions of the
Least Developed Countries Group on climate change and the Millennium
Development Goals, UN Secretary-General Ban noted that the contribution of
Nepal was essential and it helped make the UN more effective and responsive
to the global challenges that we all face today.

--
Peace Is Doable

[GreenYouth] Nepal Updates: Move to Form Consensus Government

2014-01-27 Thread Sukla Sen

http://www.nepalnews.com/index.php/top-story/30245-nc,-uml-positive-on-a-consensus-government

NC, UML positive on a consensus
government
Published on Monday, 27 January 2014 09:46

A day after President Ram Baran Yadav called on parties to form a consensus
government in a week's time, the largest party, Nepali Congress (NC)
intensified talks on government formation.

Leaders of both parties convened after the meeting of the
Legislative-Parliament on Monday morning at the same venue to discuss
government formation.

In the meeting, NC formally requested CPN-UML to extend its support to a
consensus government in its leadership. Leaders of CPN-UML have pledged to
work hand in hand with NC in the new government.

"We support NC's proposal for a consensus government," said UML leader
Bamdev Gautam. "A formal decision will be put forward by the party."

Both parties also agreed to complete the new constitution within a year.
However, CPN-UML continues to demand election for new president and
vice-president, contrary to NC's stance on the issue.

With CPN-UML on board, NC is expected to meet leaders of UCPN (Maoist) to
discuss issues of government formation.

--
Peace Is Doable

[GreenYouth] Nepal Updates: First meeting of newly-elected CA kicks off

2014-01-22 Thread Sukla Sen

http://www.nepalnews.com/index.php/news/30054-first-meeting-of-newly-elected-ca-kicks-off

First meeting of newly-elected CA kicks
off
Published on Wednesday, 22 January 2014 10:08

The first meeting of the Constituent Assembly (CA) convened at the
International Convention Centre (ICC) in New Baneshwor at 3 pm today to
formally begin drafting the new constitution.

Surya Bahadur Thapa, the senior-most member of CA, chaired the meeting at
the ICC hall that unanimously endorsed the proposal of CA regulations 2065
to conduct CA and house business until a new regulations is formulated. In
2008, Kul Bahadur Gurung had chaired the meeting of the first CA as the
senior-most member.

Welcoming all the CA members participating in the inaugural meeting of the
constitution drafting body after observing a two minute silence in memory
of martyrs, Thapa stressed on the need to draft the constitution on time to
give a new lease of life to a country suffering from political turmoil and
ineffectiveness.

“It is also necessary to draft the constitution to make the tenure of the
CA members successful. Otherwise, history will deem us irresponsible and a
failure,” Thapa said, and wished the members of the second CA success in
drafting the statute on time.

The meeting also formed a panel of CA members comprising Man Bahadur
Bishwokarma, Bikram Pandey, Bidhya Bhandari, Man Kumar Subba, among others,
for chairing the CA meeting in Thapa’s absence and until a chairman and
vice chairman of the new CA are elected.

Thapa also informed the assembly that the CA court has stayed the victory
of one of CA members Ashok Kumar Mandal of Saptari Constituency 2 and
announced that the second meeting of the assembly will be held at 1 pm on
January 29.

The new CA is yet to attain its full shape of 601 members as the 26 CA
members to be nominated by the cabinet are yet to be finalized while
Election Commission is scheduled to hold by-election in four constituencies
to replace the four members who have won the election from two
constituencies.


-- 
Peace Is Doable

-- 
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups 
"Green Youth Movement" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email 
to greenyouth+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com.
To post to this group, send an email to greenyouth@googlegroups.com.
Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/greenyouth.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.

[GreenYouth] Nepal Updates: Tug-of-War in the CPN (Maoist)

2014-01-15 Thread Sukla Sen

http://www.nepalnews.com/index.php/top-story/29775-dahal-prepares-final-report-amid-growing-criticism

Dahal prepares ‘final report’ amid growing
criticism
Published on Wednesday, 15 January 2014 12:50

Amid discontent and criticism expressed by two deputies Babauram Bhattarai
and Narayan Kaji Shrestha, the UCPN (Maoist) Chairperson Pushpa Kamal Dahal
has come up with a ‘final report’ to be presented in the party’s central
committee meeting on Thursday.

The report has evaluated party’s defeat in the recently concluded
Constituent Assembly (CA) elections, concurrently mentioning the party line
in future, it is learnt.

“Mistakes are normal when we discharge our works. It is the duty of a
revolutionary to move ahead correcting the mistakes,” Dahal said on
Wednesday.

Dismissing the reports of party split, Dahal said they are only the rumors.
“We are moving ahead united. Discussions inside the party won’t split the
party,” he said.

Commenting on the government formation process, Dahal said his party will
remain in the opposition. “We won’t participate in the government. Our
first priority is to enact a new constitution in one year through co-work
and consensus,” he said.
--
Peace Is Doable

[GreenYouth] Nepal Updates: Constituent Assembly's first meeting on Jan 22

2014-01-11 Thread Sukla Sen

http://www.nepalnews.com/index.php/top-story/29560-iec-chair-summons-ca-s-first-meeting-on-jan-22

IEC chair summons CA's first meeting on Jan
22
Published on Saturday, 11 January 2014 16:44

After a month-long political drama, Chairman of the Interim Election
Council Khil Raj Regmi has finally summoned the first meeting of new
Constituent Assembly on January 22.

This became possible after President Ram Baran Yadav, during a meeting at
Shital Niwas today, asked IEC Chair Regmi to convene the first meeting of
the newly elected Constituent Assembly (CA). "You can act as per the
constitution,” the President had reportedly told IEC Chair Regmi during
their meeting.

According to article 69(1) of the Interim Constitution, the prime minister
or head of the government will have the authority to convene the first CA
meeting. It has to be called within 21 days after the results of the CA
election is made public by the Election Commission.

The first meeting of the newly elected CA will be held at the International
Convention Centre (ICC) in New Baneshwor at 3 pm on January 22 (Wednesday).

Meanwhile, former Prime Minister Surya Bahadur Thapa is all set to chair
the first meeting of the new CA. He is getting this honour by virtue of
being the senior-most member of the new CA. But before that, the President
will administer the oath of office and secrecy to Thapa at the opportune
time. Thereafter, Thapa will administer the oath of office to other members
of the new CA in a ceremony that will take place a day before the CA is
set to convene.

--
Peace Is Doable

[GreenYouth] Nepal Updates: UCPN (M) meeting postponed amid internal feuds

2014-01-07 Thread Sukla Sen

http://www.nepalnews.com/index.php/news/29371-ucpn-m-meeting-postponed-amid-internal-feuds

UCPN (M) meeting postponed amid internal
feuds
Published on Tuesday, 07 January 2014 13:49

The central committee meeting of the UCPN (Maoist) has been postponed by
one week to January 16 from January 10, owing to ongoing conflict among
party chairperson Pushpa Kamal Dahal and senior leaders.

"Chairperson Dahal needs time to prepare a party report and convince all
disgruntled sides. That's why the meeting has been postponed," said
Debendra Poudel, a central committee member.

Chairperson Dahal has been facing tough task to resolve the internal feuds
which emerged in the party after submission of the Proportionate
Representation (PR) list to the Election Commission.

Senior leaders Baburam Bhattarai and Narayan Kaji Shrestha have warned of
bringing and presenting different reports if they are not satisfied with
the report of Dahal. It has piled pressure on Dahal to write a convincing
report and incorporate feelings of all party members, it is learnt.

Bhattarai and Shrestha have mainly alleged Dahal of unilaterally nominating
PR members and ignoring their supporters during the selection process.

--
Peace Is Doable

[GreenYouth] Nepal Updates: Constitutional Stalemate Continues over Calling of the CA

2014-01-04 Thread Sukla Sen

http://www.nepalnews.com/index.php/news/29200-hlpc-to-wait-for-court-verdict-on-ca-meeting

HLPC to wait for court verdict on CA
meeting
Published on Saturday, 04 January 2014 12:10

A meeting of High Level Political Committee (HLPC) ended in New Baneshwor,
Kathmandu on Saturday, noting that the political parties would wait for the
Supreme Court’s verdict as to ‘who will call the first sitting of the
Constituent Assembly (CA)’.

The meeting discussed the issue of whether the Interim Election Council
(IEC) Chairperson Khil Raj Regmi or President Ram Baran Yadav would call
the first CA meeting, but did not take the side of anyone.

The case is under the Supreme Court’s consideration and it would be
inappropriate to take a decision in this regard, observed the leaders who
participated in the meeting.

The leaders, meanwhile, have agreed to convene the first meeting of the CA
at the earliest, it is learnt.

There is no explicit mention in the constitution as to whether the IEC
Chair or the President should call the first meeting of CA. This is
creating constitutional ambiguity for the past several days.

--
Peace Is Doable

[GreenYouth] Nepal Updates: Eight parties, including the Nepali Congress, CPN-UML, UCPN-M and Madhesh-based parties have signed a deal, paving the way for formation of the Constituent Assembly

2013-12-24 Thread Sukla Sen

I/II.
http://www.nepalnews.com/index.php/top-story/28711-hlpc-formalises-four-point-deal

HLPC formalises four-point
deal
Published on Tuesday, 24 December 2013 11:03

A meeting of the High Level Political Committee on Tuesday afternoon has
formalised the four-point deal reached in the morning by the top three
parties, and decided to request a five-day extension to the Elecion
Commission on its deadline for submission of names for proportional
representation seats.

Eight parties, including the Nepali Congress, CPN-UML, UCPN-M and
Madhesh-based parties have signed the deal, paving the way for formation of
the Constituent Assembly. The meeting took place in the office of the Peace
Trust Secretariat.

"The parties have reached a four point deal," said CPN-UML leader Raghuji
Pant, emerging from the meeting. "The parties have been busy in
discussions, so we will request the EC to extend its PR deadline until 30
December."

The four agreements are:

•UCPN (Maoist) has agreed to investigate vote rigging through a
parliamentary commission formed from the Constituent Assembly
•The parties have decided to continue a HLPC, including the parties
that form the Constituent Assembly
•The parties have committed to formulate the new constitution within a
year
•The parties have agreed to form the Truth and Reconciliation Committee
to conclude the peace process.

After several rounds of talks, an understanding was reached between the top
three parties on Tuesday morning. This agreement opens doors for the UCPN
(Maoists), and 17 other parties, to submit their names in the proportional
representation category.

"We had never denied to participate in the CA," said UCPN (M) leader
Narayan Kaji Shrestha. "We had a few concerns and now they have been
addressed."

The parties are now heading the to office of the Election Commission to
request a third extension to the deadline to submit names of PR seats until
30 December. The commission’s second extension ends tomorrow, 25 December
2013.

II.

http://www.nepalnews.com/index.php/news/28718-ec-to-give-decision-on-wednesday
EC to give decision on
Wednesday
 Published on Tuesday, 24 December 2013 12:36

Responding to the request of the political parties to extend the deadline
for submission of names for the proportional representation seats, the
Election Commission has said that it will decide on the issue on Wednesday.

"We request the political parties to try to submit their names by
Wednesday," said Chief Election Officer Nil Kantha Upreti. "If the names
are not submitted, we will decide on an extension accordingly."

The second extension granted by the Election Commission expires on
Wednesday, 25 December. Today, after finally forging consensus, the
political parties, including the UCPC (Maoist), had decided to request the
EC to extend the deadline again.

"The parties were busy in political discussion to finalise the names," said
CPN-UML leader Raghuji Pant. "Hence, we have decided to request the EC to
extend the deadline."

-- 
Peace Is Doable

-- 
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups 
"Green Youth Movement" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email 
to greenyouth+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com.
To post to this group, send an email to greenyouth@googlegroups.com.
Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/greenyouth.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.

[GreenYouth] Nepal Updates: New govt to be formed soon: NC Gen Secy

2013-12-21 Thread Sukla Sen

http://www.nepalnews.com/index.php/news/28582-new-govt-to-be-formed-soon-nc-gen-secy

New govt to be formed soon: NC Gen
Secy
Published on Saturday, 21 December 2013 12:57

Nepali Congress (NC) General Secretary Prakash Man Singh said that new
government formation process was delayed by some days due to NC's efforts
to bring all the parties on board the new government.

At a programme organised by the Independent Employee Union of Nepal Oil
Corporation (NOC) to facilitate the NC's newly-elected lawmakers from
Kathmandu valley and Kavre district today, Singh hoped that new government
would be formed soon through the Constituent Assembly (CA).

"Selection of lawmakers under the proportional electoral system has been
delayed by some days. NC is taking due initiative as it has a compulsion to
take all parties together. New government would be formed soon through the
CA," Singh said.

Likewise, newly elected lawmaker Narahari Acharya said that NC has a
responsibility to promulgate the constitution within a year despite heaps
of challenges.

During the programme, lawmakers Dhyangovinda Ranjit, Rajan KC, Rameshwor
Prasad Dhungel, Kanchan Chandra Bade and others pledged to draft the new
constitution within a year.

Also speaking at the programme, spokesperson of NOC Mukunda Prasad Dhungel
complained of politicisation in the import and trade of petroleum project
and hoped the new government would correct such trend.

-- 
Peace Is Doable

-- 
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups 
"Green Youth Movement" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email 
to greenyouth+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com.
To post to this group, send an email to greenyouth@googlegroups.com.
Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/greenyouth.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.

[GreenYouth] Nepal Updates: UCPN (M) accepts defeat in poll due mainly to ethnic agenda

2013-12-20 Thread Sukla Sen

http://www.nepalnews.com/index.php/top-story/28568-ucpn-m-accepts-defeat-in-poll-due-mainly-to-ethnic-agenda

UCPN (M) accepts defeat in poll due mainly to ethnic
agenda
Published on Friday, 20 December 2013 13:38

In what could be a turning point towards forging new consensus, the UCPN
(Maoist) has accepted on that its defeat in the recent Constituent Assembly
elections was mainly because of the party's inability to convince people
about the party's ethnic agenda.

"We were not able to convince people about our line on ethnic identity.
This was the main reason behind our defeat," said UCPN (M) spokesperson
Agni Sapkota during an interaction program on Friday.

Speaking about his party's current stand, Sapkota said his party would join
the newly elected CA. "We have said that we will join the CA. But it does
not mean that we are joining the government, too," Sapkota said,
reiterating his party's stance that they would play the role of a
responsible opposition.

He further claimed that there is no dispute in his party about submitting
the list of Proportionate Representation (PR) members of the CA.

"We will submit the PR list as soon as consensus is made from a new point,"
he said.

--
Peace Is Doable

[GreenYouth] Nepal Updates: UCPN (M) kick-starts PR candidates' selection process

2013-12-18 Thread Sukla Sen

http://www.nepalnews.com/index.php/top-story/28464-ucpn-m-kick-starts-pr-candidates-selection-process

UCPN (M) kick-starts PR candidates' selection
process

In what appears as a step forward towards an all-party consensus, the UCPN
(Maoist) has started preparing the final list of Proportional
Representation (PR) candidates to be submitted to the Election Commission
by December 25.

"Nepali Congress and CPN (UML) are positive to our demands. As a result,
we, too, have agreed to join the newly elected Constituent Assembly," said
UCPN (M) spokesperson, Agni Sapkota.

Sapkota said a formal meeting of his party will be convened in a couple of
days to take the final decision as to who will be sent to the CA. "To come
up with the PR list, our party will conduct discussions at district,
regional and central level," he said.
The UCPN (M) has won 54 PR seats along with 26 direct (FPTP) seats in the
recent CA election, thus bringing the total seat tally of the party to 80
out of 601. The UCPN (M) has secured its place as the third largest party
of Nepal through the election.Peace Is Doable

[GreenYouth] Nepal Updates

2013-12-11 Thread Sukla Sen

http://www.nepalnews.com/index.php/news/28178-cpn-m-points-out-reasons-for-ucpn-m-s-defeat

CPN-M points out reasons for UCPN (M)’s
‘defeat’

Published on Wednesday, 11 December 2013 11:59

The CPN- Maoist has pointed out that there are two factors are responsible
for the UCPN (Maoist)’s election results.

A political report presented by the Chairman of the CPN-Maoist, Mohan
Baidya, in the ongoing extended meeting of the central committee of the
party stated that the UCPN (Maoist) actually lost the election. The report
states that there are two reasons behind the UCPN (Maoist) defeat.

CPN-M first pointed out that the votes were not in UCPN (M)’s favor because
the party has been arrogant and has acted against the people. Secondly,
CPN-M said, that the party split was responsible for the defeat. The Mohan
Baidya-led party expressed suspicion over the party’s allegations about the
vote-rigging, suggesting that it could be a ploy to gain bargaining power.

Stressing on the unity among communist parties, the report said that it was
necessary to constitute a new revolutionary communist centre by
incorporating all revolutionary communists outside the party.

In the event, Chairman Baidya said if UCPN (M) had boycotted the elections,
there would have been possibilities for the two parties to work together.

The central committee meeting of the party began on 8 December and will
conclude on Thursday.
--
Peace Is Doable

[GreenYouth] Nepal Updates

2013-12-08 Thread Sukla Sen

I/III.
http://www.nepalnews.com/index.php/news/28048-cpn-m-signals-setting-up-an-alternative-alliance

CPN-M signals setting up an alternative
alliance

Published on Sunday, 08 December 2013 11:58

In its central committee meeting which began in Lalitpur Sunday, Nepal’s
ultra-left, the CPN-Maoist, has indicated that it will establish a third
alliance of political parties, that will be different from the NC-UML
coalition and the UCPN (Maoist)-proposed Federal Democratic Alliance.

In the meeting, CPN-M chairperson Mohan Baidya is learnt to have presented
a document that rules out joining a parliamentary system and the
Constituent Assembly both.

Baidya has further demanded dissolution of the newly elected CA, stressing
that the political process has to begin from a new point.

Substituting the old rhetoric of a ‘round-table conference’, Baidya said an
'all-party assembly' has to be held to decide the political discourse of
the country.

“Such an all-party assembly will lead to an interim government so as to
provide an outlet,” Baidya said.

The CPN-M meeting will last for a few days more and will chart out future
directions for the party which boycotted the CA polls, it is learnt.
II/III.
http://www.nepalnews.com/index.php/news/28035-nc-uml-leaders-head-to-dahal-s-residence

NC, UML leaders head to Dahal’s
residence
Published on Sunday, 08 December 2013 07:48

Nepali Congress and CPN-UML have started parleys with UCPN (Maoist) for the
formation of a new government and the formulation of constitution.

Nepali Congress president Sushil Koirala and CPN-UML chairman Jhal Nath
Khanal met separately with UCPN (Maoist) chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal with
their party leaders on Sunday morning at Dahal’s residence in Lazimpat.

Both meetings focused on requesting UCPN (Maoist) to rethink their decision
to not participate in the CA until their conditions are met and turn the
attention on writing the constitution.

Asserting that in a politics of completion, there are always winners and
losers, Koirala requested Dahal to not forget that the major responsibility
is to write the constitution, party leader Ram Chandra Poudel informed
after the meeting. He said that since the people have not given a pure
majority to a single party, the Maoists have been requested to cooperate
with other parties.
“There are certainly possibilities of consensus,” said NC leader Ram
Chandra Poudel said emerging from the meeting. “There will be several
rounds of talks between us.”

UML leaders, including party chairman Jhal Nath Khanal, followed NC to
Dahal’s residence for talks on similar lines.

“We had faced disappointing election results in 2008 as well but recovered
from it,” UML leader Bam Dev Gautam said after the meeting. “UCPN (M) needs
to understand and move towards consensus.”

However, agreements during the meeting were limited to the issue of
formulation of the constitution within one year. The leaders are expected
to continue discussion to establish cooperation with the UCPN (M) for the
formation of the new government.

“We need assurance that the achievements of the 12-point peace agreement
and agreements made afterwards are institutionalised, ” said Narayan Kaji
Shrestha. “We doubt that it is possible within the present framework.”
III.
http://www.nepalnews.com/index.php/news/28040-bhattarai-says-govt-should-arrest-him-too-if-actions-are-taken-against-war-time-crimes

Bhattarai says govt. should arrest him too if actions are taken against
war-time
crimes
Published on Sunday, 08 December 2013 08:31

Following the arrest of Parsuram Poudel, alias Ajeeb, in Chitwan on
Saturday, UCPM (Maoist) leader Baburam Bhattarai has tweeted that Poudel’s
arrest is a violation of the comprehensive peace agreement and if Poudel
can be arrested, then the government should arrest Bhattarai as well.

Parsuram Poudel had been arrested on Saturday in Chitwan for murdering
Krishna Prasad Adhikari of Phujel, Gorkha, in June 2004 during the
insurgency period. Poudel was arrested from his home in Sharadpur,
Bharatpur-9 following tips about his whereabouts.

The Maoist leader’s comment comes as the police prepares to present Poudel
at court today.

Adhikari’s parents, Nanda Prasad and Ganga Maya Adhikari, have been on
hunger strike at Bir Hospital since 24 October, demanding that those
responsible for their son’s death be prosecuted.

The Adhikari couple had earlier broken their hunger strike on 8 September
after the police arrested another Maoist cadre involved in the murder, Ram
Prasad Adhikari. But the court acquitted him for lack of evidence and the
couple went back on hunger strike to pressure the government for action.
--
Peace Is Doable

[GreenYouth] Nepal Updates

2013-12-01 Thread Sukla Sen

http://www.nepalnews.com/index.php/news/27743-cpn-m-won-t-go-to-constituent-assembly-cp-gajurel

CPN-M won’t go to Constituent Assembly: CP
Gajurel

Vice-chairperson of CPN-Maoist, CP Gajurel said on Sunday that his party
will not join the Constituent Assembly regardless of the number of seats
which might be allocated to his party.

Gajurel’s view has landed at a time when some news reports have been saying
that his party is bargaining for 80 CA seats, which is equal to the seats
received by the third largest party, the UCPN (Maoist) in the new CA.

“The new CA is the continuation of the 25-points agreement, based on which,
the CA election was held. Our party, therefore, will not grant political
recognition to the CA,” Gajurel said speaking at a program organized by
Sambad Dabali in Kathmandu.

Commenting about forming a coalition with the UCPN (M), Gajurel said it is
not possible now. “They are raising the issue of election rigging. That is
not the matter of our concern,” he said.

On the CPN-M’s earlier proposal for a round-table conference, Gajurel said
it is still relevant. “Our stress is on holding a round-table conference,
which will forge consensus for a new constitution,” added he.

Despite repeated requests from all quarters, the CPN-M did not participate
in the CA election. Later, it was reported in media that they were
bargaining for CA seats.

Based on media reports, Nepali Congress and CPN (UML), the first and second
largest parties, dismissed such possibilities of granting CA seats to CPN-M.

“We long kept the door open for them so that they could participate in
election. But they did not. Now it is pointless if they are bargaining like
that,” said Jhalanath Khanal, chairperson of CPN (UML).

“We are in a process of forming a consensus government. Our efforts will be
to incorporate a large number of parties,” Khanal added.

--
Peace Is Doable

[GreenYouth] Nepal Updates: Two factions of Nepal Maoists remain at loggerheads

2013-09-16 Thread Sukla Sen

http://www.nepalnews.com/archive/2013/sep/sep16/news17.php

Last Updated: Mon, 16.09.13 20:05

All-party meet ends in fiasco as Baidya Maoist refuses to buzz

The third round of all-party meeting ended in a fiasco Monday, as the
CPN-Maoist did not give up the demands for the resignation of Interim
Election Council Chairman, Khil Raj Regmi and postponing elections to
March/April (Chaitra).

"The CPN-M could not come to a compromise in regard to Mr Regmi's
resignation as chief justice. It is difficult for us to go for Mr Regmi's
resignation, as it misleads the whole electoral process," said Nepali
Congress leader Ram Chandra Poudel.

"It would be difficult for us to join a non-partisan government, as the IEC
chair did not step down. As parties refused to accept our proposal, the
talks could not reach a compromise," said Deb Gurung, CPN-M secretary.

The meeting was held at the office of High Level Political Committee in New
Baneshor, Kathmandu, amid pressure from Presidnet Ram Baran Yadav to reach
to a conclusion, keeping in mind the upcoming Constituent Assembly
elections in November.

The first and second rounds of talks were held respectively on Friday and
Sunday at President Yadav's office at Shital Niwas.

The talks were mainly focused on bringing the CPN-M chaired by Mohan Baidya
and its alliance of smaller parties on board the election process.

-- 
Peace Is Doable

-- 
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups 
"Green Youth Movement" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email 
to greenyouth+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com.
To post to this group, send an email to greenyouth@googlegroups.com.
Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/greenyouth.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.

[GreenYouth] Nepal Updates: Unsolved crisis in the Main Maoist Party in Nepal

2013-07-07 Thread Sukla Sen

http://www.nepalnews.com/archive/2013/jul/jul06/news12.php

UCPN (M) to go for special general convention if plenum fails to settle row

The UCPN (Maoist) is mulling over a special general convention to resolve
the internal dispute over the key posts provided the upcoming central
plenum fails to find a solution.

"The party will go for special general convention if the plenum fails to
address this issue," party spokesperson Agni Sapkota said at a press
conference organised at the party headquarters, Peris Danda, on Saturday.
Sapkota said party chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal is going to propose a new
organisational policy at the plenum.

According to him, the party is now going to be "mass-based cadre party"
after exercising the "cadre-based" orgnisational model.

The Maoist party has called the central plenum starting from July 19 as the
recent central committee meeting failed pick some of the office-bearers
amid dispute.

-- 
Peace Is Doable

-- 
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups 
"Green Youth Movement" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email 
to greenyouth+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com.
To post to this group, send an email to greenyouth@googlegroups.com.
Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/greenyouth.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.

[GreenYouth] Nepal Updates: Dissident Maoist Faction to Disrupt Poll

2013-07-03 Thread Sukla Sen

http://www.nepalnews.com/archive/2013/jul/jul03/news13.php

Last Updated: Wed, 03.07.13 19:58

Baidya vows to spoil November polls


Speaking at a press conference organised in Pokhara to inform about the
decisions of the party's central committee meeting on Wednesday, Baidya
said the party will actively boycott the elections and that use of force to
conduct the polls will invite serious backlash.CPN-Maoist chairman Mohan
Baidya has said his party is determined not to allow the Constituent
Assembly elections take place on November 19.

Saying that the four [major] political parties are not willing to find a
solution to the political stalemate, Baidya argued that unilateral moves
made by them are going to invite opposition towards the polls.

According to him, the Pokhara meeting has endorsed the party's stance for a
roundtable meeting of all the political forces and form a consensus
government to find a political solution.

Baidya clarified that the party is firm in its policy to launch "people's
revolt on the foundations of people's war", but it won't stage such a
revolt over the issue of elections.

The four-day CPN-M CC meeting concluded on Tuesday, passing the proposal to
disrupt the elections.

-- 
Peace Is Doable

-- 
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups 
"Green Youth Movement" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email 
to greenyouth+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com.
To post to this group, send an email to greenyouth@googlegroups.com.
Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/greenyouth.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.

[GreenYouth] Nepal Updates: Election Date Announced: Breakaway Maoist Faction Opposes It

2013-06-13 Thread Sukla Sen

I/II.
http://www.nepalnews.com/archive/2013/jun/jun13/news22.php

Last Updated: Thu, 13.06.13 19:57

Govt declares elections on Nov 19; passes election ordinance

The government has announced the Constituent Assembly elections on November
19. A marathon cabinet meeting Thursday evening fixed the election date.

The government also endorsed the draft of the election ordinance, deciding
to forward it to the President for approval, communication minister and
government spokesperson Madhav Poudel told said after the cabinet meeting.

Meanwhile, the government formed a five-member Election Constituency
Delimitation Commission headed by former Supreme Court justice Tahir Ali
Ansari. Geologist Netra Dhital, sociologist Dambar Chemjong, public
administration expert Madhu Nidhi Tiwari and secretary of the Office of the
Prime Minister Raju Man Singh Malla are members of the commission, which is
given 30-day deadline to come up with a recommendation.

According to minister Poudel, 240 constituencies for first-past-the-post
elections will remain intact.

The cabinet took key election-related decisions after hours of debate. The
government had started homework after the high-level political committee of
the four parties asked it to finalise the election ordinance after failing
to resolve the differences.

II.

http://www.nepalnews.com/archive/2013/jun/jun13/news13.php

Poll date announcement without consensus will invite conflict: Gajurel
[image: CP Gajurel]
CP Gajurel

CPN-Maoist vice chairman CP Gajurel on Thursday said that to announce the
election date without consensus between the parties is to invite fresh
round of conflict.

"Fixing the election date despite the objection of the [agitating] parties
will produce bad consequences," he warned while speaking at the Reporters
Club, "We will not accept forced elections."

Gajurel also accused the four major parties of dancing to the tunes of
India and that the Southern neighbour is pressuring them to go for
elections by the end of November.

The Maoist leader also claimed that the current government will not be able
to conduct the polls and that it should step down for the polls to happen.

-- 
Peace Is Doable

-- 
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups 
"Green Youth Movement" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email 
to greenyouth+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com.
To post to this group, send an email to greenyouth@googlegroups.com.
Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/greenyouth?hl=en-GB.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.

[GreenYouth] Nepal Updates: Turmoil Continues

2013-05-03 Thread Sukla Sen

I.
http://www.nepalnews.com/archive/2013/may/may03/news09.php

Last Updated: Fri, 03.05.13 13:20
33 parties demonstrate in front of EC

The alliance of 33 three political parties led by the CPN-Maoist
staged protest in front of the Election Commission (EC) against the
ongoing election process including the registration of parties on
Friday.

Cadres of the agitating parties gathered in front of the EC office at
Kantipath and staged sit-in from 9 am to 11 am. They also blocked
vehicular movement in and around Kantipath during the protest.

A meeting of the 33 parties earlier this week had decided not to
register with the EC and continue the protest with the demand for
withdrawal of the 25-point decree issued by the President to remove
the constitutional constraints to form the Chief Justice-led
government and the resignation of the current government.

They have also opposed the ongoing voter registration and citizenship
distribution.

II.
http://www.nepalnews.com/archive/2013/may/may03/news13.php

Last Updated: Fri, 03.05.13 16:17
Dahal, Koirala discuss ways to bring agitating parties on board

UCPN (Maoist) Pushpa Kamal Dahal and Nepali Congress president Sushil
Koirala met on Friday to discuss on how to create election climate by
bringing the agitating parties on board.

During the half-hour meeting held at Koirala's Maharajgunj residence,
the two leaders agreed that the high-level political committee of the
four parties, which is currently chaired by Koirala as per the
rotation scheme, should reach out to the parties that are agitating
against the ongoing election preparations, one of Koirala's aides
said.

They also discussed the tentative election date, but did not come to
any clear conclusion.

The Maoist chairman also apprised Koirala of his recent visit to China
and India, claiming that both the neighbouring countries are willing
to provide support in conducting the Constituent Assembly elections
successfully.

-- 
Peace Is Doable

-- 
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups 
"Green Youth Movement" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email 
to greenyouth+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com.
To post to this group, send an email to greenyouth@googlegroups.com.
Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/greenyouth?hl=en-GB.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.

[GreenYouth] Nepal Updates: Combatants opting out of integration process to get cash

2013-04-12 Thread Sukla Sen

http://www.nepalnews.com/archive/2013/apr/apr12/news14.php

Last Updated: Fri, 12.04.13 19:54
Combatants opting out of integration process to get cash

The Army Integration Special Committee has decided to provide Rs
255,000 to each Maoist combatant willing to quit the ongoing army
training as part of their integration into the Nepal Army.

A last meeting of the Special Committee held at its secretariat, Naya
Baneshwor, Friday evening decided to provide the cash to 42 combatants
who had informed the secretariat that they wanted to discontinue the
training.

The committee's meeting chaired by UCPN (Maoist) vice chairman and
former Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai also decided to audit the
expenses under the peace process from the Auditor General's Office.

The Special Committee's tenure will expire on Saturday.

-- 
Peace Is Doable

-- 
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups 
"Green Youth Movement" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email 
to greenyouth+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com.
To post to this group, send an email to greenyouth@googlegroups.com.
Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/greenyouth?hl=en-GB.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.

[GreenYouth] Nepal Updates: Maoists vs. Maoists

2013-04-11 Thread Sukla Sen

http://www.nepalnews.com/archive/2013/apr/apr11/news06.php

Last Updated: Thu, 11.04.13 14:45
Baidya’s obstruction won't deter CA polls: Dahal

UCPN (Maoist) chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal Thursday said that
obstructions created by Mohan Baidya’s CPN-Maoist will not prevent the
Constituent Assembly elections.


UCPN (Maoist) chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal
Speaking at a media gathering organised by the pro-Maoist
Revolutionary Journalists Association, in Pokhara, Dahal said that the
people are aware that the CPN-M does not command any strength and that
Baidya’s party will put its very existence on the line if it does not
participate in the polls.

Foiling the elections will amount to infringing upon the sovereign
rights of the people to choose their representatives through the
ballot, he added.

However, the Maoist chairman, who heads the high-level political
committee of the four major parties, said his panel was ready to
induct CPN-M representative.

Dahal, who was accompanied by other senior leaders including vice
chairman Baburam Bhattarai, general secretary Post Bahadur Bogati and
Barsha Man Pun, was on his way back after attending a cadre training
programme in Banglung.

-- 
Peace Is Doable

-- 
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups 
"Green Youth Movement" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email 
to greenyouth+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com.
To post to this group, send an email to greenyouth@googlegroups.com.
Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/greenyouth?hl=en-GB.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.

[GreenYouth] Nepal Updates: Chaos Reigns Supreme

2013-04-03 Thread Sukla Sen

I/III.
http://www.nepalnews.com/archive/2013/apr/apr03/news05.php

Dahal tells Election Council chief Regmi to ensure CA polls in June ‘at any
cost’

Chairman of UCPN (Maoist) Pushpa Kamal Dahal called on Interim Election
Council chief Khil Raj Regmi at the latter’s official residence in
Baluwatar on Wednesday.

The latest political situation of Nepal, election process and the deepening
political crisis facing the country featured prominently during the meeting.

At the meeting, Dahal requested Regmi to announce the date of the
Constituent Assembly elections at the earliest so as to carry out the
election in June at any cost.

It is learnt that Dahal met the Interim Election Council chief at a time
when the government is increasingly hesitant to announce the CA election
date following increased pressure from all sides against the same.
Furthermore, CPN-Maoist and the alliance of 33 parties it leads are also
creating all kinds of obstruction to ensure that the election does not take
place as per the plan of the government.

iI/III.

http://www.nepalnews.com/archive/2013/apr/apr03/news14.php

NC CWC meeting: Poudel's paper blames Maoists for post-CA mess

The meeting of the central working committee (CWC) of the Nepali Congress
started from Wednesday to discuss policy and organisational issues ahead of
the party's Mahasamiti meeting to be held in Nawalparasi next week.

In today's CWC meeting, party vice president Ram Chandra Poudel presented
the political report and general secretary Krishna Prasad Situala tabled
the draft of the amendment to the party statute.

In his report, Poudel has blamed the UCPN (Maoist) for the protracted
deadlock since the dissolution of the Constituent Assembly as well as the
failure of the CA to draft the new constitution, NC sources said.

Promulgation of the constitution was quite possible had the Maoists wanted
it as they had more than one third of the CA's strength and were a major
player. His report, which is to be adopted by the CWC after a debate, will
be presented to the Mahasamiti meeting starting from April 8.
III.
http://www.nepalnews.com/archive/2013/apr/apr03/news08.php

EU ambassadors suggest govt to bring disgruntled parties on board

Ambassadors of the European Union (EU) member states jointly called on
chairman of the interim election council Khail Raj Regmi on Wednesday,
discussing issues related to the upcoming elections.

During the meeting held at Regmi's office in Singha Durbar, the EU
ambassadors urged the government to create an environment for credible,
free and fair elections. The EU ambassadors also assured of possible
support for the elections in Nepal.

They also suggested the government to take necessary steps to convince the
disgruntled parties to participate in the elections, EU's Nepal
representative Dr Alexander Spachis said after the meeting.
*
*
-- 
Peace Is Doable

-- 
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups 
"Green Youth Movement" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email 
to greenyouth+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com.
To post to this group, send an email to greenyouth@googlegroups.com.
Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/greenyouth?hl=en-GB.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.

[GreenYouth] Nepal Updates

2012-04-11 Thread Sukla Sen

I.
http://www.nepalnews.com/archive/2012/apr/apr11/news16.php

Last Updated: Wed, 11.04.12 19:16
Baidya faction takes out torch rally

Cadres of the Maoist hardliner faction led by vice chairman Mohan
Baidya took out a torch rally in Kathmandu Wednesday evening
protesting against the decision to deploy Nepal Army (NA) in the
People’s Liberation Army (PLA) cantonments.

The protesters chanted slogans against party establishment demanding
removal of NA personnel from the PLA camps. A few protesters received
minor injuries as the police intervened into their rally at New Road.

The protesters also burnt the effigies of party chairman Pushpa Kamal
Dahal and Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai.

Baidya group had enforced one hour chakkajam (transportation strike)
across the country from 10.00 am to 11.00 am today morning.

The Maoist hardliners have been saying that Tuesday's decision of the
Army Integration Special Committee (AISC) was a conspiracy to disarm
the PLA.

The NA troops have already assumed the security of most of the 15
cantonments of the PLAs following the decision 0f AISC to bring the
former Maoist combatants, their weapons and the cantonments under NA
on Tuesday.

II.
http://www.nepalnews.com/archive/2012/apr/apr11/news14.php

PLA handover decision has foiled conspiracy against peace, constitution: Dahal

UCPN (Maoist) chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal Wednesday said that his
party’s decision to hand over the People’s Liberation Army (PLA)
cantonments to the Nepal Army put to an end to all kinds of
conspiracies against peace and constitution writing process.

Speaking at a programme in Kathmandu, Dahal said described the
decision as a risky one and that his party took the risk for the cause
of peace.

“Our decision has put aside all the plots to disrupt peace and
constitution writing process,” he said, adding, "A party rarely gets
the kind of opportunity and the challenges our party has got at
present," he said, adding that the peace process could not completely
conclude even by May 27 as a number of works under the peace agreement
like formation of Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the
commission on disappearances are yet to be formed.

Dahal also urged people not to doubt over parties’ commitment to
promulgate new constitution on time. “Nation will get new constitution
with federalism by May 27,” he added.

-- 
Peace Is Doable

-- 
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups 
"Green Youth Movement" group.
To post to this group, send an email to greenyouth@googlegroups.com.
To unsubscribe from this group, send email to 
greenyouth+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com.
For more options, visit this group at 
http://groups.google.com/group/greenyouth?hl=en-GB.

[GreenYouth] Nepal Updates

2012-02-06 Thread Sukla Sen

I/II.
http://www.nepalnews.com/archive/2012/feb/feb06/news06.php

Last Updated: Mon, 06.02.12 13:36
Maoist commanders seize cheques from retired

Voluntarily retiring Maoist combatants have complained that their
commanders have been forcing them to pay at least half of the amount
from their retirement pay cheques.

Nepali Congress and UML leaders have also raised this issue during the
three-party meeting in Singa Durbar on Sunday.

After the meeting Nepali Congress leader Ram Saran Mahat said that the
Army Integration Special Committee has received complaints of seizure
of cheques from the PLA fighters being discharged from cantonments.

Mahat also said that such incidents have been already reported to
Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai and that the latter has promised see
to the matter.

Similarly, the PLA leadership also pledged to investigate the alleged
seizure of cheques by the commanders in some cantonment sites.

The Maoist leaders including PM Bhattarai, PLA chief Nanda Kishor Pun,
Finance Minister Barshaman Pun and former deputy commander Janardan
Sharma met Sunday evening to discuss the allegations.

Following the meeting, Nanda Kishor Pun said that seized cheuques, if
any, will be retuned to the concerned combatants.

II.
http://www.nepalnews.com/archive/2012/feb/feb06/news09.php

Last Updated: Mon, 06.02.12 14:46
NC, UML join forces against govt; give one-week ultimatum to expedite
peace process

The main opposition parties, Nepali Congress and the CPN (UML), have
upped the ante against the Maoist-led government and UCPN (Maoist),
giving one week ultimatum to start works to practically expedite the
peace process and withdraw the recent controversial decisions of the
government including the one on legalising the insurgency era land
transactions.

Issuing a press statement after a meeting of the senior leaders of the
two parties held at the UML headquarters Balkhu, on Monday, the two
opposition parties blamed the activities of the ruling Maoist party
for the protracted political deadlock.

They also concluded that the peace process and the
constitution-drafting are at stake because of the ‘irresponsible’
behavior of the government and the UCPN (M).

The statement signed by UML chairman Jhala Nath Khanal and the NC vice
chairman Ram Chandra Poudel also mentioned that Sunday's agreement
between Maoist chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal and Prime Minister Baburam
Bhattarai to provide additional assistance to the voluntarily retiring
combatants is not acceptable for them.

The opposition parties also objected to the ‘seizure’ of the pay
cheques by the commanders of the PLA from the voluntarily retiring
combatants and demanded proper security arrangements for the ongoing
discharge process.



-- 
Peace Is Doable

-- 
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups 
"Green Youth Movement" group.
To post to this group, send an email to greenyouth@googlegroups.com.
To unsubscribe from this group, send email to 
greenyouth+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com.
For more options, visit this group at 
http://groups.google.com/group/greenyouth?hl=en-GB.

[GreenYouth] Nepal Updates

2011-11-29 Thread Sukla Sen

I/II.
http://www.nepalnews.com/archive/2011/nov/nov29/news06.php

Last Updated: Tue, 29.11.11 12:15
Major parties agree to extend CA term by six months; form national
consensus government as per 7-point deal

The meeting of the three major parties – UCPN (Maoist), Nepali
Congress (NC) and CPN (UML) – and United Democratic Madhesi Front
(UDMF) concluded Tuesday with an agreement to extend the term of the
Constituent Assembly by six more months.

In the meeting held at the Ministry of Peace and Reconstruction in
Singha Durbar, the major political parties signed a six-point
understanding on CA term extension, immediate formation of a national
consensus government and power-sharing, among others.

The major parties inked the understanding after the four-member
taskforce they had formed on Sunday to prepare a detailed time-bound
calendar within a week submitted a proposal for the six-month term
extension of CA.

With the Supreme Court's ruling that the term of the Constituent
Assembly can be extended only once, the meeting of the taskforce of
the major parties had on Monday agreed on the government's proposal to
extend the CA term by six months. The taskforce also agreed to ask the
top leadership of the major parties to initiate the process of forming
a national consensus government as envisaged in the seven-point
understanding signed by major parties on November 1.

With the understanding, the extension of CA is likely to happen this afternoon.

The House session to vote on the 11th constitution amendment bill for
six-month extension of CA has been called today, a day before the CA's
term expires.

The current tenure of the CA expires on November 30.

II.
http://www.nepalnews.com/archive/2011/nov/nov29/news04.php

Last Updated: Tue, 29.11.11 11:27
Regrouping process completed in six of seven PLA Divisions

The process of regrouping former Maoist PLA combatants that started
since last week ended in the First Division cantonment at Chulachuli
of Ilam, Second Division at Dudhauli of Sindhuli, Third Division at
Shaktikhor of Chitwan, Fourth Division in Nawalparasi, Fifth Division
at Dahaban of Rolpa and Sixth Division at Dashrathpur of Surkhet on
Monday evening while some work remained to be done in the Seventh
Division at Talaband of Kailali.

Altogether 15,774 combatants among the 19,503 cantoned in seven main
cantonment sites (MCS) and 21 satellite camps were regrouped as of
Monday evening. Of the total combatants, 8,738 have opted for
integration, 7,031 have opted for voluntary retirement and 5 have
opted for rehabilitation package. The final reports, however are yet
to come.

According to reports, more than 2,500 former Maoist combatants were
absent in the regrouping process that came to an end in six main
cantonments sites on Monday evening.

On Monday, 1281 combatants of Second Division, 3,319 of Third
Division, 2,614 combatants of Fourth division, 2,126 combatants of
Fifth Division, 2,693 combatants of Sixth Division and 2,219
combatants of Seventh Division had been regrouped.

Although the Army Integration Special Committee (AISC) was given time
till Monday to complete the regrouping process, the deadline has been
extended by three days to accomplish all regrouping tasks.

Balananda Sharma, Coordinator of the AISC, said that the regrouping
process could not end in the Seventh Division as it was initiated
behind schedule.

As per reports from each of the seven PLA division, out of total 1,930
cantoned combatants at the First Division at Chulachuli, 1,501
combatants have been regrouped. Of them 787 combatants opted for
integration and 714 combatants for voluntary retirement; however, 429
combatants were absent in the regrouping.

Similarly, out of 1,297 combatants of the Second Division who have
been regrouped as of Monday, 813 opted for integration, 481 opted for
voluntary retirement and 3 opted for rehabilitation.

Of the 3,319 combatants regrouped at Third Division, 2,157 opted for
integration and 1,162 combatants for voluntary retirement; however 651
verified combatants were absent in the regrouping.

At the Fourth Division, altogether 2,615 combatants have been
regrouped on Monday. Out of the total regrouped combatants, 1,277
opted for integration and 1,338 for voluntary retirement.

At the Fifth Division, 2,126 combatants have been regrouped. Of them,
1,187 opted for integration and 939 opted for voluntary retirement.

At the Sixth Division, 2,693 combatants have been regrouped. Out of
the total regrouped combatants, 1,483 opted for integration and 1,210
combatants went for voluntary retirement.

Lastly, at the Seventh Division, 2,229 combatants have been regrouped
as of Monday evening. Of them, 1,040 opted for integration, 1,187
opted for voluntary retirement and 2 for rehabilitation.

-- 
Peace Is Doable

-- 
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups 
"Green Youth Movement" group.
To post to this group, send an email to greenyouth@googlegroups.com.
To unsubscribe from

[GreenYouth] Nepal Updates: UCPN(M) Affairs

2011-07-20 Thread Sukla Sen

I/II.
http://thehimalayantimes.com/fullNews.php?headline=Maoist+leader+scotches+reports+of+Prachanda%27s+decline&NewsID=296248

Maoist leader scotches reports of Prachanda's decline

Added At: 2011-07-20 3:31 PM

Last Updated At: 2011-07-20 3:33 PM

*THT ONLINE*
Maoist will participate in the constitution writing and peace process under
Dahal's leadership prior to August 31 and then he will allocate
responsibilities to other leaders...

KATHMANDU: UCPN-Maoist leader and politburo member Haribol Gajurel warned of
crisis in peace and constitution making process if the party chairman’s role
is weakened within the party.

Speaking at a programme in Kathmandu, Gajurel dismissed media reports that
chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal is quitting the post of the Parliamentary Party
leader.

Ruling out an immediate allocation of party responsibilities, he also said
that Maoist will participate in the constitution writing and peace process
under Dahal’s leadership prior to August 31 and then he will allocate
responsibilities to other leaders.

He also ruled out reports that chairman Prachanda has lost majority support
in the party. He also claimed all the party leaders will endorse Dahal’s
proposal presented in the central committee meeting on Monday.

Also speaking at the programme, UML leader and political advisor of the
Prime Minister Prakash Jwala said that the peace and constitution writing
process is being halted due to the intra-party conflict within the Maoist
party.

He also ruled out any oral and written agreements regarding the formation of
a Maoist led government after August 31 as claimed by some Maoist leaders.

Addressing the programme he also proposed the formation of coalition
government with each party leading the government turn by turn.

II.

http://thehimalayantimes.com/fullNews.php?headline=Maoist+senior+leaders+in+secret+meeting&NewsID=296252
Maoist senior leaders in secret meeting

Added At: 2011-07-20 4:00 PM

Last Updated At: 2011-07-20 4:00 PM

LALITPUR: UCPN-Maoist leaders including three Vice-chairman of the party
held a secret meeting at the resident of party Vice-chairman Narayan Kaji
Shrestha in Jhamsikhel of Lalitpur district.

It has been reported that the leaders have been holding talks to select the
new team and leadership to represent the government, make the team inclusive
and other issues, according to a source from the meeting.

The meeting is also reported to divide responsibilities to represent the
different ministries.

Maoist leaders Mohan Baidhya 'Kiran', Dr Baburam Bhattarai, Narayan Kaji

Shrestha 'Prakash', Ram Bahadur Thapa ' Badal' including others are
participating in the meeting.
--
Peace Is Doable

--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups
"Green Youth Movement" group.
To post to this group, send an email to greenyouth@googlegroups.com.
To unsubscribe from this group, send email to
greenyouth+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com.
For more options, visit this group at
http://groups.google.com/group/greenyouth?hl=en-GB.

[GreenYouth] Nepal Updates: Rift within UCPN(M) Deepens

2011-06-23 Thread Sukla Sen

http://nepalnews.com/archive/2011/jun/jun23/news16.php

Maoist conflict deepens; Friday’s central committee meeting uncertain

As UCPN (Maoist) leaders continue to throw mud at rival factions publicly
the much awaited central committee meeting, expected to pacify the conflict,
slated to start Friday has become uncertain as a standing committee meeting
called for Thursday to set agenda for the central committee meeting did not
take place.

The standing committee did not meet today, without any official notice to
the members, as chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal failed to bring leaders of the
rival faction to terms. The meeting could not convene over the debate on
whether to go for the meeting with a single political dossier or with
supplementary dossiers, it is learnt.

Dahal wants to prepare a single dossier with some compromises on his stance
to accommodate vice chairman Mohan Baidya’s political line for the central
meeting, while Baidya wants to table a separate dossier, said a Maoist
leader considered loyal to another vice chairman Baburam Bhattarai.

A source said, Dahal, Bhattarai and their loyal leaders are trying to delay
the meeting to buy time to find ways to pacify the leaders close to Baidya,
while Baidya himself and his loyal leaders are calling for the central
committee meeting as soon as possible.
The central committee meeting, earlier called for June 2, has already been
postponed twice as Dahal could not prepare a single dossier addressing
Baidya’s concerns.

Friday’s central committee meeting is also almost certain to be put off as
Dahal is not prepared. Leaders loyal to Dahal have argued, the central
committee meeting cannot convene as it does not have an ‘agenda’ as the
standing committee could not meet today.

However, leaders loyal to Baidya, who have become very expressive against
Dahal camp, in the recent days have said the central committee meeting can
convene setting its own agenda even without the standing committee.

Leaders close to Baidya have become aggressive towards Dahal particularly
after the decision to return arms and combatants used for the security of
leaders to the cantonments. They have still not returned the guards and the
arms deployed for their security, while all combatants and arms used for
Dahal’s security and the security of leaders of the Dahal and Bhattarai camp
have already been returned to cantonments.

The growing rift among the rival factions in UCPN (Maoist) was even seen in
the parliament. Speaking at the parliament on Tuesday Dev Gurung, a leader
loyal to Baidya, said the statute sub-committee led by Dahal itself is
unconstitutional, while the sub-committee with representation from all major
political parties has made several decisions that can have far-reaching
consequences.

-- 
Peace Is Doable

-- 
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups 
"Green Youth Movement" group.
To post to this group, send an email to greenyouth@googlegroups.com.
To unsubscribe from this group, send email to 
greenyouth+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com.
For more options, visit this group at 
http://groups.google.com/group/greenyouth?hl=en-GB.

[GreenYouth] Nepal Updates: Message from Nepal

2011-06-08 Thread Sukla Sen

-- Forwarded message --
From: Tilottam Paudel 
Date: 6 June 2011 10:42
Subject: hello from nepal

 *

Dear all

 greeting from JCYCN

Hope you all are fine and doing well. We are sorry to unable to send mail
properly.

A general election for the Constituent Assembly (CA) was held in Nepal on 10
April 2008.None of the parties succeeded in getting a simple majority in the
CA. The Nepalese Constituent
Assemblywill
draft a new constitution, it will therefore decide, amongst other
things, on the issue of federalism 
.

To prepare a draft of constitution and ratify if after discussion, to
conform the issues to be decided through referendum, to take decision on
republic through the first meeting of the  constituent assembly, to decide
state's restructures in accordance with the federal form and to work as
legislative parliament are the major function of constituents assembly.

While the CA has the prime responsibility of drafting a new constitution for
Nepal, it also functions as a regular Parliament. Through the fourth
amendment to the interim constitution of Nepal on May 28, 2008, the CA also
established, for the first time, a largely ceremonial President as the
constitutional head of state, as well as a Vice President. The Prime
Minister continues to be the head of the government. They agree to draft the
new constitution within two years.

But due to the instability of the government and conflict among the parties,
the main task to draft the new constitution could not complete in two years.
So at the end of the maturity date main three political parties agree to
extend time for 1 year on May 28, 2010.

Same process repeats this year too. Due to the conflict between Maoist,
Congress and other parties to choose the Prime minister, they obstructed CA
assembly many times. So to draft the Constitution and logical end of peace
process could not complete this year too. At the end of the day 28 May 2011
they deal in following five points and agree to extend the time period for 3
months

1.   Completion of fundamentals of the peace process within three months

2.  Preparation of the first draft of the new constitution within three
months

3.  Implementation of past agreements with the Madhesi Morcha by
developing Nepal Army as an inclusive institution

4.  Extension of the Constituent Assembly term by three months

5.  PM's resignation to pave way for formation of a national consensus
government.

People are very optimistic at the election of the CA. But due to the
carelessness, instability of the government, people are fear as if new
constitution will not draft. Human rights commission, Civil Society, Non
government organization, small political parties are strongly giving
pressure to major three political parties to concern the task. Cooperating
with Demonstration monitoring network our organization is monitorig the
every activities of those organization and political parties.

All people of Nepal are willing to see the new day with new constitution.

Tilottam Paudel
*

**

President

Jagriti Child and Youth Concern Nepal

Founder president
Jagriti child club Nepal (The first Child Club in Nepal 1992)

Executive Committee Member

Association of Youth Organizations Nepal (AYON)

Email tilot...@ayon.org, a...@ayon.org, website: www.ayon.org

Email: i...@jcycnepal.org.np, jcycne...@hotmail.com ,
tilottampau...@hotmail.com

Website www.volunteerworknepal.org , www.jcycnepal.org.np
M. +(977)9841267472
Phone +(977-01-4671288
Post box-14341
Kathmandu Nepal

-- 
Peace Is Doable

-- 
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups 
"Green Youth Movement" group.
To post to this group, send an email to greenyouth@googlegroups.com.
To unsubscribe from this group, send email to 
greenyouth+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com.
For more options, visit this group at 
http://groups.google.com/group/greenyouth?hl=en-GB.

[GreenYouth] Nepal Updates: Uncertainties Prevail over CA Term Extension

2011-05-27 Thread Sukla Sen

[Unless extended by the legislature by two-third majority, the term of the
Constituent Assembly expires tomorrow. In such an event the Nepal polity
will be thrown into higher level of uncertainties and even disarray.
For the moment hard bargaining is on and it is again a game of nerves
between the contending parties.]

I/II.
http://nepalnews.com/archive/2011/may/may27/news07.php

Last Updated: Fri,
27.05.11 19:37

Marathon three-party meet ends inconclusively; leaders give confusing
signals

Two rounds of the meeting of top leaders of the UCPN (Maoist), the Nepali
Congress (NC) and the CPN (UML) held at the Ministry of Peace and
Reconstruction on Friday ended inconclusively with the Maoists and the NC
remaining firm in their positions over the weapons of the Maoist combatants
and the extension of the Constituent Assembly’s term.

Emerging from the meeting in the evening, leaders admitted that there was no
progress in the talks on the two issues.

NC leader Ram Saran Mahat claimed that the Maoist side emerged more rigid on
the NC’s demand for handover of the arms to the government prior to the
extension of the CA's term.

On the other hand, Maoist vice chairman Narayan Kaji Shrestha denied that
his party was not showing flexibility. He, however, said he was hopeful of a
solution in tomorrow’s meeting.

According to UML leader Bam Dev Gautam, the issue of national unity
government also entered into debate, but nothing was clear yet.

The top leaders are to meet again Saturday morning.

Earlier, talking to reporters after the first round of talks, NC
parliamentary party leader Ram Chandra Poudel said there were no signs of
immediate consensus between the parties on extension of the Constituent
Assembly's tenure.

According to him, leaders of the three parties held discussion on a number
of issues including the integration modality and formation of national
consensus government. He said nothing concrete has been agreed so far.

Earlier in the morning, UCPN (Maoist) vice-chairman Baburam Bhattarai said
that considering the degree of flexibility the parties have been showing
since Thursday, the top leaders of the major three might reach an agreement
today itself.

"The level of flexibility witnessed during Thursday's meeting shows that
leaders are serious about forging national consensus on the extension of the
Constituent Assembly's term on Friday itself," Bhattarai said.

He also said that both the parties in the government, UCPN (Maoist) and UML,
are seriously engaged in dialogue to convince NC on extending CA's term.

"The parties in the coalition are hopeful of reaching an understanding on CA
term extension today," he said while speaking at a programme organised in
remembrance of journalist Krishna Sen, who was killed by state security
forces during the insurgency period, in the capital.

Meanwhile, NC leaders held discussion with leaders of the United Democratic
Madhesi Front this morning and agreed not to allow the term of CA to be
extended again unless Unified CPN (Maoist) becomes ready to transfer the
weapons to the government.

The understanding was reached during a meeting held at party president
Sushil Koirala's Maharajgunj residence.

II.

http://nepalnews.com/archive/2011/may/may27/news14.php

Last Updated: Fri, 27.05.11 18:24

Maoist chair rules out transfer of weapons to govt

UCPN (Maoist) chairman Puspha Kamal Dahal ruled out submission of weapons
possessed by the Maoist PLAs to the state authority, saying the process
would be "illogical and immature".

Speaking at a programme in Kathmandu on Friday, chairman Dahal claimed that
the Maoist party is careful in not handing over the weapons the party has to
the government as it belongs to "the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for
the republic and change".

Stating that Nepali Congress and UML have been putting unnecessary demands
for submission of the Maoist weapons to the government, Dahal also urged
both the parties to be serious towards forging a national consensus for
safeguarding the peoples' achievements.

Meanwhile, he expressed hope that the three-party meeting would be able to
forge an agreement on the extension of the Constituent Assembly (CA)'s term
by one more year at the earliest.


-- 
Peace Is Doable

-- 
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups 
"Green Youth Movement" group.
To post to this group, send an email to greenyouth@googlegroups.com.
To unsubscribe from this group, send email to 
greenyouth+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com.
For more options, visit this group at 
http://groups.google.com/group/greenyouth?hl=en-GB.

[GreenYouth] Nepal Updates: US ready to provide 'limited support' for combatant rehabilitation

2011-04-06 Thread Sukla Sen

http://www.nepalnews.com/archive/2011/apr/apr06/news14.php

Last
Updated: Wed, 06.04.11 17:26

US ready to provide 'limited support' for combatant rehabilitation

The United States has said it is ready to provide" limited support for some
aspects of rehabilitation" of the Maoist combatants provided Nepal's
political leadership shows readiness to take the peace process forward.

"When Nepal's political leadership demonstrates its readiness to move
forward on the final elements of the peace process, we stand ready to
provide limited support for some aspects of rehabilitation such as
vocational training or to help ease the transition of these young Nepalis
back into civilian life," Assistant Secretary, Bureau of South and Central
Asian Affairs, Robert O Blake, said in a testimony before the House Foreign
Affairs Committee, Subcommittee on the Middle East and South Asia.

The Assistant Secretary said that with the formation of the new coalition
government, the USA looked forward to a re-energised commitment from all
parties towards finalising the rest of the peace process, especially the
integration and rehabilitation of Maoist combatants along lines agreed to by
consensus among the parties.

Blake further said despite its halting pace, the peace process nonetheless
remains intact, and there is no imminent threat of a return to armed
violence.

"As an indication of their resolve to move ahead, the Maoists transferred
command of their combatants to a multi-party Special Committee this January
that is overseeing the monitoring mechanism previously maintained by the
UN," said he.

Blake also hailed the upcoming signing of a Trade and Investment Framework
Agreement with Nepal, which will help strengthen the commercial relationship
between the two countries and facilitate the sort of broad-based activity
necessary for economic development.



Peace Is Doable

-- 
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups 
"Green Youth Movement" group.
To post to this group, send an email to greenyouth@googlegroups.com.
To unsubscribe from this group, send email to 
greenyouth+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com.
For more options, visit this group at 
http://groups.google.com/group/greenyouth?hl=en-GB.

[GreenYouth] Nepal Updates: Hopeful Signs?

2011-03-21 Thread Sukla Sen

[The reported position of the PLA spokesperson (at III below) is a
significant departure from and softening of the UCPN(M) stand on the issue.
The UCPN(M) demand for integration of the PLA combatants with the NA
as separate units was reportedly accepted in the 7-point secret deal between
Prachanda and Jhalanath Khanal on the basis of which the UCPN(M) supported
Khanal's candidature for the post of Prime Minister.
The NC has rejected the deal outright and asked for its scrapping and the
CPN(UML), the party to which the PM belongs, has also virtually rejected
it.]

I/III.
http://www.nepalnews.com/archive/2011/mar/mar20/news11.php

Last
Updated: Sun, 20.03.11 18:07

Ruling parties agree to expedite integration, rehab of Maoist combatants

The ruling parties, UCPN (Maoist) and CPN (UML), have agreed to expedite the
integration of the Maoist combatants by exercising all possibilities.

Leaders of both parties appeared unanimous on the issue of integration and
rehabilitation of the combatants during a meeting convened at the UML
parliamentary party office at Singha Durbar on Sunday.

Senior UML leader and former Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal informed
reporters after the meeting that leaders of both the parties decided to
accelerate the works of integration, accepting the fact the adjustment and
rehabilitation of Maoist PLAs is a major part of the ongoing peace process.

"We held discussion on integration, peace process and drafting of new
statute on time," Nepal told reporters,"Leaders have agreed that the prime
agenda of the government should be integration of the Maoist combatants."

According to Nepal, the meeting also discussed how to give full shape to the
cabinet at the earliest possible, but failed to reach any definite
conclusion on the matter today.

Meanwhile, UCPN (Maoist) vice-chairman Narayan Kaji Shrestha said that UML
leaders also briefed the Maoist leaders about the request of the Nepali
Congress to scrap the 7-point deal signed by two left forces while
installing Prime Minister Jhala Nath Khanal's government.

Maoist leader Shrestha said, "The issue with Nepali Congress on the 7-point
deal is not serious. We can go for fresh negotiation with the Nepali
Congress if it accepts to join the government."* *

II.

http://thehimalayantimes.com/fullNews.php?headline=Nepali+Congress+may+join+govt%3A+Mahat&NewsID=280861

Nepali Congress may join govt: Mahat


Added At:  2011-03-21 3:59 PM

   Last Updated At: 2011-03-21 3:59 PM



-- 

UDAYAPUR: Nepali Congress (NC) leader Dr. Prakash Sharan Mahat has hinted
that his party could join the government if the seven-point agreement signed
between the Unified CPN (Maoist) and CPN-UML is scrapped.

Addressing a condolence meeting organised on the first death anniversary of
Congress President Girija Prasad Koirala in Udayapur today, he said drafting
of the new constitution and conclusion of the peace process should be
completed on time.

He also claimed that Prime Minister Jhala Nath Khanal is trying to cheat his
party by assuring to give the Home Ministry portfolio. Congress will join
the government if parties have a clear view on constitution and peace
process, he said.

III.
http://www.nepalnews.com/archive/2011/mar/mar20/news17.php

Mixed force combining all security forces and PLA combatants appropriate to
complete army integration task: PLA spokesperson

Spokesperson of the People's Liberation Army (PLA), Deputy Commander Chandra
Prakash Khanal has claimed that the task of army integration
and constitution drafting will be completed within two months if only there
is political consensus among the parties and that the peace process won't
move ahead if there isn't.

Launching a memoir titled Jangako Maidan (Battle field) written by PLA 5th
Division Commander Raj Bahadur Budha in the capital today, Khanal informed
that the UCPN (Maoist) party has put forth three modalities to complete the
task of army integration - separate force of Maoist PLA combatants, mixed
force by combining all security forces and unit to unit army integration.

"Since the Army (Nepal Army) doesn't agree to the group entry of PLA
combatants into the security forces and we won't accept individual entry of
combatants as per Nepal Army's established standards, so we think that
establishing a mixed force by combining all security forces and PLA
combatants would be appropriate in Nepal's context," he said.

He also described as "inappropriate" the statement of the Nepal Army that
the PLA combatants can be integrated only on the basis of NA´s established
norms and standards.

Speaking on the occasion, writer Budha said he has tried to depict the
decade long war very clearly in his book.


Peace Is Doable

-- 
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups 
"Green Youth Movement" group.
To post to this group, send an email to greenyouth@googlegroups.com.
To unsubscribe from this group, send email to 
gree

[GreenYouth] Nepal Updates: Uncertainties Continue?

2011-03-11 Thread Sukla Sen

I/II.
http://www.nepalnews.com/archive/2011/mar/mar10/news15.php

Last
Updated: Thu, 10.03.11 19:03Big three agree to conclude peace process before
promulgation of constitution; integration modality to be ready in five days

Three major parties - UCPN (Maoist), Nepali Congress and CPN (UML) - have
agreed to prepare the modality of the integration of Maoist combatants
within five days and complete the integration process before the
promulgation of the new constitution.

A meeting of the top leaders of the three parties held at the Ministry of
Peace and Reconstruction in Singha Durbar Thursday evening arrived at the
agreement.

As per the agreement, a taskforce comprising the representatives of the
three parties will prepare the modality with a clear timetable of its
implementation and submit it to the Special Committee. The Special Committee
will immediately start work on the modality.

The three parties also agreed to give top priority to the peace process so
as to conclude it before the promulgation of the constitution.

Likewise, they reached an understanding to recruit manpower necessary for
conducting the integration and rehabilitation process.

UML leader Pradeep Gyawali said after the meeting that the parties agreed to
conclude the integration process in 45 to 50 days.

Similarly, Minister for Peace and Reconstruction Barshaman Pun informed that
the three parties decided to complete the integration and rehabilitation of
the combatants as soon as possible.

According to him, the meeting also dwelt on the possible integration of the
combatants in Nepal Army, Armed Police Force and Nepal Police.

II.

http://thehimalayantimes.com/fullNews.php?headline=Special+Committee+meet+put+off&NewsID=279561

Special Committee meet put off

Added At: 2011-03-11 3:33 PM

Last Updated At: 2011-03-11 3:33 PM

KATHMANDU: A meeting of the Special Committee (SC) for Integration,
Supervision and Rehabilitation of People's Liberation Army combatants
scheduled for Friday to discuss framework and modality of army integration
was postponed.

The meeting was put off citing lack of clarity between Prime Minister Jhala
Nath Khanal and Chairman of Unified CPN (Maoist) Prachanda, said a SC member
and Nepali Congress leader, Dr. Ram Sharan Mahat.

The meeting between Khanal and Prachanda held till late in the evening on
Thursday over deployment of human resources in PLA camps ended
inconclusively.

Meanwhile, talking to reporters in another context, Mahat said the shooting
inside the Central Jail on Thursday is due to security lapses.

Peace Is Doable

[GreenYouth] Nepal Updates: Confusions Galore

2011-02-23 Thread Sukla Sen

[The news stories at I and II below clearly contradict each other. On a
closer reading the one at II looks more credible.]

I/III.
http://thehimalayantimes.com/fullNews.php?headline=CPN-UML+CC+tilts+towards+Khanal&NewsID=277416

CPN-UML
CC tilts towards Khanal
Endorses seven-point agreement unanimously • Concludes pact not against
peace process

Added At: 2011-02-23 12:13 AM

Last Updated At: 2011-02-23 12:13 AM

*ANANTA RAJ LUITEL*

KATHMANDU: After see-sawing for almost three weeks, CPN-UML on Tuesday gave
respite to Prime Minister Jhala Nath Khanal approving the seven-point deal
that he signed with Unified CPN-Maoist Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal on
February 3.

Today’s Central Committee gave the party the go-ahead to carry on with the
deal terming it ‘part of the ongoing peace process’. The deal had been a
bone of contention within UML with some leaders, especially those led by
former prime minister and UML senior leader Madhav Kumar Nepal and KP Oli,
objecting to the deal. The CC termed the agreement ‘part of the ongoing
peace process’ and said it would not be ‘a hurdle’ to the peace process.

“Consensus among all the major political parties is a must for peace and the
constitution. The peace process began with a 12-point agreement. It moved
forward with the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement. Therefore,
the seven-point pact cannot be a hurdle to the peace process,” stated the
decision.

With CC endorsing the deal, Khanal, who had been under tremendous pressure
from the Maoists to own the deal and from a section of his own party not to
abide by it, has emerged victorious in the party.

“The UML Central Committee sometimes takes magical decisions, although no
magic was involved this time,” Ghanashyam Bhusal, a close-aide to Khanal,
told THT.

Others present in the meeting said several factors, including shifting
position by General Secretary Ishwar Pokhrel, public pressure and
circulation of earlier secret proposals related to integration of Maoist
combatants drafted by former PM Nepal, played a vital role.

Interestingly, Nepal and Oli opted to remain silent. “Not even a single
politburo leader opposed the deal,” said Yogesh Bhattarai. Earlier, the
standing committee had almost driven Khanal into a corner as majority of the
members were siding with Nepal and Oli.

II.
http://nepalnews.com.np/archive/2011/feb/feb22/news16.php

UML CC approves 7pt-deal with revised interpretation

UML Central Committee (CC) has approved the seven-point agreement signed by
its chairman Jhala Nath Khanal and Unified CPN (Maoist) chairman Pushpa
Kamal Dahal on February 3, but reinterpreted most of the points.

A CC meeting at the party headquarters Balkhu Tuesday endorsed the decision
forwarded by the politburo meeting on Monday without any changes.

The politburo had decided to approve the agreement after revising the
interpretation.

The party has concluded, the aim of the seven-point agreement is to complete
the peace process successfully and promulgate a federal democratic
constitution within the stipulated time.

The most contentious issue in the seven-point agreement - to complete the
army integration by forming a separate force of the Maoist combatants alone
or along with representation from the security agencies - has been scrapped
by the UML CC.

The party has concluded, the seven-point agreement does not supersede any
previous agreements and the army integration among other tasks of the peace
process would be completed duly by following previously agreed formal
processes.

The party has agreed to take the leadership of the government turn by turn,
but not limit such system to only two parties.

The dubious decision of the UML CC on the seven-point deal has added further
confusion in the Khanal government. The party has delegated the task of
recommending ministers for the Khanal government to the standing committee.

III.

http://nepalnews.com.np/archive/2011/feb/feb23/news08.php

UML needs to come clean on seven-point deal: UCPN (Maoist)

UCPN (Maoist) has asked its coalition partner CPN (UML) to come clean on the
seven-point deal signed between Prime Minister Jhala Nath Khanal and Maoist
Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal.

The request comes a day after CPN (UML) endorsed a revised version of the
deal keeping, as what the party claimed, the “main spirit” of the agreement
intact.

In a meeting with top leaders of UML at Singha Durbar Wednesday morning,
Maoist leaders said UML Central Committee’s decision to uphold the party’s
politburo’s proposal to pass the revised version and keep the home ministry
of the party for some time “was vague and unclear”.

At the meeting, PM Khanal, who is also the UML chairman, had formally
informed the Maoist leaders led by Dahal regarding his party’s Tuesday’s
decision which was taken to help him expand his Cabinet within a few days.

However, Maoist Chairman Dahal compla

[GreenYouth] Nepal Updates: Uncertainties Persist

2011-02-20 Thread Sukla Sen

I/II.
http://thehimalayantimes.com/fullNews.php?headline=Threat+to+topple+govt&NewsID=277165

Threat
to topple govt

Added At: 2011-02-20 11:35 PM

Last Updated At: 2011-02-20 11:35 PM

*HIMALAYAN NEWS SERVICE*

BIRATNAGAR: UCPN-Maoist Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal warned on Sunday that
the new government would go down if the seven-point deal with Prime Minister
Jhala Nath Khanal was amended. “We cannot support the government if the deal
is amended,” Prachanda told the media at Biratnagar. Prachanda also urged
Nepali Congress to respect the deal. “We’ll join the government as soon as
UML creates an environment for political agreement,” he added.

II.

http://thehimalayantimes.com/fullNews.php?headline=Maoists+press+PM+to+make++'historic'+move&NewsID=277166

Maoists press PM to make 'historic' move

Added At: 2011-02-20 11:37 PM

Last Updated At: 2011-02-20 11:37 PM

*HIMALAYAN NEWS SERVICE*

KATHMANDU: Unified CPN-Maoist today urged Prime Minister Jhala Nath Khanal
to take a ‘historic’ decision to implement the seven-point deal between the
Maoists and the CPN-UML.

Addressing the Parliament meeting, Maoist leader Dev Prasad Gurung hinted
that the historic decision meant providing either home or defence ministry
to the Maoists.

He claimed that Khanal-led government would win the support of two-third
majority in the Parliament, adding that Nepali Congress and other
reactionary elements were plotting to break the pact, that had laid the
foundation for national consensus. “If the seven-point deal is broken, it
will create instability, anarchy and will ultimately damage the nation. The
PM should take a historic decision to implement the agreement,” Gurung
said.

He said UCPN-M and UML had agreed to lead the government on rotation basis,
as NC did not agree on the rotation system. “We agreed to form a separate
security force involving the PLA after all attempts to manage PLA failed due
to hurdles created by NC,” Gurung said.

Nepali Congress leader Prakash Man Singh rejected the Maoists’ justification
on the seven-point deal. “The agreement to form a separate security force is
against the Comprehensive Peace Agreement,” he said, adding that the secret
deal in itself was against the spirit of national consensus.

As none of the past agreements had mentioned anything about forming a
separate security force, the seven-point deal has directly violated the
peace agreement in this regard, Singh said.

“How can the pact be the foundation for national consensus, as even the PM’s
party is sharply divided on the agreement?” Singh questioned.

Singh said completion of the peace and statute drafting processes by the
extended deadline of the Constituent Assembly under the present coalition
was a far cry, as the cabinet is yet to take shape.

Ram Nath Dhakal of CPN-UML urged the NC to reach an agreement for rotation
system of leading the government.

“The earlier dispute on who should get the first chance of leading the
government has ended with Khanal’s election to PM’s post. Now, the parties
should agree on who should lead the government for the second and third
time. It can be the best option to address the national agendas,” Dhakal
said.
--
Peace Is Doable

[GreenYouth] Nepal Updates

2011-02-16 Thread Sukla Sen

I/III.
http://thehimalayantimes.com/fullNews.php?headline=UML+headed+for+splitsville&NewsID=276719

UML
headed for splitsville
Oli says party may 'pull out of government' over home ministry

Added At: 2011-02-16 11:29 PM

Last Updated At: 2011-02-16 11:29 PM

*HIMALAYAN NEWS SERVICE*

KATHMANDU: The row over the seven-point deal between Prime Minister and
CPN-UML Chairman Jhala Nath Khanal and UCPN-M Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal
has grown in intensity within UML, with opponents raising the stakes.

UML standing committee member KP Sharma Oli today met Khanal at the UML’s
parliamentary party office and warned him against giving the
security-related ministries to the Maoists.

Former prime minister Madhav Kumar Nepal, Oli, Bidhya Bhandari, Bishnu
Paudel and Shankar Pokharel formally handed over a joint written note to
Khanal and urged him to abide by the party standing committee’s February 6
decision. The standing committee had decided that ‘the security-related
ministries would not be given to the Maoists’. This has, until now,
prevented Khanal from announcing the Cabinet portfolios.

Close aides to the PM feared that those opposing the seven-point deal could
go to the extent of splitting the party.

Krishna Gopal Shrestha, a central committee member, quoting Oli, said the
party might decide to ‘pull out of the government’ if Khanal failed to
adhere to the party decision. He said the joint statement produced by Khanal
and Dahal on Tuesday was meaningless.

However, with the UCPN-Maoist insisting on home portfolio, Khanal is intent
on abiding by the seven-point pact. He wants to first have in place the
support of two-thirds majority before announcing the portfolios, said an
adviser close to the prime minister.

Once he ensures participation of two-thirds majority in the government, he
can defend allocating the home portfolio to the Maoists in the party’s
central committee, said the adviser.

As of now, both the factions are bracing for a full-fledged conflict in the
party’s central committee, which ordinarily tends to tilt in favour of
Madhav-Oli faction. The meeting could come within the next several days.

In yet another sign of differences between the two UML factions, Oli was
reportedly denied access to the PM’s residence, Baluwatar, on Tuesday
evening, as per ‘order from above’.

But the prime minister’s acting press adviser Surya Thapa dismissed it as
baseless and said security officials had carried out their routine job.

II.

http://thehimalayantimes.com/fullNews.php?headline=Maoist+establishment+gags+Bhattarai+again&NewsID=276718

Maoist establishment gags Bhattarai again
Bars him from speaking his mind before state committee members

Added At: 2011-02-16 11:27 PM

Last Updated At: 2011-02-16 11:27 PM

*RISHI BARAL*

POKHARA: Unified CPN-Maoist Vice Chairman Baburam Bhattarai was once again
barred from presenting ‘his views’ before the party rank and file today,
second time in the last one month.

Earlier, the party establishment had spiked Bhattarai’s guns, not letting
him speak his mind in Kathmandu during the party’s training session on
January 18. Following the incident, Bhattarai had even boycotted the
session.

Bhattarai today was speaking in Pokhara at a training programme for the
state committee members. Though he was given time to speak, he was not
allowed to air his line of the thought.

According to a participant, the party establishment barred Bhattarai from
speaking his mind, saying he could not present different views at a training
programme like this. “The party establishment forced Bhattarai to speak
party Chairman Puhspa Kamal Dahal’s line to show unity within the party,”
said another participant.

During today’s training session, Bhattarai supported Dahal’s line that party
would go for a revolt if peace and constitution-drafting processes could not
be completed by May 28. Bhattarai, who was against the seven-point deal
between the Maoists and UML, has been ploughing a lone furrow, taking
exception to quite a few of party decisions in recent past. Today also,
Bhattarai was of the opinion that his party alone would not be able to
enforce a revolt and that consensus with other parties was a must to
accomplish the task of peace and the constitution, but had to stop short of
elaborating following the party establishment’s decree not to speak his line
further.

However, Maoist Chairman Dahal today said his party would go to any length
to draft the constitution on time by taking other parties into confidence.
But, if Nepali Congress and Madhav Kumar Nepal and Oli faction of UML don’t
let that happen, Maoists will go for a revolt, said Dahal. According to
another participant, Dahal spoke giving more priority to Ram Bahadur Thapa
than Bhattarai.

Another Vice Chairman of the party, Mohan Baidhya, however, stood by Dahal
echoing the chairman’s line.

III.

http://thehimalayanti

[GreenYouth] Nepal Updates: Rumblings within UCPN-M

2011-02-06 Thread Sukla Sen

I/II.
http://telegraphnepal.com/news_det.php?news_id=8797

Opposing camps in Nepal
Maoist prevails with Dr. Bhattarai’s note of dissent

Telegraph Nepal

Alleging Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal for having unnecessarily extended
support to Chairman Jhal Nath Khanal of UML in the Prime Ministerial
election, including vice chairman Dr. Babu Ram Bhattarai alias ‘note of
dissent man’ some 51 parliamentarians of the Unified Maoists’ Party have
submitted their note of dissent.

Bhattarai since the Palungtar Extended Plenum of the party central committee
has tendered several note of dissents.

The Maoists’ Party steering committee meeting held at the parliamentary
premises Thursday, February 3, 2011, hours before the election process began
had decided to support Chairman Khanal.

The Bhattarai panel contested the decision but the “sponsored” effort went
in vain.

“How could Jhal Nath all of a sudden become a nationalist figure as he was
proposed by Oli, who the party believes is an Indian agent and supported by
Madhav Nepal-an Indian puppet”, questioned a Maoists’ parliamentarian from
the Bhattarai camp while talking to a Nepali media.

Dr. Bhattarai is taken as an expert on writing note of dissents. His rival
camp now takes Bhattarai as ‘Dr. Note of Dissent’.

This abundantly makes it clear that Prachanda and Dr. Bhattarai represent
now two opposing camps inside the Party of the former rebels.

Analysts presume that the fissure in between the two NOIDA dwellers will
further increase in the days ahead for some explainable reasons.
*Posted on : 2011-02-04 10:04:13*

II.
http://www.nepalnews.com/archive/2011/feb/feb07/news05.php

Maoist trade union undergoes vertical split

The Unified CPN (Maoist) affiliated trade union, All Nepal Trade Union
Federation (ANTUF), has undergone a vertical split with the Federation’s
senior vice chairman Badri Prasad Bajgain announcing a parallel organisation
on Sunday.

Bajgain has announced the formation of All Nepal Revolutionary Trade Union
(ANRTU) and formed a 75-member committee under him to organise its national
convention. A meeting of cadres close to Bajgain on February 1 and 2 in
Kathmandu decided to form a parallel organisation.

Bajgain is a trade union leader close to Maoist vice chairman Mohan Baidhya,
while ANTUF chairman Shaligram JammarKattel is considered close to party
chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal.

Bajgain and other trade union leaders in the new committee have accused the
JammarKattel-led federation of bypassing them and not paying heed to their
views.

We have been facing exclusion, physical attack and false accusations for
supporting vice-chairman Baidhya’s line presented in the Kharipati
convention since over a year, said Bajgain in a statement announcing the
formation of the new trade union, we have formed a parallel union to
organise the scattered cadres as we were not included in the Federation.

We waited long enough for the party leadership to intervene and resolve the
issues in the federations, Bajgain further said, and decided to act on our
own when they did not pay heed.

Jammar-kattel refused to accept the newly formed organisation as a parallel
organisation and dismissed it saying the labour movement will not be
affected with a few dissident leaders leaving the union.

-- 
Peace Is Doable

-- 
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups 
"Green Youth Movement" group.
To post to this group, send an email to greenyouth@googlegroups.com.
To unsubscribe from this group, send email to 
greenyouth+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com.
For more options, visit this group at 
http://groups.google.com/group/greenyouth?hl=en-GB.

[GreenYouth] Nepal Updates

2010-11-29 Thread Sukla Sen

http://www.nepalnews.com/main/index.php/news-archive/1-top-story/11154-dahal-tells-muni-he-is-not-an-anti-indian-that-india-is-not-main-enemy.html

Dahal
tells Muni he is not an 'anti-Indian', says India is not 'main enemy'Monday,
29 November 2010 16:50

UCPN (Maoist) chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal has clarified that he doesn’t hold
any kind of anti-Indian sentiments, and that it was the media that presented
him to be like that.

In a meeting with Professor S.D Muni, the Indian expert on Nepalese affairs,
in the capital on Monday, he said he is not anti-Indian and that he never
pin-pointed India as the “main enemy” in his political dossier he presented
during the party’s extended meeting recently.

“Our party does not want to identify India as a chief enemy and that reports
that I have pin-pointed India as one in my political dossier is but a rumour
spread by the media,” the Maoist strong man told Muni during their brief
meeting.

Emerging from the meeting, Muni said that the Maoist chairman complained to
him that India is stopping him from getting back into power, but would still
like to maintain a cordial relationship with India as always.

Meanwhile, speaking at an interaction programme organised in the capital
today, the Indian professor said that the intra and inter party conflict is
the main cause behind the political deadlock in Nepal.

Refuting widespread speculations that Nepal's political deadlock is due to
India, Professor Muni held domestic parties and their cadres responsible for
inviting the deadlock.

Professor Muni said, "The deadlock here is due to differences among the
political parties since they want to stick to their own guns. India should
not be seen as a problem for Nepal."

Speaking in the same programme, leader of the Bharatiya Samajbadi Party,
Bijaya Pratap Sah expressed that the anti-India policy adopted by the
Unified CPN (Maoist) is not good for Nepali people.

He said, "They are using it only as a strategic tool to grab power." He
claimed such a decision would have negative impact on the relations between
the two countries.*nepalnews.com*
*
*

-- 
Peace Is Doable

-- 
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups 
"Green Youth Movement" group.
To post to this group, send an email to greenyo...@googlegroups.com.
To unsubscribe from this group, send email to 
greenyouth+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com.
For more options, visit this group at 
http://groups.google.com/group/greenyouth?hl=en-GB.

[GreenYouth] Nepal Updates: Three Parties Agree to Tabling of Budget

2010-11-17 Thread Sukla Sen

[The UCPN(M) was all along tooth and nail opposing the idea of tabling a
full budget by the interim government, till a new government (led by it) is
brought into being.
It has eventually agreed to shift its position, mindful of the consequences
otherwise.]

I/II.
http://www.nepalnews.com/main/index.php/news-archive/1-top-story/10847-27-party-meeting-to-take-up-budget-issue.html

Parties
laud decision of major three to bring budgetWednesday, 17 November 2010
11:33

All 27 political parties having their representation in the Constituent
Assembly (CA) Wednesday welcomed the recent decision of the major three
parties - Nepali Congress, CPN-UML and UCPN (Maoist) - to bring the budget
by amending the interim constitution.

During a meeting held at the Prime Minister's official residence at
Baluwatar this morning, leaders of various parties appreciated the three
parties' decision stating that they presented themselves as 'serious' in
preventing the nation from economic crisis, PM's chief advisor Raghuji Panta
informed.

However, a few fringe parties criticised the decision of amending the
constitution.

According to them, the current caretaker government is eligible to introduce
the budget and such a proposed amendment is not required.

"PM Nepal briefed the decision of the major three to bring the budget by
amending the interim constitution to all 27 parties," advisor Panda told
reporters after the meeting at Baluwatar.

II.
http://www.thehimalayantimes.com/fullNews.php?headline=27-party+meet+gives+nod+for+fiscal+bugdet&NewsID=265974

27-party meet gives nod for fiscal bugdet

Added At: 2010-11-17 1:22 PM

Last Updated At: 2010-11-17 1:26 PM

KATHMANDU: The 27 parties represented in the Constituent Assembly (CA) on
Wednesday agreed to allow the government to present the full fledged budget
on November 19 by amending the statutory provision in the interim
constitution.

A joint meeting of the parties held at the prime ministerial residence in
Baluwatar today decided to seek the presidential order for the amendment in
the constitutional provision as the amendment through parliamentary
procedure is unlikely before November 19 due to time constraint.

At the meeting, two fringe parties CPN-Unified and Dalit Janajati Party
however raised their dissatisfaction over the decision to allow the
government despite its caretaker status to introduce the budget.

The three major political parties—UCPN-Maoist, Nepali Congress (NC) and CPN
UML—had on Tuesday agreed to bring full-fledged budget, amending the
statutory provision in the interim constitution.
--
Peace Is Doable

--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups
"Green Youth Movement" group.
To post to this group, send an email to greenyo...@googlegroups.com.
To unsubscribe from this group, send email to
greenyouth+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com.
For more options, visit this group at
http://groups.google.com/group/greenyouth?hl=en-GB.

[GreenYouth] Nepal Updates: Maoists Quit the PM Race?

2010-09-17 Thread Sukla Sen

http://www.nepalnews.com/main/index.php/news-archive/1-top-story/9233-nc-convention-kicks-off-at-khulla-manch.html

Dahal affirms Maoists are in peace process to build 'a new political mainstream'
Friday, 17 September 2010 15:38

UCPN (Maoist) chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal announced on Friday that he
has quit the maddening race for the post of prime minister to free the
country from being hostage to indecision and uncertainty. He said that
there is no meaning in continuing to contest in the prime ministerial
election when seven rounds have remained fruitless.

Addressing the 12th General Convention of Nepali Congress at Khulla
Manch, Dahal said Maoists were not brought into the peace process, but
that the Maoists together with Nepali Congress had started the peace
process.

"It would be wrong to say that late Nepali Congress President Girija
Prasad Koirala brought the Maoists into the peace process," he said,
raising his voice against the hooting he received from the crowd of
mostly NC activists and sympathizers. "I and Girija Prasad Koirala
together started this peace process."

Braving the slight drizzle and dip in temperature on a mostly overcast
day, the fiery Maoist speaker further said that the Maoists agreed to
sign the 12-point deal that formed the basis for the peace process not
to come into the mainstream of national politics, but to give the
country "a new political mainstream".

"We are here to build a new political mainstream for the country, not
to be part of the existing structure, and till the time you all don't
realise this fact, the country is bound to suffer," he said.

--
Peace Is Doable

[GreenYouth] Nepal Updates: Conflicting Signals?

2010-09-13 Thread Sukla Sen

I/III.
Govt, Maoists reach 4-point understanding on peace process; agree to extend
UNMIN's term by four monthsMonday, 13 September 2010 21:19

After a protracted dispute, the government and the UCPN (Maoist) Monday
arrived at an agreement on the extension of the term of the United Nations
Mission in Nepal (UNMIN) and its mandate.

Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal and Maoist chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal
signed a four-point agreement following a discussion held at the prime
minister's official residence in Baluwatar in the evening.

The two sides have agreed to extend UNMIN's term by four months and complete
the integration and rehabilitation of Maoist combatants within this period.

Similarly, the UCPN (Maoist) has agreed to bring the combatants under the
control of the Special Committee.

With the agreement, the government and the UCPN (Maoist) will send identical
letters to the UN for extension of UNMIN's term.

There was dispute over the extension of UNMIN's term and its mandate with
the government and the Maoists sending separate letters to the UN
headquarters with their own views.

The government in its letter to the UN sought four-month extension of
UNMIN's term but complained that continuous monitoring of UNMIN on the Nepal
Army had hampered the regular works of the latter. On the other hand, Maoist
chairman Dahal in his letter to the UN requested for six months extension of
UNMIN term with the same mandate.

II.
http://www.nepalnews.com/main/index.php/news-archive/2-political/9134-maoists-ultimate-aim-is-to-capture-state-power-through-peoples-revolt-baidya.html

Maoists' ultimate aim is to capture state power through people's revolt:
BaidyaMonday, 13 September 2010 17:32

UCPN (Maoist) vice chairman Mohan Baidya on Monday revealed that his party
has begun preparation to capture state power through people's revolt. He
said that the party has been left with no option but to wage the revolt as
efforts are on to bar the Maoists from going into power.

Speaking at an interaction programme held at the Reporters' Club today
afternoon, he said the Maoists are victims of conspiracy to bar them from
forming a legitimate government.

"So, our ultimate aim is to capture state power sooner or later by waging
fresh people's revolt," Baidya said.

He informed that his party has already started making preparation for the
people's revolt, adding that the month long protest programmes announced by
a meeting of the Central Committee on Sunday is a prelude to such a revolt.

In his latest political dossier presented at the ongoing Central Committee
meeting of the party held on Saturday, Baidya, who is considered a party
hawk and leads a hard-line faction inside the party, has proposed that the
party should stop cooperating with the "parliamentary parties" and make
preparations to wage fresh people's revolt.

III.
http://www.nepalnews.com/main/index.php/news-archive/2-political/9106-maoists-decide-to-stir-against-growing-foreign-interference.html

Maoists decide to stir against 'growing foreign interference'Sunday, 12
September 2010 17:45

Unified CPN (Maoist) on Sunday decided to wage fresh stir against what it
called "growing foreign interference" in Nepal's internal affairs.

A meeting of the party's powerful Central Committee decided to organise
various protest programmes from September 17 onwards for a period of one
month against the interference, citing that it has seriously undermined the
sovereignty and national integrity of the country.

As per the month-long protest programmes, the Maoists will organise mass
assemblies, hold interaction programmes and mobilise people against the
growing foreign interference in Nepal's affairs from September 17 to October
18.

In perhaps the first official reaction of the party to the audio tape
scandal, the Maoists claimed that the release of the audio tape (in which
party's foreign cell department head Krishna Bahadur Mahara is shown asking
for funding from an alleged Chinese official to buy MPs to tilt the prime
ministerial election in the party's favour) has violated Mahara's
fundamental rights, and directly accused the Indian and US embassies of
working in cahoots with the Nepal Army to create the audio tape scandal.

Interestingly, the UCPN (Maoist) has not clearly denied the genuineness of
the audiotape. Instead, it has tried to divert attention towards national
security saying it was serious that telephone conversations of political
leaders were being tapped.

Maoist spokesperson Dinanath Sharma told reporters after Sunday’s CC
meeting, the audio tape may or may not be genuine; but the incident has
shown that our national security and rights to secrecy of our citizens are
in jeopardy.

Mahara himself had said, in an interview with Maoist supporter vernacular
Janadisha Daily a few days ago, that the voice in the audio tape could be
his. He said, the contents of the conversation were tampered using advanced
digital technology.

The fact that UCPN (Maoist) has not clearly

[GreenYouth] Nepal Updates: Sixth Round of PM Election: Yet Another Flop

2010-09-05 Thread Sukla Sen

http://www.nepalnews.com/main/index.php/news-archive/1-top-story/8942-sixth-round-of-pm-election-turns-out-to-be-yet-another-fiasco.html

Sixth
round of PM election turns out to be yet another fiascoSunday, 05 September
2010 15:31

The sixth round of prime ministerial election held at the Legislature
Parliament, Naya Baneshwar Sunday afternoon also proved futile as both the
PM candidates- UCPN (Maoist) chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal and Nepali Congress
(NC) vice president Ram Chandra Poudel -failed to garner sufficient votes to
get elected to the post.

The parliament could not elect a PM as the CPN (UML) and United Democratic
Madhesi Front (UDMF) stuck to their earlier decisions of staying neutral in
the voting.

Maoist PM candidate Dahal secured 240 votes in his favour while 101 votes
were cast against him. 163 lawmakers stayed neutral. There were 504
lawmakers at the House at the time of voting for Dahal.

Many lawmakers, who arrived late for the session, were barred from entering
the House during the voting process for Dahal, as the House convened on time
today. However, they were able to participate in the voting for NC candidate
Paudel.

Paudel got 122 votes in his favour, while 242 votes were cast against him
and 172 lawmakers remained neutral. 536 lawmakers were present at the House
during the voting for Paudel.

The results were quite expected as the UML with 108 seats and the Madhesi
Front with 82 seats had already declared they would stay neutral in the
election.

The House has been adjourned after the voting. A meeting of the Business
Advisory Committee (BAC) of the legislature parliament will decide on the
next date for PM election.

*Voting roundup of Ram Chandra Poudel

*
*Election Date**Total Votes**For**Against**Neutral*

July 21, 2010

597

124

235

228

July 23, 2010

578

123

241

214

Aug 02, 2010

556

124

246

186

Aug 06, 2010

461

122

245

194

Aug 23, 2010

567

124

243

200

Sep 05, 2010

536

122

242

172
*
**Voting roundup of Puspha Kamal Dahal*

*Election Date**Total Votes**For**Against**Neutral*

July 21, 2010

592

242

114

236

July 23, 2010

572

241

113

218

Aug 02, 2010

581

256

114

208

Aug 06, 2010

468

213

156

Aug 23, 2010

563

246

111

206

Sep 05, 2010

504

240

101

163

**
--
Peace Is Doable

[GreenYouth] Nepal Updates: A Raging Scandal

2010-09-04 Thread Sukla Sen

I/II.
http://www.nepalnews.com/main/index.php/news-archive/1-top-story/8907-maoists-caught-up-in-another-scandal-audio-tape-depicts-mahara-asking-for-rs-500-million-from-china-to-buy-parliamentarians-with-audio.html

Maoists
caught in another controversy; audio tape depicts Mahara asking for Rs 500
million from Chinese man to ‘buy’ parliamentarians (with audio)Saturday, 04
September 2010 09:51
An audio tape reputed to be telephone conversations between Unified CPN
(Maoist) leader Krishna Bahadur Mahara and a Chinese authority has revealed
that the Maoists asked for Rs 500 million to distribute it to lawmakers of
other political parties to have them vote for their candidate in the prime
ministerial election.

The tape, first broadcast by a private TV channel based in New Delhi, and
circulated to the media depicts two persons, one of whose voice and style
resembles that of Mahara, talking about the prime ministerial election, in
broken English. The tape has two rounds of telephone conversations.

When asked what kind of support was needed for the Maoists to form the
government, Mahara says he needs some money to ‘buy the lawmakers,’ in the
first part of the conversation. When asked how much money was required,
Mahara says, he needs to confirm the amount after talking to the chairman.
They also talk about how and where they could meet.

In the second part of the conversation, Mahara says, about Rs 500 million
was required to ‘buy’ 50 lawmakers. They further talk about the possible
places to meet. After considering China, Hong Kong and Singapore, they
settle for Hong Kong.

The veracity of the tape has not been established. Also nothing is mentioned
about who the Chinese authority was. Nothing is known about the date of the
conversation.

Both Mahara and the Chinese embassy in Kathmandu have denied the
authenticity of the telephone conversation.

Mahara told the media after the audio tape became public that it was totally
fabricated and aimed at his character assassination.

Audio tape of the telephone conversation -
I

Audio tape of the telephone conversation -
II

*Full Text of the Audio Tape*

*Chinese caller:* Mr Mahara, how is the trend in Nepal? The next (round of
the prime ministerial) election is coming up and do you think… (what are
you) hoping in the result?

*Mahara:* It (election) is very near, right now. It (the result) is also not
clear.

*Chinese caller:* Do you think Maoists can get enough seats?

*Mahara: *No chance. We are trying but it is so difficult.

*Chinese caller:* What causing the problem to (get) enough seats?

*Mahara: *We have already 10-15 (extra) seats but may be (we need) around
50.

*Chinese caller:* You need additional 50? And Mr. Mahara what kind of help
could help you to get the 50 seats?

*Mahara:* That is most difficult task, because the south (India) centre -
they are guided, control (by) them. So the first thing, it is necessary to
neutralise south. Second thing some of money (is) also needed.

*Chinese caller:* What (is) the amount you are talking about?

*Mahara:* It is not clear; It must be discussed with our chairman
(Prachanda).

*Chinese caller:* Mr. Mahara, I have one of my friends who is thinking about
(how) to help but he cannot come to Nepal. So we are wondering if we can set
up a meeting somewhere else?

*Mahara:* Where is his convenience?

*Chinese caller:* Do you think Hong Kong is possible for you?

*Mahara:* With whom does he want to meet?

*Chinese caller:* For this matter only you and the chairman (Prachanda).
Nobody else.

*Mahara:* It is very difficult (for our chairman) to move here and there.
When he goes to Hong Kong, everybody propagates. Because he was prime
minister and he is the candidate of the prime minister(ship) also.

*Chinese caller:* So you represent him to meet with my friend?

*Mahara: *Yes I am ready, everywhere I can go, here and there, but this
message must be sent to him — to our Prachanda. If you send the message to
Prachanda, then he can give me all authority.

*Chinese caller:* Okay this our plan, Mr Mahara. We are thinking about to
meet you first to talk about detail how to help Maoists to get the 50 seats.

*Mahara:* The most important place is if you have (some meeting place in)
China. China means in Chengdu. It is the best place nobody (will) know.

*Chinese caller:* This is very sensitive and we don’t want to have anything
to do between (you) and the Government (of China). You know what I mean.

*Mahara:* Then Singapore is another place. In Hong Kong, there are lots of
Nepalis. But Singapore is best.

*Chinese caller:* Let me talk to my friend.

*Mahara:* Hong Kong

[GreenYouth] Nepal Updates: Rumblings within the UCPN(M)?

2010-08-25 Thread Sukla Sen



Maoist CC meeting: Dahal rules out withdrawal of candidacy; Baidya,
Bhattarai table separate proposals
Wednesday, 25 August 2010 19:43

The UCPN (Maoist) central committee meeting, which resumed Wednesday
after being postponed thrice since August 12, is all set to see
divided opinions over the policies and the future strategies of the
party with two vice chairmen Mohan Baidya and Dr Baburam Bhattarai,
presenting separate proposals that are seen as a 'counter' to party
chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal political report.


Leaders of Unified CPN (Maoist) at the party's central committee meeting...
Baidya and Bhattarai tabled their written proposals at the CC meeting
simultaneously after Dahal presented his draft, saying Dahal prepared
it without consulting other party leaders and that it could not
address the viewpoints of all leaders in the party. Generally,
chairman (or general secretary) prepares the political dossier in a
communist party. Dahal had prepared his dossier during his overnight
stay at a resort in Dhulikhel in the weekend.

Maoist spokesperson Dinanath Sharma confirmed that the two vice
chairmen had filed their political dossiers at the party secretariat,
but refused to call them ‘separate dossiers’.

"They are not separate proposals, but supplementary proposals," said
Sharma. “Leaders can put different views at the central working
committee verbally or in writing. This time they have put their views
in writing."

In his political document, Dahal has stated the party would not quit
the ongoing prime ministerial race even if the PM election goes up to
tenth round, sources said. He has attributed the failure to elect new
PM to the flaws of parliamentary system.

Dahal, who is in the prime ministerial race, has also blamed Indian
'intervention', parliamentary parties and the sections within the
Maoist party for the failure to form a Maoist-led government.

Similarly, vice chairman Baidya in his draft has emphasised the need
to consolidate the republican system while preparing for a 'people's
revolt'.

However, Dr Bhattarai has come up with a softer tone, saying the party
should move ahead by forging consensus with the parties in order to
defend the political achievements made so far.



-- 
Peace Is Doable

-- 
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups 
"Green Youth Movement" group.
To post to this group, send an email to greenyo...@googlegroups.com.
To unsubscribe from this group, send email to 
greenyouth+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com.
For more options, visit this group at 
http://groups.google.com/group/greenyouth?hl=en-GB.

[GreenYouth] Nepal Updates: Rumblings within the UCPN(M)?

2010-08-25 Thread Sukla Sen



Maoist CC meeting: Dahal rules out withdrawal of candidacy; Baidya,
Bhattarai table separate proposals
Wednesday, 25 August 2010 19:43

The UCPN (Maoist) central committee meeting, which resumed Wednesday
after being postponed thrice since August 12, is all set to see
divided opinions over the policies and the future strategies of the
party with two vice chairmen Mohan Baidya and Dr Baburam Bhattarai,
presenting separate proposals that are seen as a 'counter' to party
chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal political report.


Leaders of Unified CPN (Maoist) at the party's central committee meeting...
Baidya and Bhattarai tabled their written proposals at the CC meeting
simultaneously after Dahal presented his draft, saying Dahal prepared
it without consulting other party leaders and that it could not
address the viewpoints of all leaders in the party. Generally,
chairman (or general secretary) prepares the political dossier in a
communist party. Dahal had prepared his dossier during his overnight
stay at a resort in Dhulikhel in the weekend.

Maoist spokesperson Dinanath Sharma confirmed that the two vice
chairmen had filed their political dossiers at the party secretariat,
but refused to call them ‘separate dossiers’.

"They are not separate proposals, but supplementary proposals," said
Sharma. “Leaders can put different views at the central working
committee verbally or in writing. This time they have put their views
in writing."

In his political document, Dahal has stated the party would not quit
the ongoing prime ministerial race even if the PM election goes up to
tenth round, sources said. He has attributed the failure to elect new
PM to the flaws of parliamentary system.

Dahal, who is in the prime ministerial race, has also blamed Indian
'intervention', parliamentary parties and the sections within the
Maoist party for the failure to form a Maoist-led government.

Similarly, vice chairman Baidya in his draft has emphasised the need
to consolidate the republican system while preparing for a 'people's
revolt'.

However, Dr Bhattarai has come up with a softer tone, saying the party
should move ahead by forging consensus with the parties in order to
defend the political achievements made so far.



-- 
Peace Is Doable

-- 
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups 
"Green Youth Movement" group.
To post to this group, send an email to greenyo...@googlegroups.com.
To unsubscribe from this group, send email to 
greenyouth+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com.
For more options, visit this group at 
http://groups.google.com/group/greenyouth?hl=en-GB.

[GreenYouth] Nepal Updates: Fifth Consecutive Fiasco in PM Election

2010-08-23 Thread Sukla Sen

http://www.nepalnews.com/main/index.php/news-archive/1-top-story/8599-fifth-round-of-election-yet-another-fiasco-as-poudel-also-gets-rejected-again.html

Fifth
round of PM election turns out to be another fiasco; next election on
September 5Monday, 23 August 2010 16:27

The fifth round of prime ministerial election also proved futile as both the
prime ministerial candidates, Maoist chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal and Nepali
Congress vice president Ram Chandra Poudel, failed to garner sufficient
votes to get elected to the post.

The voting could not produce results as the CPN (UML) and United Democratic
Madhesi Front (UDMF) stuck with their decision to stay 'neutral'.

Maoist prime ministerial candidate Dahal secured 246 votes in his favour
while 111 votes were cast against him. Some 206 lawmakers opted for 'no
vote' section in the ballot paper. Altogether 563 lawmakers participated
during the voting.

Similarly, Poudel got 124 votes while 243 voted were cast against him and
200 lawmakers remained neutral. 567 lawmakers cast their votes when Poudel's
name was put to vote.

The results were quite expected with the UML, which has 108 lawmakers and
the Madhesi Front which has 81 lawmakers, declaring their neutral position
previously.

Meanwhile, the Business Advisory Committee (BAC) of the legislature
parliament has decided to conduct the next round of election for the post of
Prime Minister on September 5.

BAC members met Monday evening after the parliament failed to elect a PM in
today’s election and decided to hold the next election after two weeks.

Earlier, the parties had agreed to set the next date of PM election after
more than two weeks to allow more time for consensus.
--
Peace Is Doable

[GreenYouth] Nepal Updates: An Interesting Proposal on PM Election

2010-08-17 Thread Sukla Sen

http://nepalnews.com/main/index.php/news-archive/2-political/8392-bhattarai-proposes-for-a-pm-from-civil-society-.html

Bhattarai
proposes for a PM from civil societyMonday, 16 August 2010

Vice chairman of Unified CPN (Maoist) Baburam Bhattarai has proposed a Prime
Minister from the civil society as an outlet to the present political
deadlock, Sunday.

Talking to Annapurna Post daily at his residence on Sunday Bhattarai said,
the parties could agree for a candidate from the civil society for the post
of the Prime Minister as none of the political leaders were able to gain
confidence of each other for the post.

"It would be logical to say, our party should get the leadership of the
government in capacity of the largest party in the parliament. The
leadership of our chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal is desirable. But, we cannot
stay stubborn if other parties don't agree to that. We can agree for a
common candidate from the civil society," said Bhattarai.

There are many candidates from the civil society who can lead the
government, Bhattarai opined. Power sharing can be done based on the
parties' presence in the parliament, he added.

Bhattarai forwarded the proposal of choosing a Prime Minister from the civil
society three days before the fifth round of elections for the post of PM,
scheduled to take place at the legislature parliament.

With the major political parties in the parliament, Unified CPN (Maoist),
Nepali Congress, UML and the united front of the Madhes-based parties
adamant on their respective stances, the fifth round of PM elections is also
almost certain to end in a fiasco.

Earlier, on Saturday, too, Bhattarai had opined both the candidates for the
post of PM should withdraw their candidacies to pave way for a third
candidate.

--
Peace Is Doable

[GreenYouth] Nepal Updates: Towards a Fifth Flop?

2010-08-12 Thread Sukla Sen

I/III.
http://www.thehimalayantimes.com/fullNews.php?headline=Prachanda+ready+to+pull+out+only+if+Paudel+does+same+&NewsID=253367


Prachanda ready to pull out only if Paudel does same

CHIRANJIVI DHUNGANA

*2010-08-12 6:15 PM*

[image: Print This
News]

KATHMANDU: Jhalanath Khanal, chairman of CPN-UML on Thursday urged
UCPN-Maoist chair Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ to withdraw his name from
the prime ministerial candidacy in the ongoing runoff election.

In a joint meeting of CPN-UML and the UCPN-Maoist held at the Maoist
Parliamentary Party Office, Singha Durbar, Khanal, initially UML's prime
ministerial candidate before he withdrew from the race after it became
apparent that he would not succeed in generating a two-thirds majority, as
demanded by his party's CC meeting, asked Prachanda to withdraw from the
election.

Responding to Khanal, Prachanda said that he would withdraw from the
election provided Ram Chandra Poudel who is contesting against him in the
Prime Ministerial election does the same.

Emerging from the meeting Khanal said that it is better that both the
parties quit from the candidacy than make a mockery of the election. The
House has failed to elect a prime minister for the fourth time.

Vice chairman of the UCPN-Maoist Narayankaji Shrestha said that they were
ready to withdraw their candidacy from the election but UML should be clear
about ensuring the same from the NC. He also said that being the biggest
party in the CA they should be given a chance to lead the new government.

Leaders Bam Dev Gautam and Bharat Mohan Adhikari among others were
representing UML while leaders Mohan Baidhya ‘Kiran’, Ram Bahadur ‘Badal’
and others represented the UCPN-Maoist in the meet.


II.

http://www.nepalnews.com/main/index.php/news-archive/2-political/8309-maoists-totalitarianism-led-madhes-based-parties-to-deny-support-minister.html


Maoists' totalitarianism led Madhes-based parties to deny support:
MinisterThursday,
12 August 2010

A government minister has revealed that the Madhes-based political parties
didn't extend their support to Unified CPN (Maoist) in the election for a
prime minister because of it being a "totalitarian" party.

Minister without Portfolio Laxman Lal Karna, who is also vice-chairman of
Sadbhawana Party, opined that the Maoists can't be trusted with the
government leadership until they abandon their weapons and return the
private properties they seized during the conflict period.

Speaking at a programme organised in Parsa Thursday, he accused the Maoists
of engaging in all kinds of dirty games to grab power and warned that the
former rebel party is trying to impose totalitarianism in the name of
democracy in the country.

"This is why, the Madhes-based parties will not support the Maoists in the
next round of election for a prime minister," he said, adding that peace and
constitution cannot be ensured until the time the Maoists renounce violence
and implement past agreements and understanding.

Sadbhawana Party is one of the four Madhes-based parties that comprise the
United Democratic Madhesi Front (UDMF).

III.
http://www.nepalnews.com/main/index.php/news-archive/1-top-story/8301-maoist-cc-meet-deferred-till-aug-19-consultations-for-maoist-led-unity-govt-to-continue.html

Maoist CC meet deferred till Aug 19; consultations for 'Maoist-led unity
govt' to continueThursday, 12 August 2010

The central committee meeting of the Unified CPN (Maoist), which started at
the party headquarters Perisdanda Thursday afternoon, has been postponed
till 19 August.

The meeting adjourned soon after party chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal, who is
also the prime ministerial candidate, presented a 13-point political draft
in which he has analysed the current political scenario and has outlined the
party's future plan. No discussion took place during today's meeting.

According to Maoist spokesperson Dina Nath Sharma, the meeting has been
deferred as the senior leaders will remain busy in consultations with
leaders of various parties as part of the ongoing efforts to win their
support in the prime minister run-off slated for August 18.

The party will continue efforts for formation of a consensus government led
by the party, he informed.

The Maoist central committee meeting started amid deepening political
uncertainty with four rounds of voting for the prime minister ending in
fiasco.

In the recent meetings with leaders of the Nepali Congress and the UML,
Maoist leaders had said they were ready to withdraw the PM candidacy
provided the latter agreed to amend the Interim Constitution to revive the
system of consensus government.

Sources said the Maoist CC meeting will also take up the internal dispute
that has intensified after vice chairman Dr Baburam Bhattarai held a
separate meeting with Indian Prime Minist

[GreenYouth] Nepal Updates: Four Flops in Succession: No PM Elected

2010-08-06 Thread Sukla Sen

http://www.thehimalayantimes.com/fullNews.php?headline=PM+vacuum+continues+with+lowest+turnout+in+4th+round&NewsID=252534

PM vacuum continues with lowest turnout in 4th round

ARUN RAI

*2010-08-06 4:29 PM*

[image: Print This
News]

KATHMANDU: The streak of parliament's failures to elect a new Prime Minister
continued, with neither of the candidates being able to clinch a clear
majority in round four of the prime ministerial elections held at
Constituent Assembly hall in New Baneshwor, Kathamandu Friday afternoon.

In today’s elections, UCPN-Maoist’s Pushpa Kamal Dahal polled 213 votes,
while his rival NC’s Ram Chandra Paudel only managed 122 in the capacity
601-seat parliament, way behind the halfway mark of 301 votes.

Of total 468 attendances, 156 lawmakers voted against Dahal and another 156
opted to stay neutral. Likewise, 245 lawmakers disapproved Paudel’s
candidacy, while 194 abstained from voting. In all, 561 lawmakers attended
Paudel's round of voting.

Dahal's third round figure of 259 slid down by 46 votes, while Paudel, went
down his previous statistics of 124 by a marginal 2 counts. Today's low vote
scoring can understandably be attributed to the decreased participation of
lawmakers.

The House has already faced debacles in three earlier episodes, after both
the two candidates, initially three, have each time been struggling to
overpass the vote deficit.

Khanal had pulled out minutes before the voting began in the first round as
he was apparently unlikely to generate a two-thirds majority, a condition
set by his party's CC meet for any UML candidate to mark presence in the
running.

Speaking to journalists while exiting from the CA premises, NC's prime
ministerial candidate Ram Chandra Paudel said the repeated failure of the
House is against the interests of the country.

He also called on leaders from CPN UML , Madhes Font and others, who have
been maintaining neutral stance on the ongoing voting, to participate in the
next round of poll, scheduled for August 18.

Since then, CPN UML has been abstaining from voting, which could certainly
have swung the balance to either of the parties’ favour. The party has
avowedly been saying it is only interested in a consensus government.

Today's poll was seen by many with special interest, relating it to a test
of India's negotiation prowess as India's former foreign secretary Shyam
Saran, special envoy of Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, had held
extensive talks with top brass leaders of all major parties to resolve the
long standing standoff.

With today’s poll turning into shambles, the country is pushed further into
vacuum of leadership with the lack of an effective government in place.

The existing regulations of the House require that voting be carried out ad
infinitum unless one of the two contestants seals a clear majority or
chooses to back out.

--
Peace Is Doable

[GreenYouth] Nepal Updates: Special Indian Emissary Engages in "Building Consensus"

2010-08-05 Thread Sukla Sen

[What is noteworthy is that notwithstanding customary combative rhetorics
even the Maoists readily parleyed with Saran.
No allegation of outside interference has yet been hurled.
That may, however, follow later if there is no "consensus" eventually.]

I/II.
http://www.nepalnews.com/main/index.php/news-archive/1-top-story/8115-indian-special-emissary-shyam-saran-intensifies-political-parleys-meets-maoist-nc-and-uml-leaders.html

Indian
special emissary Shyam Saran intensifies political parleys; meets Maoist, NC
and UML leadersThursday, 05 August 2010 09:18

Indian Prime Minister Man Mohan Singh's special emissary Shyam Saran, who
came to Nepal Wednesday on a special errand to facilitate consensus among
the political parties in Nepal, intensified political parleys on Thursday.

Saran first met Unified CPN (Maoist) leaders including chairman Pushpa Kamal
Dahal at the Dahal's residence in Nayabazaar, Thursday morning.

Party vice-chairmen trio Mohan Baidhya, Baburam Bhattarai and Narayan Kaji
Shrestha, general secretary Ram Bahadur Thapa and in charge of foreign
department Krishna Bahadur Mahara were also present at the meeting.

The exact content of the meeting has not been disclosed. Nayabazaar sources
say, Saran discussed Nepal's current political deadlock and the UCPN
(Maoist) - India relations with the Maoist leaders at the meeting.

Saran did not give any reaction after the meeting to journalists waiting
outside Dahal's residence.

Immediately after the meeting, Saran held discussions with Nepali Congress
Acting President Sushil Koirala at the latter's residence.

During the meeting, the two discussed the current political situation of the
country including the three fruitless rounds of election for a prime
minister. It is learnt that Koirala made it clear to the Indian envoy that
NC won't accept a Maoist-led government unless the party fixes the number of
combatants to be integrated into the state security forces, return the
private properties it seized during the conflict period and dismantle the
paramilitary structure of its youth wing, the Young Communist League (YCL).

He also stressed on the need for a formation of a government under NC
leadership in the present juncture.

Meanwhile, reports say Saran has just finished holding discussion with
CPN-UML chairman Jhalanath Khanal.

Saran is also scheduled to meet caretaker Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal
today.

Saran started political parleys soon after he arrived in Nepal. However,
most of his meetings yesterday were kept secret.

Reports say, he met President Ram Baran Yadav at the presidential palace in
Shital Niwas Wednesday evening. He also met former Prime Minister and
chairman of Rastriya Janashakti Party Surya Bahadur Thapa yesterday.

Sources say, the Indian embassy in Kathmandu threw a dinner party to leaders
of Madhes-based parties at the Indian embassy in the presence of visiting
dignitary Shyam Saran Wednesday evening.

Madhesi Janadhikar Forum (MJF)chairman Upendra Yadav, MJF-Loktantantrik
chairman Bijaya Kumar Gachchhadar, Terai Madhes Loktantrik Party (TMLP)
chairman Mahanth Thakur and Sadbhawana Party chairman Rajendra Mahato among
other leaders of Madhes-based parties attended the dinner.

Saran is a former Indian ambassador to Nepal and a former foreign secretary
of India.

II.
http://www.thehimalayantimes.com/fullNews.php?headline=Shyam+Saran+intensifies+political+talks+with+leaders&NewsID=252379

Shyam
Saran intensifies political talks with leaders

Added At: 2010-08-05 10:58 AM

Last Updated At: 2010-08-05 3:16 PM

KATHMANDU: Visiting former Indian ambassador to Nepal Shyam Saran has
intensified political consultations with top brass leaders of Nepal's major
political parties on Thursday morning.

Saran, who who arrived in Kathmandu a day before as a special emissary of
Indian Prime Minister Man Mohan Singh, met with UCPN-Maoist chairman Pushpa
Kamal Dahal's residence at Nayabazar and held talks with senior Maoist
leaders on current political issues.

During the talks, Saran showed his concerns over the prolonging political
standoff and asked Maoist leaders not relate his visit to formation of any
new government, according UCPN-Maoist's Narayan Kaji Shrestha.

The former Indian envoy, stressing on politics of consensus, expressed
India's willingness to see political stability in Nepal with due progress in
the ongoing peace process and constitution-drafting task.

During the meeting, Dahal told Saran that the long-standing political
deadlock will be resolved once a new government is formed under their
leadership.

Also Saran held talks with NC acting president Sushil Koirala. During the
meeting, Koirala said to have told Saran t

[GreenYouth] Nepal Updates: Three Consecutive Flops: No New PM Elected

2010-08-02 Thread Sukla Sen

I.
http://www.thehimalayantimes.com/fullNews.php?headline=PM+poll+hits+hattrick+of+flops&NewsID=252066

PM
poll hits hattrick of flops: Stalemate keeps going

ARUN RAI & MAHANANDA TIMILSINA

*2010-08-02 9:37 PM*

*
*

**
*

KATHMANDU: The parliament, for the third time in almost a month, on Monday
failed to choose a new Prime Minister, with neither of the candidates—NC’s
Ram Chandra Paudel and UCPN-Maoist’s Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ failing
to clinch a clear majority.

In today’s poll, UCPN-M’s Pushpa Kamal Dahal secured 259 votes, while his
rival NC’s Ram Chandra got 124, in the currently 599-member parliament, both
of them falling short to meet the magical half way mark.

In Dahal’s case, of total 581 attendances, 114 lawmakers voted against and
another 208 opted to stay neutral. Likewise, 246 lawmakers disapproved
Paudel’s candidacy, while another 186 abstained from voting, with 186
lawmakers abstaining from voting.

This time around, Dahal polled 17 more votes, which is attributed to support
from fringe parties including Nepal Workers and Peasants’ Party.

It is also said as many as 12 lawmakers from Upendra Yadav-led MJF cast
their votes in Dahal’s favour, defying United Democratic Madhesi Front’s
official line that bar lawmakers from the four Madhes parties from taking
part in the poll.

Widely known as a pro-Maoist outfit, MJF Nepal is a key alley of the Front,
other three parties being MJF-Loktantrik, Tarai Madhes Loktantrik Morcha and
Mahato-led Nepal Sadbhawana Party.

Some of the Madhesi Janadhikar Forum (MJF) lawmakers have a hot exchange
prior to attending today's PM runoff voting at parliament in New Baneshwor
on Monday August 2, 2010. (Photo:Dhruba Ale)

At present, UCPN-Maoist has 237 seats in the capacity 501-member House,
followed by NC with 113 and UML 109 as second and third largest parties in
parliament. The United Democratic Madhesi Front, the alliance of four major
Madhes parties, account for an aggregate 82 seats.

UCPN-Maoist this time around had a high expectation of getting backing from
the Madhes alliance. The hope however had apparently died away after the
Front’s meeting convened early this evening decided to stay neutral.

Clinging on to its earlier stance, CPN UML stayed neutral in today’s prime
ministerial ballot, which could have otherwise swung the balance to either
of the parties’ favour. The party had issued a stern whip to lawmakers,
telling them to refrain from today’s voting.

Initially a contestant, UML’s Jhalanath Khanal had pulled out minutes before
the voting began in the first round as he was unlikely to generate a
two-thirds majority, as determined by the party’s CC meet.

UML has since then described its refusal to take part in voting as a
manifestation of its call for the formation of national consensus
government. The party has avowedly said it would no way take part in voting
for any majority government.

Today’s poll fiasco meant the country has to continue bearing the vacuum of
leadership that has resulted from a lack of an effective government in place
since caretaker PM Madhav Kumar Nepal stood down on June 30.

The House has been adjourned for half an hour after which the meeting of
Business Advisory Committee (BAC) under the parliament will resume. The BAC
meeting is expected to churn out the future course of action the parliament
should embrace when it has repeated failed elect a new Prime Minister.

The existing regulations of the House require that voting be carried out ad
infinitum unless one of the two contestants seals a clear majority or
chooses to back out.

II.
***

--
Peace Is Doable

[GreenYouth] Nepal Updates: India and US Betting on Rival Horses?

2010-07-29 Thread Sukla Sen

I/III.
http://www.nepalnews.com/main/index.php/news-archive/1-top-story/7936-indian-us-envoys-intensify-political-parleys-as-new-govt-looks-uncertain.html

Indian,
US envoys intensify political parleys as new govt looks uncertain Thursday,
29 July 2010

Ambassadors of India and United States intensified high-level political
parleys Thursday amid growing political uncertainty with the parliament
failing to elect the new prime minister despite rounds of voting.

Indian ambassador Rakesh Sood met Nepali Congress vice president and party's
prime ministerial candidate Ram Chandra Poudel, discussing the prime
ministerial election. At the meeting, Poudel is known to have claimed that
the NC would be able to garner enough support from the parties to form the
new government.

Similarly, US ambassador to Nepal Scott H. DeLisi held separate meetings
Maoist chairman and party's prime ministerial candidate Pushpa Kamal Dahal
and Madhesi Janadhikar Forum (Loktantrik) chairman Bijay Kumar Gachchhadar.

During his meeting with Dahal at the Maoist headquarters, Paris Danda,
DeLisi stressed that the new government needs to be formed at the earliest
and that the successive indecisive voting for the Prime Minister's post
would only deepen the political deadlock.

Dahal is learnt to have said that his party is in favour of a consensus
government for which it is continuing talks with other parties.

The US ambassador had met UML chairman Jhala Nath Khanal yesterday,
conveying the US government's concern over the prolonged deadlock due to the
failure to elect new prime minister.

II.
http://www.nepalnews.com/main/index.php/news-archive/2-political/7929-maoists-express-commitment-to-udmfs-demands-in-writing-but-reject-one-madhesh-pradesh.html

Maoists express commitment to UDMF's demands in writing, but reject one
Madhesh Pradesh' Thursday, 29 July 2010

In order to ensure its victory in the prime ministerial run-off slated for
August 2, the Unified CPN (Maoist) has prepared a letter expressing the
party's commitment on the "common paper" of the demands put forth by the
United Democratic Madhesi Front (UDMF).

A meeting of the Maoist office bearers held at the party Chairman Pushpa
Kamal Dahal's residence in Nayabazaar on Thursday morning reached a
conclusion that the party should express written commitment to the
conditions presented by UDMF, an alliance of the four Madhesh-based
parties-Madhesi Janadhikar Forum (MJF), Madhesi Janadhikar Forum-Loktantrik,
Tarai Madhes Loktantrik Party and Mahato-led Sadbhavana Party - and
accordingly prepared such a letter.

Emerging from the meeting, Maoist vice-chairman Narayan Kazi Shrestha said
that his party will hand over a letter stating its written commitment on the
'common paper' of the conditions presented by the UDMF in a meeting to be
held later today.

Shrestha said the Maoist party took the decision after the UDMF sought a
written commitment on its demands from Nepali Congress and Maoists who are
seeking support of the Madhesi parties for government formation.

However, Shrestha said the party doesn't agree with the UDMF demand for 'One
Madhes, One Province' i.e. a single Madhesi province.

The Maoists have decided to sit with Madhesi leaders for further
consultations on this issue.

In the "common paper" the Madhesi parties have also put forth the condition
of proportional representation of Madhesi people in the national army and
completion of army integration task as early as possible, among others.

The decision of the Maoist party has come at a time when the top leaders of
Nepali Congress are already seen positive on the 'common paper' floated by
UDMF and are close to expressing their commitment on it in writing.
III.
http://www.ekantipur.com/the-kathmandu-post/2010/07/28/nation/rivals-set-for-fresh-fiasco/210950/

Rivals set for fresh fiasco

- PM Polls run-off

KATHMANDU, JUL 28 -
Barring some last-minute surprises, it is almost certain that UCPN (Maoist)
Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal and Nepali Congress (NC) Parliamentary Party
leader Ram Chandra Poudel will set an unenviable record on Aug. 2: Theirs
will be a hat-trick of defeat in the prime ministerial poll.

The drama began on July 21. Both failed to secure 300 votes to form a
majority government and ended up doing so again on July 23. Two decisive
forces who will tilt the vote one way or the other—CPN-UML and the Samyukta
Loktantrik Madhesi Morcha (SLMM)—are likely to abstain on Monday, according
to insiders.

The vote of UML and SLMM is a must for Poudel to form a majority government
while 82 votes of SLMM would take Dahal to the hot seat. Both UML and SLMM
had not voted for the two contestants in the previous two elections.

UML has been a deeply divided house after its Chairman Jhala Nath Khanal had
to withdraw his candidacy in the first round election. Khanal wants bo

[GreenYouth] Nepal Updates: Nepal Fails to Elect A (Majority) Prime Minster

2010-07-21 Thread Sukla Sen

I.
http://www.nepalnews.com/main/index.php/news-archive/1-top-story/7749-dahal-defeated.html

Parliament
fails to elect Prime Minister; re-elections on FridayWednesday, 21 July
2010

The legislature parliament has failed to elect a new Prime Minister at the
elections held Wednesday after motions filed by Nepali Congress and Unified
CPN (Maoist) got rejected and CPN (UML) withdrew its motion.

Unified CPN (Maoist) had fielded its chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal, Nepali
Congress had fielded its vice president and parliamentary party leader Ram
Chandra Poudel and CPN (UML) had fielded its chairman Jhala Nath Khanal for
the prime ministerial race.

At the voting that took place Wednesday evening, Maoist candidate Dahal
failed to gain majority as only 242 lawmakers out 597 present at the House
voted for him. 114 lawmakers voted against him and 236 lawmakers stayed
neutral.

Likewise, NC candidate also failed to get majority as he secured only 124
votes in his favour. 235 lawmakers voted against him and 228 lawmakers
stayed neutral.

CPN (UML) withdrew its candidate Jhala Nath Khanal from the prime
ministerial race after its efforts to secure a two-thirds majority at the
parliament failed. The party had fielded Khanal as a candidate for the post
of the Prime Minister only if two-thirds majority is assured before the
votings. The Maoists had also pledged to support Khanal if he managed to
secure a two-thirds majority.

As today's elections failed to elect a new Prime Minister, Speaker of the
legislature parliament announced that the re-elections to the post of PM
would take place on Friday. He has summoned the next meeting of the House at
1 pm, Friday. The schedule for the elections will be published later.

II.
http://www.thehimalayantimes.com/fullNews.php?headline=PM+Election:+Majority+proves+elusive+for+Big+3+trio&NewsID=250471

PM Election: Majority proves elusive for Big 3 trio

ARUN RAI & KESHAV P. KOIRALA

*2010-07-21 11:12 PM*

[image: Print This
News]

KATHMANDU: The voting session of the Constituent Assembly came to an end
Wednesday evening, with neither of the two candidates from UCPN-Maoist and
Nepali Congress being able to secure a majority in the 601-seat parliament
and CPN-UML deciding to withdraw from the voting.

Put to vote, UCPN-Maoist candidate Pushpa Kamal Dahal secured 242 votes for
his candidacy and 140 votes against it. The remaining 236 lawmakers stayed
neutral.

NC’s Ram Chandra Poudel bagged124 votes for his candidacy while 235 were
cast against him. The other 397 lawmakers opted to remain neutral.

UML’s Jhala Nath Khanal pulled out of the running after the UML, having
appeared unlikely to garner its earlier stated two-thirds majority.

Khanal, previously believing that Prachanda would withdraw his candidacy,
had joined the prime ministerial race with a hope to garner a two-thirds
majority (401 votes) with the support from Maoists and other parties.

Announcing the results, Speaker Subas Nembang said that none of the
proposals failed to garner mandatory simple majority and thus were rejected,
while the UML proposal did not need to be put to vote as the party withdrew
it.

The House was holding the election as per the Arcticle 38 (2) of Interim
Constitution to pick up the country's 34th prime minister.

UML leader Madhav Kumar Nepal, also the Prime Minister in the incumbent
caretaker government, annoucing his party's withdrawal from prime
ministerial race at the CA hall in New Baneshwor on Wednesday, July 21,
2010. Photo: THT Online /Navesh Chitrakar

Most of the fringe parties including the Madhes-based ones stayed neutral in
the voting.

Exiting from the House, NC candidate Ram Chandra Poudel expressed his high
optimism about winning the election in the run-off election since he claimed
that most of the lawmakers staying neutral to his candidacy belong to the
ruling coalition and therefore he would definitely enjoy their support next
time.

The House meeting has been called at 1 p.m. on Friday afternoon.

He also said this is an opportunity for the Maoists to smoothen their
relations by lending their support to him, which he said would be
instrumental in resolving the pending task of peace process and constitution
drafting.

Speaking to journalists, UML chairman Khanal said it was purely due to their
stress on the primacy of consensus government that his party decided to
withdraw from the running.

He claimed that a simple majority would not have been a big deal for them as
they already had 391 signatures from lawmakers supporting his candidacy.

Khanal also ruled out his party’s possible involvement in any negotiation
including such an election in the future that does not acknowledge the
spirit of consensus.

He said the UML would boycott the voting in the run-off election.

UCPN-Maoist leader Post Bahadur Bogati expressed his party’

1 2 >

1 - 100 of 141 matches

Mail list logo