Wednesday, February 1, 2006

Kathmandu: Much is being said by a section of Nepali intellectuals here that China of late has changed its perception towards Nepal which they interpret as a "grand departure" from the Chinese traditional line from what it used to be in the past.

It is also being interpreted by some interested quarters that China has now begun looking Nepal as a source of problems for herself instead of the otherwise.

These varieties of interpretations have come up after the People's Republic of China issued perhaps for the first time a comparatively long statement dated January 25, 2006 on Nepal events.

However, a close look at the official statement made by the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman, Mr. Kong Quan makes it abundantly clear that neither China has changed its traditional line towards nor has sent any negative signals to the powers-that-be in Kathmandu.

Instead, contrary to what is being publicized, China wishes that the problems and the issues that have "destabilized" (implied) Nepal "could be stabilized at an early date".

This in no way is a negative tone in itself.

Further, the Chinese spokesman says in his statement that his country was in his own words "fairly concerned" about the recent changes in the political situation in Nepal.

In saying so China now appears fairly encouraged in send signals to all those who have been taking extra interests in Nepal situation that "enough was enough" and that she too would now take proper care and interest as well in Nepali events because any further deterioration in her neighborhood is certainly a matter of serious "concern" for her.

This implies that China now wants to express that the prolongation of Nepali conflict too would have "its spill over effect" on her security as well and hence she hoped of an early settlement of Nepali disputes.

When China talks of recent changes in the "political situation in Nepal", she perhaps indicates of the much hyped twelve point agreement that was reached in between the agitating seven with the rebels. It could be this "recent changes in the political situation" in Nepal that might have "concerned" China which refers this country as a "friendly neighbor".

Now let's move on to next paragraph wherein Mr. Kong Quan urges "all parties concerned in Nepal could narrow their differences through dialogue and make concerted efforts for the country's development and economic prosperity".

So where is the much publicized "grand departure"?

China has just said which is what is being said by the Americans, United Kingdom, the members of the European Union and more so the all-time double playing India as well.

Appealing all concerned to narrow their differences is what a true and real friend should say at such moments.

Analysts at the Telegraph don't see any departure of that sort as is being made to understand by some.

But then yet question could well be raised as to why China says " all parties should narrow their differences through dialogue"?

Does this mean that China is in full knowledge as to which force on earth has been working day-in-day-out to "widen" the differences in between the legitimate and the constitutional forces of the country? Meaningful expression indeed.

China, again, insists on the initiation of a dialogue in between the now estranged constitutional forces. Wise advice. This advice does not amount to a grand departure of the China's traditional line in any way.

All in all, thanks that China ultimately got the point and has, it becomes at least visible now, begun taking note of Nepal events and appears to have begun thinking on how to secure its own nation from the "spill over effect" of the Nepal events should the situation here further destabilizes.

Analysts say China is not run by a bunch of frustrated diplomats and power-lust politicians. She knows her interest well and she also understands what peace in Nepal meant to her underbelly-Tibet.

Let's presume that the Beijing men understand the meaning of a submissive government in Nepal and its would be heavy impact on the security situation of Tibet.

It is perhaps the grand realization of these political compulsions that China, to begin with, made a simple and modest comments on Nepal. Should China feel that any further aggravation in the Nepal situation under the influence of some forces on earth, she would not mind in taking extra-interest in Nepal affairs much the same way as others in the neighborhood have been doing in order to safeguard her own security interests. This much becomes clear from what Mr. Kong Quan said January 25 last week.

Add to this a week ago what one Chinese diplomat based in Kathmandu had said of Nepal events to a media man at a party organized by President Koirala. "Let Nepal be left alone to solve her problems".

How come within ten days of such a statement made right here in Kathmandu, the authorities in Beijing could change their policy vis-à-vis Nepal? Beijing can do this but have they done so quickly?

It is not for nothing perhaps that China is sending a high level delegation to Kathmandu mid-February. This visit has importance of its own. The delegation, among other things, will get first hand information from Nepali authorities as to who were widening the differences in between the King and the political parties?

Below is the full text of the Chinese statement-ed.

China hopes for political stability in Nepal

BEIJING, Jan. 25 (Xinhuanet) -- China on Tuesday expressed the hope that the political situation in Nepal could be stabilized at an early date, said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Kong Quan.

China was "fairly concerned about" the recent changes in the political situation in Nepal, which is China's friendly neighbor, Kong said.

China hoped that all parties concerned in Nepal could narrow their differences through dialogue and make concerted efforts for the country's development and prosperity.

Election candidates afraid of rebels: not of the parties' threats

Kathmandu: As the luck would have it, the first part of the municipal elections are over.

Good or bad what ever it is, let it be a matter of intense debate among the nation's intellectuals, the municipal level elections at least for the namesake have taken place and some candidates have already been elected unopposed and been provided with "winning certificates" by the authorities of the Election Commission.

The second part of the municipal elections is scheduled for February 8.

Those favoring the elections and those opposing the elections have become face to face. In the process, some candidates have been terrified, tortured, threatened and even shot at.

Those threatening the candidates and insisting them not to contest the polls or even wirthdraw their nominations claim that they have been doing this in the name of "democracy". Contrary to these, those who have contested in the polls and are all prepared to face the challenges posed even to their lives sya that their candidacy would be one step forward in the stabilization of the derailed democracy.

The fight is thus on in between the two: in favor or against the elections.

Nepali media's loyalty appears to be divided.

The acclaimed democratic minded media men, as the luck would have it, have been opposing the elections and been cutting jokes at the simple, honest but yet genuine Nepali citizens who have either by force or at their own will dared to contest the elections.

The manner these media men are making a mockery of the candidates forget that Abraham Lincoln too came from a very modest family but he is still considered to be one of the messiah of democratic system.

The other set who till the other day possessed only bad words for the democratic minded leaders have suddenly become die hard democrats and been championing the cause of the elections forwarding the plea that such events consolidate the system.

The fight is thus on.

The Maoists factor is also there which in effect creating a sort of terror in the minds of the candidates who wait February 8 when their fates will be decided.

The fact is that the candidates are not afraid of the political parties and their threats; however, it is the Maoists threat on their lives, which is making them tremble from within.

Be it clear to all, emphatically claim the analysts, that had there been no such warnings emanating from the rebel quarters the candidates and their voters would have rushed to the polling stations on that fateful day. However, it is the fear of being killed or maimed by the rebels on that very day of the elections that the voters' turn out in the polling stations would be rather not an impressive one.

Implies that the people are not afraid of the political paraphernalia but of the rebels who will not settle for less than what they have declared.

This means that had there been no warning signals from the Maoists' quarters, the elections would have taken place in an impressive way.

It is thus the bullet factor that has played its role.

The 'year that was' thoroughly analyzed

Kathmandu: One full year has passed of the King's direct rule in the country.

What this one year rule of the monarch provided to the people is there for all to see.

By the same token, how the political leaders of this country acted and behaved with each other, read the legitimate and the real constitutional forces is also not hidden.

Analysts at this newspaper have tried to analyze what the King did during this period and what he did not, and what should have he done and would also critically examine as to how Nepali leaders performed in order to bring normalcy in the country.

Let's begin with the political parties.

Firstly and very strangely, the political parties joined hands with those who never believed in the democratic and constitutional processes. This they did perhaps as a move to press the King.

Secondly, the political parties sought the support of some countries near and far who never wanted to see a stable and economically prosperous Nepal. One country comprising the axis instead extracted immense political benefits for her by widening the differences in between the King and the agitating parties.

Thirdly, the political leaders began themselves defaming a system for the restoration of which they sacrificed hundreds of their own party cadres.

Fourthly, in the process they not only insulted their own head of the State but also exhibited their lust for power which they concluded could be acquired by riding over the back of some countries. This made them subservient to certain alien forces which perhaps continues till today.

Fifthly, the political leaders tried to create and construct newer definitions of democracy by resorting to undemocratic and unconstitutional means. Fortunately, some acclaimed democratic nations supported them in their bid to define democracy in a completely new fashion and design.

Sixthly, in the process of providing newer definitions of democracy, Nepali leaders legalized acts of terror and vandalism and then yet claimed that such sad events too amounted to democracy.

Seventhly, the Nepali politicos twisted, manhandled and even buried a constitution that they had drafted themselves in 1990 and had claimed that the constitution that they drafted were one of the best documents available in the present day world.

Finally, our leaders, analysts say, concluded that for all the Nepali ailments, India could be the only doctor to provide medical prescriptions thus encouraged India to poke every now and then its nose in affairs that were exclusively of an internal nature.

Now let's talk of the King. With all modesty, our analysts have tried to put their views not with an intention to debate over what the monarch did in the past. Analysts intend to appeal to the monarch what he should have done in order to manage the country's affairs with proper finesse.

Firstly, the King's choice of the two-gerentocratic leaders at the helm of country's affairs was somewhat puzzling. He could have brought some dynamic and die-hard democratic leaders who could have acted with the very same speed the monarch wanted. Dr. Giri and Mr. Bista, albeit established leaders, but their days have gone. They are no more than two sinking horses.

Secondly, Dr. Giri and Mr. Bista neither could enhance the prestige of the monarch internally nor could convince the international community of the monarch's very good intentions of the said February 1 move.

Thirdly, instead, as and when Dr. Giri made lectures or met the press he created problems for the King for the political actors took Dr. Giri's utterances as to have been the inner feelings of the King himself which necessarily were not, let's presume.

Fourthly, though law and order situation was improved but it was not to that extent that the lay men aspired for. For example, the attack on the Thankot police post by the rebels recently meant just the otherwise.

Fifthly, as the real guardian of the nation-state, the King should have used his own channel to convince the agitating seven to come to terms in the larger interest of the nation. Analysts presume, had the King so desired and sent indications, the political actors would have rushed to see him.

Sixthly, the monarch could have exploited President Koirala's changed political overtures, which could have, let's presume, brought Koirala closer to the King and vice versa thus rendering the alliance redundant and defunct. Analysts still believe that Koirala is waiting for a call from the Palace and ready to reconcile. Any reconciliation in between the King and the liberal as well the democratic forces has some inner meaning. If this so happened, country's politics will take a U-turn instantly.

The King perhaps understands this hidden fact better.

Seventhly, the monarch should have instructed his foreign minister to be in regular contact with the European countries and Ambassadors of USA and the UK. At times, regular meetings in the sidelines also work miraculously. Unless one talked to those who differ with your views how can one convince them? It has been noted by matured analysts that the European Ambassadors are not briefed on a regular basis about the Nepal situation and hence the apprehension. After all, the EU and the US nurture no designs against Nepal, as a matter of fact.

If the monarch considers that it would be appropriate for him to meet the EU Ambassadors together with the US Ambassador plus some other influential diplomats posted in Kathmandu, he can do so. This would narrow down the differences, if any, in between the King and the invited Ambassadors. Analysts presume, if the monarch invited them, they would love to listen to the monarch's inner feelings straight. This would be an added advantage for the monarch. This is also a part of diplomacy, analysts opine.

Eighthly, the King still has time to convince his own Nepali leaders than providing political leverage to some countries in the neighborhood. After all, reconciling with Nepali brothers is far better than to yield to foreign interests at a later stage?

Strong rumors have it that the King will take certain bold decisions soon and might effect certain meaningful changes in the structure of the cabinet as well.

Analysts appeal the King not to take these considerations in a different manner. As Nepali citizens, analysts too possess the right to forward good suggestions to their own monarch.

Army to step in to control poll disturbances

Kathmandu: Things appear to take shape soon.

With the possibilities of disruption in the upcoming February 8 municipal level polls, the government appears to have provided full mandate to "deal" firmly with the emerging situation on that very fateful day.

That the Nepal's Armed Forces is all prepared mentally to manage the possible incidents at time of the elections with rigid hands became abundantly clear Monday afternoon when Army spokesperson, Nepal Bhushan Chand, made it clear that "if there are any mobs, violent and destructive activities and breach of laws of the land, the army is committed to its responsibility to maintain law and order".

The expressions emanating as it does from the institution of the Army, it seems that the Nepali army would be fully deployed and be told to manage the elections at any cost if some untoward incident occur on that day in and around polling stations.

This does also tell that the Nepal Army will every thing possible at its disposal to control the law and order situation should it deteriorate affecting the country's security status.

This is somewhat a strong worded statement that has just been ventilated by the RNA on the eve of the February 8 municipal elections.

Analysts say that the Army might have been entrusted by the government to act and hence the military's avowal that they would do all the needful to check any untoward incident on that Election Day.

This implies that if those who wish to boycott the polls or those who have vowed to violently disturb the polls would have to face the strength of the army inevitably.

What was most important in the Army's statement made Monday was that the Army sends messages to all and sundry those who strongly believe that the nation's armed forces remained loyal only to the crown.

" We will abide by the instructions of the government. This we have done in the past and will do so in the future as well", is how the military spokesman tried to dispel the allegations labeled against the RNA by some in the country.

FNJ and NJF on the move

Kathmandu: The Federation of Nepalese Journalists, FNJ, today is organizing a national level talk program in order to chart out strategies on how to deal with the government's attitude acquired towards the media sector, say FNJ sources.

Likewise, the newly formed Rastriya Patrakar Mahasangh, NJF, is also organizing a talk program today on the topic entitled "Media's role in today's context", it is learnt.

While the former is expected to criticize the past one year rule of the King, the latter is expected to highlight the gains of the King's rule over the same period.

FNCCI Think Tank officially launched

On 16 January 2006, the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) launched its Think Tank with the aim to enhance FNCCI’s efforts to lead the country towards economic progress and help the Nepalese businesses become globally competitive in the dynamic environment.

In his welcome address, the President of FNCCI and the Coordinator of the newly formed FNCCI Think Tank, Mr. Chandi Raj Dhakal, said that Think Tank was constituted to strengthen the institutional/professional capacity of the FNCCI to engage in the public policy discourse and analysis for socio-economic progress and to safeguard the interests of the Nepali Businesses.

After digitally launching the FNCCI Think Tank, Hon'ble Buddhi Man Tamang, Minister for Industry, Commerce and Supplies said the business community was considered a partner of the government and was ready to address the problems faced by the private sector.

Dr Dwarika Nath Dhungel, member of the FNCCI Think Tank, presented a summary of Approach Paper titled “Nepali Economy: Challenges and Opportunities,” prepared by the FNCCI Think Tank Team. that identified poor governance, political instability, and armed conflict as factors contributing to characteristically slow economic growth, erosion of business confidence and weakened credit rating of the country.

Hon'ble Dr Roop Jyoti, Minister of State for Finance, said the recently issued Finance Ordinance was the government’s bold and courageous step to bring about radical change in revenue policies and also suggested that there is a political will to undertake such kind of measures, although somewhat risky..

Hon'ble Dr Shankar Prasad Sharma, Vice chairman of the National Planning Commission, was of the opinion that the nearly 12,000 km of roads constructed over the last decade or so does indicate achievements made in certain areas for facilitating growth.Agreeing that FNCCI Think Tank is a timely initiative, Dr. Sharma highlighted the need to support the young and highly competitive business entrepreneurs to capitalize on the opportunities created.

Presenting the Word of Thanks, Mr.Rajendra B. Shrestha, Member Secretary of the FNCCI Think Tank said the launch of the Think Tank by FNCCI is indeed a proactive approach taken to capitalize on the challenging opportunities presented by the current economic scenario in the country.

The ten-member FNCCI Think Tank has FNCCI President Mr. Chandi Raj Dhakal as its Coordinator. Other members of the Think Tank include Executive Director of IIDS Dr. Dwarika Dhungel, Ex Attorney General Mr. Badri Bahadur Karki, economists Dr. Bishwambher Pyakuryal, Dr. Madan Kumar Dahal, Dr. Pushkar Bajracharya and Former President of FNCCI Mr. Padma Jyoti. Senior Consultant at FNCCI, Rajendra Bahadur Shrestha, will serve as its Member Secretary. Vice Chairman of the National Planning Commission of Nepal Hon'ble Dr.Shankar Prasad Sharma and Former Member of the National Planning Commission of Nepal Dr Yubaraj Khatiwada have been included as the Permanent Invitees at the Think Tank. Dr. Gehendra Purush Dhakal has been inducted to serve as the Senior Programme Officer of the FNCCI Think Tank.

Helgesen is IDEA secy-gen

At its 31st meeting in Stockholm 4-5 December 2005, the of International IDEA appointed as the Institute’s new secretary-general. Helgesen, a Norwegian national, served as Norway’s deputy minister of foreign affairs from 2001 to 2005. His portfolio included human rights, democracy, refugee issues, peace and reconciliation processes, and UN policy matters. Helgesen is the third IDEA secretary-general to lead the Institute.

At the same meeting, the Board approved the Institute’s budget and Programme of Activity 2006-2008. The programme confirms the three thematic priority areas of IDEA’s work for the next three years: , , and , with as a cross-cutting concern, as well as a geographical focus on and the , and . IDEA also conducts activities in the field of democracy analysis and democracy assistance.

ENBREF:

Nepalese in UK to discuss King's rule

A section of the Nepalese living in the United Kingdom has decided to oppose King Gyanendra's rule. The Solidarity Nepal-UK, Nepali Janasamparka Samiti NPCC UK, Britian Nepal Democratic Society and SAPE jointly organizing the opposition programmes. The three days long oppose programme started beginning 28 th January, last month, it is learnt.

Elections setback for democracy: EU

Kathmandu: "For the elections to be meaningful it is crucial that they be held in direct consultation with the political parties as part of an exercise to establish a full return to democracy, the fact that no such consultation has taken place means that the planned municipal elections will be another step backwards for democracy and are likely to further polarize positions."

The European Union in Nepal, issuing a statement said that, it had asked the government and security forces to immediately restore all political and civil liberties, free all political prisoners and human rights defenders, and allow political and civil rights freedom of assembly and speech.

US$600,000 aid from Integrated Framework

Kathmandu: Nepal received US$600,000 assistance, which was 60 percent of the total pledged amount from IF formed by six international donor agencies aiming at enhancing the competitiveness of the Least Development Countries (LDCs)."

The IF was formed by the United Nations Development Program, World Trade Organization (WTO), United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, World Bank, International Monetary Fund and International Trade Center as per the commitments made by the developed countries in the first WTO Ministerial summit to help the poor countries.

Trade deficit widens by 51%

Kathmandu: A Nepal Rastra Bank report last week indicated that surge in imports and less than expected performance of major exportable commodities in the international market have widened the Nepal's trade deficit by 51 percent during the first four months of 2005/06 fiscal year.

According to the report, the deficit for the period is valued at 510M$. During the same period of 2004/05, trade deficit was 338M$, this year down by 8.3 percent as compared to the similar period in the previous year.

EU grant for three new projects

Kathmandu: The European Union, Nepal signed a grant worth Rs 165.146 million for three new projects.

The acting Head of the Delegation of the EC to Nepal, Eduardo Lechuga-Jimenez releasing a statement said that, the projects will be developed and implemented jointly by the EC and various Nepalese NGOs.

The statement further indicated that three projects were aimed at sustainable development of disadvantaged ethnic communities, improving livelihood security of socially excluded communities, and Dalit empowerment program.

CIAA files 540 corruption cases in three years

Kathmandu: A spokesperson at the CIAA(Commission for Investigation of Abuse of Authority) last week indicated that it had registered 540 corruption cases and claimed about 500 M$ as reimbursement in the last three years in the country.

Of the total cases, 339 had been finalized while 201 were under consideration after the second amendment to the CIAA Act, which further empowered the anti-corruption body, he added.

The charges against public office holders (five ministers, two secretaries, three IGPs, 17 first class joint secretaries, 10 assistant secretaries, four junior officials and 19 assistant clerks) include amassing property through illegal means, fiscal crime, fake certificates, and other corrupt activities like abuse of passports, vehicle registration and bribery.