http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/storypage.aspx?StoryId=37475 ABS-CBN Interactive 'People power' proves effectiveness in Nepal
KATHMANDU - "People power" in a continent with 60 percent of the world's population proved its potency in Nepal after street demonstrations forced the king to hand over absolute rule of the country. While hardly representing rebellion-sweeping Asia, it is the latest concession after crippling protests forced the premier to step down in Thailand and the government to give ground over fuel prices in Malaysia. In the Philippines tens of thousands took to the streets on Labor Day calling for the ouster of President Arroyo - as they achieved with her predecessor Joseph Estrada in 2001. Some analysts said events indicated a stronger desire by the public, particularly in Asia's newer democracies, to play a key part in the future of their nations. In Nepal parliament sat for the first time in four years on Friday following three weeks of street protests against the king's absolute rule. In Nepal academics and diplomats said the Maoists - who effectively control large parts of the countryside - were crucial in mobilizing support and bringing villagers into the capital Kathmandu for protests. But in Thailand, Bangkok's middle class arose in February against Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, in a movement that eventually drove him from office. The protests began in anger at a $1.9-billion stock sale by Thaksin's family, which his critics said highlighted their claims that he had used his five years in office to benefit his vast business empire. The movement was led largely by a handful of rich and influential men who opposed Thaksin, and who managed to successfully tap in to middle class discontent in Bangkok. He finally stood down after an April 2 election highlighted a sharp divide in the country. But Thaksin could still stand in new elections. His party remains the dominant force in Thai politics, raising questions about what - if anything - has changed after months of turmoil. The differences between the two nations could be seen by the roles played by the two kings, with Nepalese King Gyanendra forced to recall parliament after calling for the opposition to name a new prime minister following weeks of street protests. In Thailand the hugely influential king rebuffed calls for him to appoint a new premier. "In Thailand, even when people asked the king to interfere he said no. He said it will endanger the political process," noted political scientist Rabindra Khanal of Kathmandu's Tribhuwan University. AFP --------- http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/1513242.cms Nepal students now target politicians Keshav Pradhan [ Tuesday, May 02, 2006 11:26:18 pmTIMES NEWS NETWORK ] KATHMANDU: After having fought against Gyanendra unarmed, Nepal's pro-democracy students on Tuesday came out in the streets with lathis to discipline politicians fighting over plump ministerial posts over the past one week. Prime minister G P Koirala has not yet been able to constitute a full-fledged council of ministers owing to differences within the Seven-Party Alliance (SPA) over portfolios. Hundreds of Tribhuvan University students, with sticks in hands, marched to Singh Durbar, where parliament is located. As security personnel stopped them from entering the House, which was then in session, the students pulled down police posts and shouted, "If you leaders don't overcome your greed for power and work according to wishes of the people, we will gherao your houses." Reports said students took out similar rallies in central Nepal's Chitwan district too. Most pro-democracy activists feared that constant wrangling among the politicians would enable the palace to re-consolidate its position. ----- http://snipurl.com/pyr2 25 April 2006 Dateline Kathmandu: Gyanendra blinks, announces revival of parliament With the democratic opposition's promised million-person march on the Nepalese capital less than 12 hours away, King Gyanendra has finally stepped back from the brink. The question now is how quickly the parties can press ahead with a Constituent Assembly. http://snipurl.com/pyr3 25 April 2006 The Hindu In Nepal, novel forms of protest and familiar ones too From a peoples' referendum to clashes with the police and even talk of petrol bombs, Nepal today is seething with anger. http://snipurl.com/pyr4 April 22, 2006 Nepal on the Verge of Bastille By Sudhanva Deshpande http://snipurl.com/pyr5 Nepal Maoists The American Connection And More Rajinder Puri The Statesman http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/nic/maoist.htm Exclusive interview with Prachanda, Maoist leader This is a complete verbatim transcript of Nepali Maoist leader Prachanda's interview with Siddharth Varadarajan of The Hindu, conducted at an undisclosed location in the first week of February 2006. Highlights and excerpts from the interview were published in the print edition of The Hindu of February 8, 9, and 10, 2006. _______________________________________________ Biofuel mailing list Biofuel@sustainablelists.org http://sustainablelists.org/mailman/listinfo/biofuel_sustainablelists.org Biofuel at Journey to Forever: http://journeytoforever.org/biofuel.html Search the combined Biofuel and Biofuels-biz list archives (50,000 messages): http://www.mail-archive.com/biofuel@sustainablelists.org/
