Parties should respond positively to King’s call: Dr. Rayamajhi

Former chairman of the Rajparishad Standing Committee, a royal advisory body, Dr. Keshar Jung Rayamajhi has been in the news for advising HM the King publicly to give up chairmanship of the cabinet. The communist-turned-royalist spoke to Nepalnews about the rationale of his advice and other contemporary issues. Excerpts:

. Excerpts:

So, you too agree that the year-old direct rule of the King has been a failure?

I think I have been misquoted. All I mean is that the King and the parties should hold talks first. I have not said the King should give up the chairmanship of the council of ministers immediately. That could be an option after both the sides agree for a total package to resolve the problems facing the country.

They (the Maoists) should come for talks since our country can not bear such a situation for long.

His Majesty the King time and again made experiments from October 4, 2002 to resolve the political crisis in the country. He appointed three prime ministers-- Lokendra Bahadur Chand, Surya Bahadur Thapa and Sher Bahadur Deuba -- in less than three yeas but they all failed to achieve the desired goals of restoring peace and democracy in the country. Only after that, His Majesty the King held the chairmanship of the government himself. Parties misunderstood the King’s intention, though His Majesty’s intention was crystal clear. His Majesty has said, “Let us listen to others, put across our views, do away with discord and enhance mutual understanding; let us consolidate peace and democracy.” His Majesty the King is committed to activate the constitutional process through elected representatives by April 2007. So all should be ready for talks to restore peace and democracy in the country. The situation now is very critical. There is no other option than talks and reconciliation.

Do you see any prospect of consensus among the King, political parties and Maoists in near future. If so, how will that be possible?

His Majesty the King has renewed his call for dialogue to find a consensus. His Majesty has also called on the Maoists (without citing their name) to give up the politics of violence and join the mainstream. Dialogue, too, is the best alternative for Maoists to join the mainstream. The country will see progress in many fronts within a short span of time if peace is restored. So, all should come for talks to make Nepal a prosperous country. The parties should take King’s call for dialogue positively. His Majesty the King should also make it clear when, where and how to hold talks with the political parties. His Majesty should give the modalities of talks to the political parties through cabinet as well, as most of the ministers are the leaders of the political parties. The cabinet should play the role of a facilitator for the talks between the King and political parties. All should realise the gravity of the situation and sufferings of many Nepalese due to the current political stalemate and should initiate efforts for restoring peace and democracy. His Majesty the King should invite political parties for talks immediately after he returns from the tour of western development region and the political parties should come forward for talks taking the King’s message positively.

Critics say the dissolution of the RCCC has proved that all the moves by the King post February 1 are unconstitutional. Do you agree?

His Majesty the King has the authority to take any action under Article 127 for the sake of the people and the country. The dissolution of the Royal Commission for Corruption Control (RCCC) is a proof that rule of law prevails in the country. It has also delivered a message that proper attention should be paid before constituting any Commission like the RCCC. But it is inappropriate to say that all the actions of the King are “unconstitutional” just because one of his decisions has been termed “unconstitutional.” All the actions of the King should not be analyzed in the same way. His Majesty’s steps are constitutional and they are directed for the welfare of the Nepalis.

How do you view recent comments by the international community on Nepal ? It is said that some hardliners within the palace are main obstacle for talks. Is it true?

We should seek cooperation from foreigners. Many neighbouring countries are our friends. Their suspicion that the present problem emerged due to the hardliners within the government is inappropriate. Of course, we should try to convince them that His Majesty the King is committed towards democracy and democracy will remain functioning in Nepal as the King took these steps to solve the present problems of the country. All should convince them that His Majesty’s steps are only for short term and convey the King’s commitment towards multi-party democracy. We have to give the message that “No nation can borrow the experience of others and we are trying to resolve our problems on our own.” During my term as the chairman of Rajparishad standing committee, I told diplomats that such measures could be taken during the time of emergency, as there are examples of adopting such measures in India and other countries as well.

I am of the strong view that even the hardliners within the palace and the cabinet can’t go against democracy and the 1990 constitution as His Majesty the King is aware about the importance of these things. His Majesty has firm belief in democracy and he knows the importance of democracy and international situation better than anybody else. So, nobody can mislead the King from the path of democracy and finding consensus to resolve the problems that our country faces.

As one of the founding members of the Communist Party of Nepal, do you see any prospect of the Maoists joining the politics of competition anytime soon?

They were in the parliament as well but they adopted the politics of bullet by leaving aside the politics of ballot since 1996. The decade-old insurgency has affected the country a lot. It has caused immense damage to the country. So, they should come for talks for the sake of people and the country, since our country can not bear such a situation for long. Various rounds of talks between the Maoists and the government failed in the past, so they have to initiate dialogue learning lesson from the past experiences. The seven agitating political parties should also hold dialogue with the Maoists to bring them to the mainstream rather than using them against the King. The King has the aspiration of restoring peace in the country. So a talk with the Maoists and finding peaceful outlet to the insurgency is possible and quite essential for the country. nepalnews.com Pratibedan Baidya Feb 22 06

(How do you find this interview? Please send your comments to feedback@mos.com.np--Ed.)