INTERVIEW WITH CHINESE AMBASSDOR ZHENG XIANGLIN

Excerpts of aninterview with His Excellency Zheng Xianglin, the newly appointed Chinese Ambassador to Nepal by Sudheer Sharma, editor of Nepal magazine.

Q. Is it only coincidence that you became the first ambassador to present credentials to the Prime Minister instead of the king? Or can we take this as a sign that China is positive about the establishment of a republic in Nepal?

Zheng Xianglin: We can say that it just happened. I was appointed as the Ambassador to Nepal when we received notice from the Nepali government that Nepal had amended the constitution. According to the interim constitution, the Prime Minister of Nepal is now the acting head of the state. So, the designated foreign Ambassadors should present letter of credentials to the Prime Minister.

Q. Where is Nepal in China's foreign policy priorities?

Zheng Xianglin: China has 14 boundary-countries and Nepal is one of them. China upholds the principles of independence, peace and self-reliance. On that basis we are willing to establish friendly diplomatic relationships with all the countries in the world.

Chinese people and the government are ready to extend harmonious cooperation and coexistence with our neighbours and to enhance understanding and friendship. We would like to become good friends and good partners with our neighbours. China and Nepal has a dispute-free political relationship. Nowadays China has achieved economic development but we will never forget our friends and our neighbours. China is yet to support Nepal and we will extend our support to the best of our capacity.

Q. How are you observing Nepal's ongoing peace process? Is Nepal entering stability?

Zheng Xianglin: From last year, we have been very glad to see that the peace process in Nepal has achieved significant developments and is now moving forward step by step. I think this process will keep going on, although encountering some difficulties.
We sincerely hope that all the parties concerned in Nepal can remain united and work together to push the peace process, to make contributions to the well being of the Nepali people as well as Nepal, the whole country.

So, are you satisfied with the ongoing peace process?

Zheng Xianglin: My stay in Nepal is not quite long but I have already communicated with the chief of UNMIN Ian Martin. I also read the report presented by the Secretary General of the UN to the Security Council about the political situation of Nepal. I think that UNMIN has made some achievements in Nepal. The Chinese side also accepts the importance of UNMIN's work here. We are also planning to send a political officer to this delegation.

Q. If the conflict escalated again in Nepal, then can China play any role to resolve it?

Zheng Xianglin: We are always working for peace and reconciliation. We sincerely hope that all the parties concerned can work on the basis of unity and compromise.

Q. Now, we are facing another type of conflict in the Terai. Some new armed groups have emerged there. How do you assess it, is it common during a transitional phase or is it an extraordinary case?

Zheng Xianglin: The Terai issue is an ethnic group issue, which has existed in Nepal for a long time. It is also a historical issue. It is purely an internal affair of Nepal. So I think the Nepali government as well as parties concerned should address this issue properly through dialogue. And I hope there should not be any foreign interference in this regard. This kind of internal issue, I think, exists in lots of countries (in transitional phases).

Q. It is believed that the Chinese government maintained a close relationship with the monarchy for a long period. Why?

Zheng Xianglin: It is totally a misconception. The Chinese government has always established very good relationships with the Nepali government and the Nepali (political) parties, of course, including the previous monarchy. The Communist Party of China has remained in frequent contact with many parties in Nepal. So, this is a quite normal relationship between countries and parties.

Q. How do you see the Maoists? The US has branded them as "terrorists", does China also think similarly?

Zheng Xianglin: The CPN Maoists have already joined the mainstream and now they are part of the interim government.

Q. My question is that, like the US, does your country also see them as terrorists even after they joined the government?

Zheng Xianglin: The Maoists have now become one part of the coalition government of eight political parties. It is a legal government and accepted by the Nepali people. I think the US also accepts this coalition government. And as for the terrorist label, I think different people have different assessments. American Ambassador Moriarty has told me that he also would like to shake hands with Prachanda.

Q. What is your relationship like with the Maoists?

Zheng Xianglin: No formal relationship.

Q. Have you met any Maoist leaders?

Zheng Xianglin: Except for my meeting with Minister for Forest and Soil Conservation Matrika Yadav to exchange opinions on how to defeat cross-border economic crimes and with the Minister for Information and Communication Krishna Bahadur Mahara during a public function, we don't have formal interactions with other Maoist leaders. We don't have a party level formal relationship.

Q. And an informal relationship?

Zheng Xianglin: As for informal interaction, I would like to tell you that the Chinese media has interviewed Prachanda. And we also have some informal encounters in some receptions.

Q. If the Maoists led the government in future, then China may recognize them?

Zheng Xianglin: You just put this up as an assumption, so it is difficult to answer.

Q. Why does China maintain a low-profile diplomatic policy in Nepal, compared to other influential countries?

Zheng Xianglin: I think it may not be correct to put it like that, low-profile. I have been quite high-profile during my more than one month stay here. Every day, I have at least five activities. I have already met a dozen governmental officials, ministers, leaders of major political parties and most of the foreign ambassadors here.
China upholds the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries. We respect the choices of the people, made of the political structure of that country. I think foreigners have no right to make incorrect comments about that.

Q. But some foreign diplomats like the US and Indian Ambassadors are commenting on Nepal's internal affairs very openly. What do you think about that?

Zheng Xianglin: We have no comment on that. We uphold our own principles.

Q. Some people believe that the US is trying to encircle China through Nepali territory. What is your opinion?

Zheng Xianglin: Nowadays China-US relations witness a smooth and healthy development. We have also promoted relationships with other western countries from Europe as well as India. I am sure of the further development of relationships between China and western countries in the future. There will be further mutual understanding and mutual trust. Now is not the time of the cold war.
Q. We can see some "free Tibet" activities here. Is this really a threat to Chinese security?

Zheng Xianglin: The Nepali government has already made the sincere commitment that Nepalese territory will not be used by the Tibet separatist forces against China. We are a little bit worried about the activities done by the separatist forces here. We will work closely with the Nepali government to oppose this kind of separatist activities in Nepal against China. We hope that the Nepal government upholds its commitments. China cannot compromise with the Tibetan issue, because this is related to the territorial integrity and sovereignty of our country. The Nepal government has understood our sensitivities quite well.

Q. Nepal is facing a shortage of petroleum products lately and we have heard that China is ready to provide petroleum products. Is it true?

Zheng Xianglin: These days we have also witnessed long queues in front of the petrol stations not far from our embassy. China is also a big petroleum consuming country. Half of the petroleum supply of China relies on importing petroleum. But nowadays our neighbour Nepal has difficulties, including in petroleum supplies, so we will of course do something.
During the meeting with Prime Minister Koirala, we talked about the supply of petroleum from China. But about this, we still need a concrete proposal and suggestions from the Nepali side. If the Nepali side can facilitate us with a concrete proposal, the Chinese side will take that into positive consideration.

QIn 1962, Marshal Chen Yi, then Deputy Premier of China, had commented that any foreign intervention in Nepal will not be tolerable for China. Does China still follow that policy or has it shifted from that?

Zheng Xianglin: No, No! Our policy has not changed. The traditional friendship between Nepal and China has lasted for a long time even till today. I am sure that this friendship will go on in the future from generation to generation.

Q. This means the Chinese government will treat the problems of the Nepali people like they treat those of the Chinese people?

Zheng Xianglin: That's the meaning. When Nepali people face difficulties and pain, we will take that as ours; especially when Nepali people face some difficulties to uphold sovereignty and territorial integrity. Any foreign intervention in Nepal will not be tolerable for China.

Source: The Kathmandu Post, June 13, 2007

Tasks before Nepal leadership

Tushar Charan

After reducing the King to a virtual non-entity the next and crucial phase of the democratic movement in Nepal is an election to elect the constituent assembly. When the election commission in Nepal expressed its inability to hold the elections on June 20, as agreed to by major parties, the Maoists, who had agreed to give up their 10-year-old violent struggle for a Republic, reacted angrily. They suspected the wily King of continuing to manipulate internal developments as the country also witnessed more bloodshed, this time in the name of ethnic violence in the Terai plains. The dreaded possibility of a return to the old days of violence loomed large.

So, it must be a big relief for the Nepalese that the seven ‘mainstream’ political parties and the Maoists, as also the Election Commission, all have now agreed that the polls should be held by November this year. The Prime Minister, Girija Prasad Koirala, has suggested November 26, but all the parties have to give their consent for the date.

India too must be relieved because unrest in Nepal affects this country more directly. India will be watching the post-poll scene in Nepal with more interest. New Delhi was believed to be against the abolition of the monarchy in Nepal but later it adopted a ‘neutral’ stance on that vital issue. How the new set of rulers in Nepal eventually shape their policy towards India, often an unjust target of Nepalese politicians, will become clear only after the polls.

From the start the Maoists protestations against ‘delaying’ the polls looked unreasonable because a poll conducted in a hurry (about two months when June 20 was suggested) would not have looked free and fair and, thus, lacked credibility. A poll is not conducted merely on the strength of the political will but it also requires completion of certain technical pre-requisites, including the all-important job of an up-to-date voters’ list, probably last revised more than eight years ago. And the country needs a modicum of peace too for the polls to be a meaningful exercise.

The underlying causes for the unrest among a section of the Nepalese have not been addressed. The plains people, mostly people of Indian origin, want a better deal. Also more representatives in Parliament for their region. Ethnic violence has rocked Nepal for weeks and new armed groups have surfaced. At the last count nine insurgent groups have become active, though many are off-shoots of the Maoist campaign.

It is quite possible that in the next four or five months those who are now running the affairs of Nepal would be able to keep the country peaceful, at least in comparative terms, so that the polls in November are conducted under ‘normal’ circumstances. A factor that needs to be watched in the run up to the polls is the ability of the new ruling class to coexist. The Maoists, still struggling to get rid of their fondness for the gun, violence and strong-armed tactics, and the motley crowd in the seven party alliance (SPA), a group of political parties with a record of both inter-and intra-party feuds, often talk and act like adversaries.

A problem in the SPA is that many of its leaders are too old and too steeped in the tradition of bad politics to encourage optimism. The Maoists have proved to be more forward looking as they have given representation to the sections that have remained neglected in Nepal for long. About a third of Maoists members of the interim parliament are women and the Maoists have also nominated many Dalits as members of the national assembly.

This record would have been more impressive had the Maoists shown some keenness to accommodate the Madhesis, the plains people of Indian origin. More so since they were first to support the Maoists even before they became a nation-wide phenomenon. The fact is that even the top most Maoist leader, Prachanda, has used abusive terms for these disfranchised people.

The seven or eight key players who decide Nepal’s destiny these days also have to be more clear about their goals and the means to achieve them. The Maoists have been showing an unjustified anxiety over the issue of the fate of the monarchy; the SAP seems quite content with the status quo.

If some of the recent Maoist rhetoric is to be believed their main purpose in giving up arms that brought an end to the insurgency that had claimed 13,000 lives in 10 years is to banish the king to some jungle from where he cannot return. Some comrades are not averse to the idea of doing something more drastic. But the Maoists roadmap, or priorities, after the end of the 240-year-old institution of monarchy is not clear. The Maoists have to discipline their armed cadre or run the risk of taking Nepal back to the bloody days.

King Gyanendra has to be blamed most for the curtains down on the monarchy. He greedily usurped all powers because of his personal disdain for politicians and he showed no hesitation in donning the role of an autocrat at a time when a popular movement against his rule was building up. He drew his strength from the loyal army forgetting that the army is more likely to back the ‘powerful’ rather than the totally ‘powerless’ as he well might become very soon. However, it will be a bigger mistake if the politicians who have laid exclusive claim to ruling Nepal do not draw some lessons from the fate of King Gyanendra.

The prime minister today seems to enjoy all the powers that the King had and that can be very dangerous in a country which is yet to evolve strong democratic institutions. Nepal cannot walk further if large sections remain alienated, without some of the fundamental rights. Above all, the problem of poverty and development has to be tackled on an urgent basis.

Tasks like these should leave no room for petty quarrels among politicians and the urge to reach for the gun by some of those who are calling the shots today. The constituent assembly has its task cut when it drafts a new constitution to declare Nepal is a Republic.

Source: Asian Tribune, June 2, 2007

Path of construction

I n the past few days, consultations among the leaders of major constituents of the eight-party alliance (EPA) have taken an upswing on how best to carry out the mandate of Jana Andolan-2. The focus of all these has been to further strengthen the EPA unity. This is an encouraging sign. Recent tentative attempts at forging Left unity have not gathered steam. The idea of forming a front of the centrist and rightist forces has proved to be a non-starter, as it would go against the spirit of Jana Andolan 2. The two-hour-long meeting on Sunday between PM Girija Prasad Koirala and Maoist chairman Prachanda ended with a renewed emphasis on EPA unity, besides helping end the bitterness in their ties that came out in the open over Sitaram Prasain, accused of irregularities amounting to Rs.280 million, when the Young Communist League (YCL) took him into custody on June 3 and then handed him over to the police the next day.

The idea of Left unity was floated because the Leftists suspected the Koirala-led Nepali Congress of trying to retain monarchy in some form. There was also talk of a Republican Front, fed by similar suspicions. This is not the time for the EPA constituents to go in different directions. The best is to make the alliance even stronger and more united. For this, they need to go head over heels to evolve a consensus on the remaining important contentious issues. On Sunday, Koirala reportedly told Prachanda that the NC would like to institutionalise a republic through the constituent assembly (CA) polls. He also urged Prachanda, with some justification, not to press too hard on other issues but to concentrate on the CA polls, the nation’s paramount agenda at this point in time.

If they meant what they said, it is likely to form a sound basis for a new understanding between the two sides in an atmosphere otherwise charged with mutual distrust after the CA polls, slated for this June, were postponed. In such a situation, the Maoists may not press hard their case for a republic through a two-thirds parliamentary majority — a provision to that effect is being incorporated in the Interim Constitution (IC)— provided that the monarchy stays clear of all serious controversies. The recent hurdles to political momentum were caused by the indifference to implementing the various agreements in full. The two leaders covered a wide range of topics — such as release of prisoners, disclosing the status of the disappeared people, relief and treatment for the conflict victims, return of the seized property, cantonment management and allowance for the PLA combatants, and YCL activities. The talks were billed ‘positive’. It was no less important that they reached an understanding that mudslinging should be stopped and discussions allowed to resolve any differences. Any major rift in the EPA is bound to embolden the forces of regression. The EPA should stay united, at least until the CA polls and promulgation of a new statute, to carry out the people’s mandate. The constituents need to expand their area of agreement, particularly on vital and contentious issues like the monarchy.

Source: The Himalayan Times, June 12, 2007

Crucial Parley

PRIME Minister Girija Prasad Koirala and the CPN (Maoist) leader Prachanda held consultations Sunday and established rapport to address key impending issues. The leaders were able to sort out differences and agreed to facilitate the process to ensure passage of laws and regulations pertaining to election to constituent assembly. The two leaders held similarity of views on the need for endorsement of the amendment bill to the interim constitution and banish obstacles, if any, for the polls to the constituent assembly. The parley between the key leaders of the Nepali politics yielded two immediate outcomes that is calling off the indefinite Bandh in Kapilvastu district called by the Maoists and early start of the second phase verification process of the PLA combatants lodged in different cantonment in the country. These developments have dawned fresh hopes in the otherwise stalled process of political negotiation and stalemate creating problems and despair in the country. The leaders recognized the fact that the impending political issues can be resolved only through dialogue and negotiation.

Last week, political and civil society leaders had also asked the parties to hold consultations to break the deadlock . Needless to say that the creation of the legal framework for polls to constituent assembly has been overdue and the subject needs to be taken up sooner .A small delay in the enactment of legal regime would create barriers to the election to the constituent assembly. It should be taken into consideration that apex level talks held at different times have been able to create fresh grounds to resolve difficult issues. What should not be overlooked also is the fact that the peace and democracy building process in the country is very crucial, and this can taken to new level only through mutual understanding and reciprocity. More important in today's context has been the need to assure an atmosphere of peace and harmony so that people can discuss issues relating to the constituent assembly in a free and fearless environment. It is expected that talks held between the Prime Minister and the Maoist leader will make important contribution to address the issues that have stood on the way of achieving new speed in peace building process

Source: The Rising Nepal, June 12, 2007

Employing Politics For Development

M. Rijal

Politics gives ideas and energy for change and development. Built in and integrated to politics is an urge for going forward, not backwards. However, sometimes politics can be misused for serving narrow sectarian and partisan ends. It is often used for sending society into regression and stagnation. It is employed as a pretence for driving a wedge or division in social cohesion and unity. As a result, society is split into factions and groups. And thus civic capital based on trust and cooperation is destroyed. In many developing societies, simmering conflicts and tensions are the consequence of the misappropriation and exploitation of politics for parochial motives. But, in Nepal politics has always been a tool and process for forward looking changes and progress. It has given direction and hope for progress and social modernization.

Outcome

The democratic change of 1990, post?Jan Andolan II accomplished last year and the epoch making changes unfurled one after the other in the country during contemporary times have been the outcome of politics. The unity and understanding among political parties have been the key factor in ushering a big political change in the country.

Imbued and enshrined in politics indeed is a motivation to give new options and alternatives to develop and propel societies to progress. Politics derives and also provides fuel from a sense of competition and innovation inherent among humans. Whether it is the Nepali Congress, CPN (UML) or the CPN (Maoist), the political parties are always at work to find new ways and invent novel options for social change and development. They are often seen competing with each other for new ideas and innovation to win popular support in one's own favour. At the same time, they are working in concurrence with each other to achieve legitimate development outcomes for larger and wider benefit of the society. An understanding and sense of unison among political parties at the district and village level can make a huge difference in finalizing and implementing development schemes for the benefit of the community. Here, an example from Arghakhanchi district is referred to indicate that political unity and common perspectives are critically important to identify and implement village and district based development schemes. The political parties in the district worked out a list of development projects and discussed them at the district council meeting held recently. The development projects were negotiated, contested and finalized in the council according to the provision of the local self governance act.

As the elections for local bodies has not been held for the last seven years, they are run by the government bureaucracy. However, an all party consultative mechanism has been in place for last one year to assist and guide the district development committee in allocating development projects consistent to local needs and priorities. Accordingly, the projects relevant to roads, drinking water, electrification, communications, education have been identified, consolidated and documented . The Arghakhanchi district development committee has committed to fund and carry out several projects as per the endorsement of the council Several other projects have also been agreed upon in the meeting and documented .These projects fall beyond the capacity of the local body to fund and implement from financial and technical point of view. Billed as central projects, the development schemes include roads from Saljhandi via Sandhikharka to Dhorepatan, Sandhikharka to Pyuthan, upgrading of the district hospital, medium sized drinking water project for different VDCs in the district. What is noteworthy in this context has been that a joint team of all political parties came all the way from the district to the capital and apprised the needs of the district to central authorities and ministers . The delegation presented the case of the projects and asked the ministers and secretaries to allocate funds for executing the projects. The team included Dr. Dilli Raj Khanal , Dila Ram Acharya - both members of the legislative parliament, Mr. Top Bahadur Raymajhi - central leader of CPN(Maoist), former minister Mr Man Bahadur Biswakarma , Mr. Pitambar Bhusal, former DDC president, NC district committee leaders, NCP(Masal) leaders, NCP( pro- unity) leaders and social leaders. It displayed a strong sense of unity and solidarity among political and social stakeholders for the development of the district.

The solidarity of the political leaders for development received positive and appreciative assessment from central ministers including Ram Chandra Paudel, Dev Gurung, Krishna Bahadur Mahara, Gyanendra Bahadur Karki and so on. The team discussed with Minister for Water Resources Gyanendra Bahadur Karki about the possibility of proposed Naumure hydropower project which is estimated to generate over two hundred megawatt energy at relatively low cost. The proposed hydropower project will benefit both Arghakhanchi and Kapilvastu districts in terms of revenue and power generation.As they are fully united and convinced on carrying out need- based development of the district, political parties in Arghakhanchi are working with the DDC to construct a new large capacity meeting hall in the district headquarters. This will meet the long felt need of a facility to convene large scale meetings and conferences in the district.

Development

It needs to be pointed out that the district has progressed much in terms of transportation .And almost all VDCs have been networked through fair weather road. Given that the spirit of mutual cooperation and understanding among political and social stakeholders continues to exist and sustain, the district can take a new leap forward with tangible development outcomes.

Source: The Rising Nepal, June 12, 2007

Electoral Reforms : Begin From EC

Yuba Nath Lamsal

Unless otherwise decided, we have to assume that the election to a constituent assembly would be held by November this year. The eight parties have already reached a consensus to hold the constituent assembly election by November 2007 and they have left it to the government to announce the convenient dates for the polls after making due preparation and consultation with the Election Commission and other stakeholders.

Decision

As the saying goes 'once bitten twice shy', people are skeptical about the elections even in November. It is because the parties have once betrayed the people and breached their promises. The eight parties had earlier decided to hold the election by mid-June this year, which was also written clearly in the interim constitution. In fact, early constituent election was the main basis for unity between the seven-party alliance and the Maoists. However, they failed to meet that deadline and hold the election in June. There was enough time to hold the election, if the parties and the government had been serious and accordingly done the homework for the polls. The mandate of the Jana Andolan II was also to institutionalize the peace and democratic process and restructure the state through the constituent assembly election. But the government and the eight parties miserably failed in their objective.Since the election could not be held in mid-June, there is sufficient room to doubt over the sincerity of the eight parties.. Unless the dates for the election were formally announced, people may not believe that election would be held in time. The early announcement of the election dates are now necessary to allay the doubt and fear of the people about the ongoing political and peace process.

Assuming that constituent assembly election would be held in November this year, the government and the Election Commission (EC) have to complete the necessary home work for the polls. If the elections are delayed once again, political parties would lose their credibility among the people and also in the international arena. Thus, election must be held in the rescheduled time.Free and fair election is a soul of democracy. Holding election for the shake of election alone would not serve the purpose. Election should genuinely reflect the people's sentiment and voice. Election should be free, fair and fearless. For this, perfect law and order and security arrangement should be maintained so that people can cast their ballot and give their verdict without fear.Secondly, voters should be adequately educated about the constituent assembly and its election pattern. It has so far been agreed for the mixed system of election?half on the basis of majoritarian system and half on the basis of proportional representation. Even parties and leaders are not clear about the proportional representation system, let alone the general people. The voters' turn out would depend on security arrangement and good voter education. If the people are assured of the security and properly educated about the importance of constituent assembly election and voting system, the voters' turn out would be definitely high. Also there is a question of quality of voting. It has to be ensured that voters give their verdict perfectly without any mistake.

Election not only involves the people in the political and democratic process but also ensures that only genuine people become the representatives of the people. But the past experiences have shown that the corrupt, dacoits, goons and goondas were also elected by vote rigging and influencing the voters and officials by their money and muscle power. The cases of vote rigging, booth capturing and intimidating the voters had often been reported in several places during the last two general elections and two local elections. In several cases, genuine representatives of the people were defeated and others declared elected. All political parties are part of this unfair game. But the party in power during the election was ahead in the race of electoral malpractice. It is the reason why political party or parties are so keen to control the Home Ministry during the election. The Election Commission did not appear to have been more proactive to control the electoral malpractice. There are few instances of cancellation of election results even if complaints were registered with due evidence of such irregularities. In some cases of malpractice, election officials themselves had been found involved. Moreover, the procedure of the appointment of chief election commissioners and election commissioners has been on partisan lines. In the past, the party in power usually appointed the commissioners on the basis of their loyalty to the ruling party or parties rather than their competence and qualification. Now system of parliamentary hearing before the formal appointment of the commissioners has changed the situation. But it is still not adequate. Even the present team in the Election Commission was chosen on the basis of the share of the political parties in the government. This has always raised the question of impartiality and neutrality of the Election Commission.

Although the Election Commission is an independent body, it has always remained under the shadow of the ruling party or government. If the electoral process has to be made fair and impartial, the Election Commission needs to be made fully independent both in principle and practice. To ensure independence of the Election Commission, the laws and procedures for the appointment of the election commissioners should be changed. It would be better if laws are changed to ensure that the chief election commissioners and other commissioners are appointed directly by the parliament.Thus, the Election Commission must be proactive to ensure that election is held in a genuinely free and fair manner. There are many aspects associated with the process for ensuring free, fair and fearless election. It needs adequate budget, perfect security and competent staff. The security system has always been the prime concern of the Election Commission during the election. Even in the present context, the Election Commission is not fully assured of the security arrangement. During the election, a high-level security committee headed by one of the commissioners in the Election Commission and comprising senior security officers of all security organs of the government should be formed so that it would oversee all the security arrangement. It would create better coordination for security during the election period.

Coordination

If people do not feel fully secured, they may not actively participate in the electoral process. This would cause low voters' turn out which may raise question of legitimacy. Since the constituent assembly election is a historic process to write a new constitution, there must be maximum participation of the people in the electoral process. Besides law and order, the education and awareness also play crucial role in ensuring and increasing the participation of the people in the entire electoral process. We must realize the fact that only informed and educated voter can give his/her quality verdict. Thus, the massive voters' education is a must to ensure more voters' turn out and quality of voting. It can be done in perfect coordination among the Election Commission, political parties and the civil society.

Source: The Rising Nepal, June 12, 2007

Political bond

The NC-Maoist tête-à-tête the other day reverberated a good message across the country. The meeting yielded some tangible result as it patched up the mounting political differences between the two major political parties and cleared Maoists' misgivings over the southern neighbor, India. The one-time bonhomie between the Nepali Congress and the CPN (Maoist) had turned sour immediately after the former rebels joined the interim government. The war of words between the prime minister and a Maoist minister culminated in badmouth. The prime minister dubbed the Maoists' youth wing, Young Communist League (YCL) a criminal group. And Maoist chairman Prachanda retorted by terming the prime minister as a protector of criminals.

In the face of vitriolic attack due to YCL's excesses, Prachanda got on his nerve's end when media reported that the Southern neighbor advised visiting UML general secretary Madhav Kumar Nepal to forge a strong alliance with the Nepali Congress. Edgy Prachanda vented venom against India and accused it of interfering in Nepal's internal affairs. The NC-Maoist differences hit the roadblock raising apprehension over the holding of Constituent Assembly (CA) polls -- the only hope to institutionalize democratic republic. Although the ruling eight-party alliance has agreed to defer the CA polls, it is possible only if the parties work in unison. The NC-Maoists have agreed not to make public remarks over any dispute between them. Prime Minister Koirala and Maoist chairman Prachanda decided to settle their scores through a dialogue. The Post commends the sagacity expressed by both the leaders. It helps create a healthy relationship between the parties. The understanding between the top leaders will also discipline the YCL cadres making them more responsible towards democracy and human rights. YCL can play a crucial role—both negative and positive—in holding the free and fair CA polls.

Similar understanding is a must among all the ruling coalition partners to fulfill the aspirations of the people expressed during the Jana Aandolan-II. Any crack between the parties within the eight-party coalition will provide enough space for reactionary forces to play hell with the peace process. As Prime Minister Koirala during the meeting reiterated his commitment to institutionalize democratic republic through the CA polls, all the political parties should work to hold the CA polls in November. Any political differences within the eight-party alliance will only jeopardize the holding of CA polls. Such differences may push the country again into the hands of regressive forces.

Source: The Kathmandu Post, June 12, 2007

"M" Factor in the Crisis of Present Nepal

Rajat KC

Once, present Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala mentioned that words starting with "M" were the most hated by him. M, as he indicated, stands for Marxists, Leninists, Mashal (factions of communism in Nepal) and Mandale. He added Maoists to the list just after they started an armed revolution more then a decade ago. Now the time has changed. As the Seven Party Alliance (SPA) and the Maoists formed an alliance, the Maoists became the closest ally of the PM Koirala. In present-day Nepal, M-6 is becoming the most substantial of factors, namely, because all of the key actors start with "M": Maoists, Monarchy, Military, Moriarty, Mukharjee and Martin. This article will highlight the desired objective of the Maoists, and relate it to the end objectives of the remaining M-5, with regard to the ongoing political crisis in Nepal.

The Maoists are the main element in M-6, due to the the country's suffering from a decade-long, ruinous, bloody insurgency which took the lives of more than 15,000 people. During Janaandolan 2 (Second popular movement), they shook hands with the SPA, which provided them with unexpected success; as a result, they are now in the interim parliament and government of Nepal. Even though the Maoists are in government, they are acting like an aggressive/hostile opposition force and still creating violence and vandalism throughout the country. Since their ultimate aim is to establish a totalitarian communist regime in Nepal, they are keeping everyone in confusion as to their end goal and taking benefits out of the fluid situation.

The military is the true instrument of national power in Nepal. The Nepalese Army is the nation's sole military force, raised by King Prithivi Narayan Shah during his unification campaign. Now, as per the peace accord signed between the government and the Maoists, the National Army is restricted to the barracks, doing just routine duties. During the insurgency period, after receiving a serious blow from the Nepalese Army, the Maoists realized that they could not achieve their end objective by military means. They were forced to change their strategy and created a political alliance with the SPA. Surprisingly, that alliance succeeded in achieving political victory, which brought the Maoists into their present position. Since the Maoists are in government and parliament, they now retain the "key" instruments of the nation's power, including the military, along with their private rebel force. They have clearly understood that, without destabilizing the structure of the Nepalese Army (by penetrating into the National army), their ultimate aim would not be realized. As per the present constitutional arrangement, the Nepalese Army cannot be mobilized unless the present government (including the Maoists) gives an executive order. Yet the Maoists fear the army, probably due to their past impression. Therefore, the Maoists now want to legitimize their rebel force by giving it national status, so that they can be easily inculcated in the Nepalese Army. They are also trying to establish a personal relationship with senior military officers to influence them into their party's interest. They have even appointed one of the retired army generals into legislative parliament in their quota.

Another part of the M factor in Nepal is the Monarchy. The Nepalese Monarchy is more than 238 years old. Modern Nepal was unified by King Prithvi Narayan Shah the Great and, ever since, Nepal has been ruled by the Shah dynasty. Out of 238 years, the Rana family ruled Nepal as an autocratic ruler (Family rule of Premiership) for 104 years (1846 to 1951 AD), while the Monarchy remained a mere figure head of the state during that period. For approximately 100 years, however, the country was indirectly ruled by Shah Kings. The actual period of rule by the Shah Dynasty was from 1961 to 1991. After the restoration of the multi-party democracy in 1991, the Nepalese Monarchy became constitutional. However, democratic Nepal could not move forward smoothly even after a decade of the restoration. The aimless war staged by the Maoists commenced during this period. As a result, the country reached a virtually failing stage. The Monarchy tried to bring derailed democracy on track, but this move could not be accelerated. As a result, the Maoists and SPA created an alliance orchestrated by India, which forced the Monarchy to hand over power to the SPA. At present, the institution of the Monarchy is at a critical stage. In fact, the Maoists have nothing to justify their bloody war at the cost of 15,000 lives. Therefore, in order to justify their so-called people's war and take credit for present achievement, they are targeting the institution of the Monarchy with revolutionary slogans. They are launching widespread propaganda against the Monarchy to portray the latter's negative image in the national and international arenas. They know that, as long as the Monarchy exists in Nepal, their ultimate dream cannot materialize. Hence, they intensify their campaign to eliminate the Monarchy prior to the election for the constituent assembly.

The other three M factors are the international figures, Mukharjee, Moriarty and Martin. Shivshanker Mukharjee is the Indian Ambassador to Nepal. The Maoists are now utilizing a political platform masterminded by India. They now have easy access to Indian points of contact by having frequent meetings with Ambassador Mukharjee. They believe that they can deceive India by pretending that they are committed to democracy by hiding their hidden objectives. However, they might have forgotten that India will carry them on their shoulders so long as their national interest is served. The Maoists must have also overlooked that Mr. Mukharjee and his country will never compromise at the cost of their national interest for any other reason. On the other hand, as India is known as the largest democracy in the world, they cannot support the Maoists if they deviate from actual democratic norms and values. It seems that India is not satisfied with the activities of the Maoists and its sister organizations.

Moriarty is the U.S. Ambassador to Nepal. James F. Moriarty (U.S. policy) is one of the biggest hurdles to the Maoists' desired objectives. They are dead scared of the name "Moriarty". He is a major factor in protecting democracy in Nepal from the threat of the Maoist takeover. No other elements in the nation in the present context are seen as effective as Moriarty in taking a stand against the Maoists' hegemony. America, as a sole global power, has taken a strong stand in safeguarding democracy and peace in Nepal. The Maoists are creating numerous conspiracies against Moriarty to demoralize him with allegations of imperialist and violator of diplomatic norms. They even mobilized the YCL to attack him. Interestingly, all the attacks and allegations staged by the Maoists have backfired and damaged their image.

Last, but not least, is Martin . Mr. Ian Martin is Special Representative of Security General (SRSG) of the United Nations, head of the ongoing UNMIN. Despite so much hegemonic behavior of the Maoists, he seems very flexible and easy-going while dealing with them. His strict and honest endeavor will certainly play a vital role in achieving the desired objective of a comprehensive peace agreement towards a lasting peace and democracy in Nepal.

Nepal is heading towards the election for the constituent assembly. Present understanding between the Eight Party Alliance (SPA-M) indicates that they are willing to hold an election in November '07, but it is still unknown when that will actually take place. If all democratic forces, along with the M-5 (excluding the Maoists), play a positive role in the ongoing peace process, peace and democracy is not far in the distance and the end objectives of the Maoists will remain a dream. Under these circumstances, the M-6 (including the Maoists) will have no other option than to contribute honestly towards the success of the peace process.

All-inclusive democracy is the only way to achieve lasting peace in Nepal. If any internal actors were to attempt to corner or eliminate each other, and the two major foreign powers didn't honestly play crucial roles, Nepal would likely face another, seemingly, endless, bloody civil war.

Source: OpEdNews.com, June 10, 2007

Late elections to help regressive forces regroup

Aditi Phadnis

Interview with Madhav Kumar Nepal, General Secretary, Communist Party of Nepal-Unified Marxist Leninist (CPN-UML)

When do you see elections being held in Nepal?

November this year. There are many opinions on this. Some say the reasons that prompted postponement from June to November may be cited as an excuse to postpone the elections again. They say action should be taken first against those who prevented elections from being held in June. I agree that mistakes were made but I don’t believe we need to take action against the prime minister. Elections must be held in November because there is no other way. We currently have an interim parliament with an interim constitution. Questions could be raised about the nature of an essentially nominated body that has no authority, constitutionality or legality. And when people doubt the credibility quotient of the government, it could pave the way for spent, regressive forces to resurface and consolidate. That is why my firm belief is that the interim period of transition should be as short as possible and we must have elections no later than November 23.

What is the schedule going to be like ? Will the elections be held all over Nepal on one day?

The Cabinet will decide that in consultation with the Election Commission but my feeling is that the elections cannot be held on one day. Last time, the Election Commission said it needed 110 days to hold the elections. More than five months are left. Parliament has to clear Bills on how the elections will be held. How will a proportional representation system be put in operation? Will it be a closed or open list? Will the names on the lists be final or will it be possible to change them? These are all political questions.

But my gut feeling is we can hold the elections in November. I don’t understand why the prime minister is unable to maintain law and order.

Constitutionally, this government is the most powerful in the history of Nepal. They enjoy enormous public support without having faced an election. Yet it is the weakest government in the history of Nepal. I asked the prime minister: ‘Why do you feel so weak? Why don’t you take the initiative?’

What did he say?

He said ‘I will. I will not tolerate this any more’. Some say the Nepali Congress would like to see the UML and the Maoists fight so that they can gain the advantage in the elections. But this is only what people are saying. This is not the case.

When you met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, did he tell you that you have to work with the Nepali Congress?

No, he said, ‘You must strengthen the seven-party alliance, unity must be maintained among democratic forces’. Not that we should work with the Nepali Congress. He said, ‘You have the Maoists on board now. That is a big advantage’.

What was the main theme of your talks with other Indian leaders?

We met all the leaders – Atalji, Soniaji, Dr Singh, and of course, our colleagues from the Left parties in India. All of them had the same view, that the decision of the Nepali people, no matter what, is acceptable to India. They voiced apprehension about the elections but insisted they should not be delayed. They wanted to know what Nepal wanted from India.

Did they appear to be satisfied about reports from Kathmandu about the activities of the Young Communist League (YCL)?

There are some concerns about the YCL. We have told them (the Maoists) that if you have two sets of structures in a party you will begin to have problems. We told them: ‘Do you remember the raja (king) and his mandale (lumpen groups that claimed they were acting on authority of the king)? This dual structure will create problems for you and act as a pressure group from inside. These young men and women will get involved in extortion, they will get into buses and demand money from working people… after all, gun represents power. When one has a gun, one has to have the means to keep it. The YCL could become a weakness in the movement.

Recently, a vigilante group caught hold of an individual who has charges of embezzlement of public funds and beat him up. If such events take place, the difference between forces of the state and private armies blur…

I know about the incident. Anyone who has embezzled public money must be punished. The state must act.

We hear there is a division among the Maoists: Some are for the elections but there are some who oppose it....

There is apprehension that the YCL in camps is telling grassroot level workers that they have not surrendered all their weapons, that the people should vote for them. But ultimately, the loss is the Maoists’. Intimidation will only tarnish their image. We can already see people rising up in rebellion against this in Bardia, in Dang.

There are concerns in India over Terai

Like issues relating to dalits, women, jana jatis, Terai should also be considered by the government. Communal harmony is crucial. We know the palace is behind these events. Religious fundamentalist forces are behind the events in Terai.

But there are some genuine people also. However, violent action should not be supported. The king might try to come back if there is violence. We have envisaged a system of democratic federalism. If some ethnic group has a grievance, they should raise it so that it it be addressed constitutionally. Those whose aim is to wage an armed struggle in Terai should desist. No one should give them sympathy and support.

Are they using Indian territory?

Yes, there are some reports that they are.

How can you be sure that the polls will not be disrupted by state and non-state forces?

There is an understanding among eight parties that the Constitution needs to be revised to protect Nepal if the King tries to disrupt the struggle for a republic. So, according to an amendment that is coming in Parliament, if the King tries to disrupt, a simple majority of the current Parliament present and voting can turn Nepal into a republic. As for other forces, if any other forces take the same path, they will be resisted. Each of the eight political parties are clear about this.

Source: Business Standard, June 11, 2007

NEPAL NEEDS TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION COMMISSION

Bhumika Ghimre

Nepal's ongoing peace process has raised questions which so far have been ignored by the Maoist insurgents, the government and the Seven Party Alliance. Contentious issues like human rights abuses carried out by the Maoist guerrillas, and misappropriation of national property, corruption and illegal activities by the royal family, have been sidelined in order to reach an agreement. While their determination to achieve peace and stability is commendable, the lack of foresight into the far reaching effects of ignoring these issues is troubling.

During the 11 year Maoist insurgency the country lost nearly 13,000 of its citizens, hundreds were injured and thousands of dollars worth of national property was damaged. While the Maoist leaders, notably Mr. Prachanda, have publicly remarked that losing 13,000 people in the struggle to have the people's rule is not a big deal as other nations in revolution have lost more, the families of those killed certainly do not buy his explanation. They want to know why their loved one was killed and why the present government is not willing to investigate their murder. Those who were injured during the conflict and those who lost their property also want justice.
The people who want Maoists to be accountable for their past violent actions are now being turned aside to achieve "peace." The government and the Seven Party Alliance have projected accountability and peace as mutually exclusive, but it does not have to be that way and it should not be that way.

After the fall of the apartheid rule in South Africa, a truth and reconciliation commission was set up to make sure that the acts of violence carried out with impunity in the past are not repeated and to bring to justice those who have committed crimes against their fellow citizens. The commission also worked to foster understanding between the two groups, the whites and the blacks. Nepal also needs a truth and reconciliation commission.

The Maoists in the last 11 years have carried out violence as a means to achieve a goal. If now they are allowed to go scot free and not pay the price for their actions, the people will get a message that using violence is now acceptable, killing your neighbor, beheading a journalist and abducting school kids is ok. Why? Because the Maoists did so and they got away with it. Can Nepal afford to have this sort of society where there is no accountability? Where violence is an accepted way of life?

Nepali society, which has seen a rapid decline in economy due to the precarious situation created by the Maoist insurgency, cannot survive if the cycle of violence goes on. With a peace agreement we may be able to stop the Maoist insurgency but the seed of factionalism, communalism sown during the insurgency cannot be stopped. A trend of armed uprising has started in the country and the only way towards lasting peace is to root out the very cause contributing to it. We have to root out violence, and without establishing a judicial system to hold the Maoists accountable it cannot be accomplished.

Maoists have to be held accountable for their actions, undoubtedly, but they are not the only one who have to answer to the Nepali people. The royal family which for centuries has enjoyed a luxurious life paid for by the tax payer's money should also be questioned for their actions, past and present. The royal family is supported by the tax payer's money so it is the tax payer's right to question them and demand justice for the families of those wronged by them. Nepal needs peace, but giving up conscience is not the way.

Source: The Telegraph Nepal, June 11, 2007

Row over ‘Indian advice’ is now over: Prachanda

Maoist chairman Prachanda today said the suspicion that arose after the media reported that India had advised the UML to tie up with the Nepali Congress has now been cleared. “We want to make clear that we [parties] now don’t have mutual suspicion that arose after the Nepali media reported that India, a country whose positive role is specially expected right from the signing of the 12-point agreement to the entire peace process and the CA election, had advised for special relation between the UML and the Nepali Congress,” Prachanda said in a statement issued after a meeting with Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala. He, however, didn’t clarify on the issue.

The Maoist chairman had immediately objected to the India Prime Minister’s ‘advice’ to a senior UML delegation for unity between the UML and the Congress. However, the UML leaders had refuted the reports of such an advice, but they revealed that the Indian side had expressed concern over the forceful activities of the Maoists. Prachanda in his statement also stressed that the eight-party unity must hold in the current fragile situation. He said his party was firm in its commitment to holding constituent election for establishing democratic republic. He said today's meeting between him and PM Koirala had ended on a positive note. He also indirectly admitted the wrongdoing by his cadres in some cases, but claimed that the stoning of American ambassador’s vehicle in Jhapa recently was something his party “does not even think of doing”. He said his party had already asked the government to take action against those involved in the attack.

Source: Nepalnews, June 10, 2007

DIPLOMATS' CONCERN:Shocking Insecurity

SANJAYA DHAKAL

Although they have joined the government, the Maoists have not been able to rein in their overzealous activists as was demonstrated by the pelting of stones at the vehicle carrying US ambassador James Moriarty in Jhapa recently. Unfortunately for the country, the normally reticent diplomats have now issued a strong statement demanding security. Such actions by diplomats give a very negative message and damage the credibility of whole Nepal not only that of Maoists.

The Maoists are peeved at the continual inclusion of their party in the terrorist list by the US Department of State despite their becoming a part of Nepal government. But, wrongfully and dangerously, they have equated that move by the US government with the individual ambassador. Ambassador Moriarty, who is wrapping up his term in Nepal in few weeks' time, has been drawing huge criticisms from the Maoists because of his candid remarks about the path Nepal is heading towards. He has always been in the forefront pointing out the dangers of Maoists' joining mainstream politics without making the strategic decision to abandon violence. This, he has been advocating not as his personal position but as that of the US government.
By pelting stones at Moriarty, therefore, the Maoists have not only hit at the individual but the representative of a sovereign country. What followed was a rare censure by the whole of diplomatic corps expressing displeasure at the lack of security. Last week, 15 diplomatic missions based in Nepal issued joint concerns about insecurity to them and have demanded safe environment for them to function. The diplomatic corps of Nepal have demanded that security and safe movement of foreign diplomats must be assured.

"The Diplomatic Corps of Nepal is deeply concerned by an upsurge in recent weeks of security incidents that have threatened foreign diplomats or otherwise impeded their work in the country. We condemn any and all attempts to harm, threaten, or interfere with foreign diplomats working in Nepal," a statement issued by Diplomatic Corps of Nepal said. In the strongly-worded statement, the diplomatic corps have termed as unacceptable the "targeting or threatening of diplomats in Nepal on their countries' official business." The statement urges all political groups and activists to respect customary norms and reject violence or intimidation. Significantly, it also reminds the government "of its role to ensure security and safety for diplomats."

The statement was issued on behalf of Embassies of the United States of America, France, Germany, India, Japan, Malaysia, Pakistan, Denmark, Israel , Australia, South Korea, Thailand, the United Kingdom, Bangladesh and Finland. Immediately, the government was compelled to respond to the diplomats' concerns. Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala apologized on behalf of the government during his meeting with visiting US Assistant Secretary of State Barry Lowenkron. Home Ministry's spokesperson Baman Prasad Neupane said the government is ready to tighten security arrangements if diplomatic missions call for the same.

On the other hand, Maoist leaders are yet to take responsibility for their behavior. A senior Maoist leader Suresh Ale Magar publicly said that Nepali people had pelted stones at Moriarty because he started making rounds of army barracks to hatch conspiracy. Speaking at a program in Charikot, he accused Moriarty of visiting army barracks and conspiring against Nepali people. Ale Magar was recently denied a visa to travel to the United States to attend a program organized by the UN. As such, the concerns expressed by diplomatic community could damage the government's efforts to hold credible polls in a free, fair and peaceful environment.

Source: Spotlight, June 10, 2007

Maoists hold out white flag to India

Less than a week after Nepal's Maoist guerrillas accused India of meddling in the kingdom's internal affairs and trying to weaken them, their chief Prachanda held out a white flag to the southern neighbour, saying his party's fears had been allayed.

Following a lengthy meeting yesterday between Maoist leaders and Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala, the guerrillas softened their stand, opting for a reconciliatory attitude. There had been growing diplomatic outrage at the rebels after their recent attack on a vehicle carrying the US ambassador to Nepal.

In a statement issued after a long hiatus, Maoist chief Prachanda said the fear raised in his party after Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's call to visiting Nepali politicians in New Delhi to forge deeper ties between the two parties had been laid to rest.

Prachanda referred to the positive role played by India when his underground party reached an understanding with the seven-party opposition, that paved the way for the ouster of King Gyanendra's regime and a formal end to the decade-long armed insurgency. He also recalled India's positive role during the ongoing peace negotiations as well as New Delhi's pledged assistance to the key election, to be held in November.

Offering a tacit apology for the attack on American envoy James F. Moriarty's vehicle by Maoist cadres, Prachanda said that his party had never attacked any foreigner during the 10-year uprising and did not plan to deviate at a time it was poised to take part in the election. "We have urged the government to take action against the culprits," he said. Soon after Prachanda's meeting with Koirala, Maoists called off their indefinite shutdown in Kapilavastu district in southwestern Nepal, enforced from Saturday, to pressure the Nepal Army into pulling out of the area.

Source: The Peninsula, June 11, 2007

Sticking To The Provision

CPN (UML) leader Ishwor Pokharel has made it clear that the political stakeholders should stick to and abide by the provision of the interim constitution to decide on such crucial subjects as the future of the monarchy. At a function the other day, UML standing committee member Pokharel maintained that there should not be any recourse to haste to decide on such sensitive matters as the monarchy because the final decision on it should come from the legitimate opinion of the people. As said by CPN (UML) leader Pokharel, all eyes, therefore, should be set on finalising the laws and procedures to facilitate the process for holding the polls to the constituent assembly. A positive aspect in this regard is that the political stakeholders are determinedly seeking to finalise them quickly and reach an understanding with a sense of unanimity. As political interests vary among the parties, it is natural that discussions and deliberation are prolonged. Some delays are bound to occur for arriving at a settlement over the constituent assembly.

However, it is hoped that the political parties will not seek to construct new excuses and invent new issues to derail the process. As said by the UML leader, the declaration of a republic from the parliament would not be legitimate as the current legislative parliament is not an elected one and, therefore, lacks legitimacy in taking any decision on such a critical subject. The political leaders should, therefore, zero in on finalising the date for the constituent assembly polls. The decision on the polls would indeed rivet the attention of all the political stakeholders to building a strategy on ways to solicit popular support. The task that lies ahead of the political parties is, therefore, to create a healthy atmosphere to allow all opinions to flourish. The parties should join hands with other forces to finalise the date for the polls so that all confusions and concerns are cleared and allayed. They should help to accelerate the process for the institutionalisation of political democracy through election to the constituent assembly.

Source: The Rising Nepal, June 11, 2007

Budhha's Way To Sustaining Peace

R. Manandhar

The full-fledge armed conflict became all too familiar during the Maoist insurgency in Nepal. Likewise, the people's movements in 1990 and 2006 made the Nepali people familiar with street agitation. Now another conflict has started in the Terai. Our country has, thus, become entangled in a series of conflicts. The decade-long conflict has not ended with the conclusion of a peace agreement between the eight political parties. Lasting peace is still far away. So, conflicts may come in a series unless a right solution is found.

Causes of conflict

At this point, it may be relevant to recall how Gautam Budhha mediated a conflict 2500 years ago and preached the underlying causes of conflicts. In addition to playing an intermediary role, the Buddha gave the people an insight into the root causes of conflict. This is what our country needs to understand to find a solution to the present conflict following the conclusion of the peace agreement between the eight political parties.

In Buddha's time, there were two kingdoms in the southern part of Nepal. One was ruled by the Shakyas and the other by the Koliyas. The two kingdoms were separated by the Salini River. Once it so happened that there was no rain for months. The sun was so scorching that the soil dried out. The Salini River was the only source of water to irrigate the land of both the countries, so they wanted to take possession of the river. At first there was a verbal quarrel between the farmers of the two countries, and then they got into fistfights. At last both the countries got ready to fight a battle over the river. The two kingdoms gathered their armies on the bank of the river. The Buddha came to know about the preparation for the battle. He intervened personally in the matter in time, mediated skilfully and prevented the battle, which could have taken the lives of thousands of people. Seeing that the battle would have been devastating, the Buddha went to the place where the kings and their armies had gathered. The Buddha asked them to tell him the cause of their quarrel. Both the kings said that it was for the water of the Salini River that they were going to fight a battle.

The Buddha further asked them, "Which one do you think has more intrinsic value - water or the blood of men?" They said, "Verily, the blood of men is priceless. Water has no intrinsic value in comparison with the blood of men." Then the Buddha asked, "Is it right to stake that which is priceless against that which has no intrinsic value?" Both the kings and their men realised their mistake. The Buddha suggested irrigating their lands from the Salini River in turns. Both the parties appreciated the Buddha's suggestion and came to a peaceable agreement. Thus, the war was prevented and the lives of thousands of people were saved.The Buddha did not stop even at this point. He went deeper into the root cause of all conflicts and wars. The Buddha convinced them that the water of the Salini River was just an excuse for the battle. The underlying causes were ego, greed and selfishness. These were mental defilements. Even today people live with these defilements. So there is unrest in their minds and conflict in their family, society, country and the world. The conflict will not be resolved until its root cause is removed.

The Buddha further preached 'Susukhan Vata Jeevam...' which means conflict, whether between persons or groups, starts with the desire to receive more and more pleasure. But happiness does not come from worldly pleasure. Happy indeed is the person who lives a friendly life amidst the hostile. Happy indeed is the person who lives contended amidst the afflicted (by craving). Happy indeed is the person who lives free from avarice amidst the avaricious. Happy is indeed the person who remains tranquil amidst the restless lot.In our country people in power have always been guided by harmful attitudes like ego, greed and selfishness. The people in power never showed regard for the welfare of powerless people. The rich never showed kindness to the poor. No government ever tried to be friendly with the ethnic minorities, their language and rights. The wrong attitude of those who possessed power and wealth only helped exploitation, injustice and tyranny to spread in the country, splitting society into different classes. The strong dominated the weak. Consequently, discontentment spread everywhere in society.

Consensus

The people manifested their discontentment in the form of a rebellion, causing a serious conflict in society. Conflicts can come to an end in no time if the concerned parties build a consensus as the Shakyas and the Koliyas did in Buddha's time. However, it is evident that unless the root cause of conflict - ego, greed and selfishness - is eradicated from the minds of the people (mainly from the political leaders in the context of our country), conflicts will take place time and again under different pretexts ? be it ethnic or geographical.

Source: The Rising Nepal, June 11, 2007

Bottoms up

The units of local self-governance — the 75 district development committees, some 4, 000 village development committees and 58 municipalities — have been without the people’s representatives for the past five years, including one year of the post-Jana Andolan 2 period. They have mostly been run by employees, except sporadically, in some of them, by people nominated to the elective posts by successive governments after the term of the elected bodies was allowed to lapse in 2002 by the Sher Bahadur Deuba government despite the legal provision for extension by a year. This was because Deuba did not want the CPN-UML, the then main Opposition, to continue to hold sway in about two-thirds of them. The failure to fill all the vacancies was due to the Maoist insurgency at that time. Now, at long last, the elective vacancies may soon be filled as the eight parties are reported to have reached an understanding on the matter, including a formula for the distribution of all the posts among them. The three major parties — the Nepali Congress, the CPN-UML and the CPN-Maoist — are to be treated as equals, the NC-D is to get half of any of the Big Three, and the remaining tiny constituents of the alliance will not have to draw a blank.

According to a report, all the local bodies are likely to be constituted in three phases, starting with the coming fiscal year. The government has prepared a set of directives for operating the local bodies in line with Article 139 of the Interim Constitution, which provides for the formation of the units of local government “to create a congenial atmosphere for the practice of the people’s sovereignty from the local level upwards ... to provide services to the people locally and to promote institutional development of democracy right from the local level up...” Decentralisation and devolution of powers have been emphasised. As there has been a national understanding on the question of providing greater autonomy to the local units, the practice of local governance in the interim period should reflect this consensus.

The eight-party look of the local units will inject optimism into the local people, giving the impression that democracy and peace are returning to the villages. The filling of all the elective posts through consensus-based nomination will activate service delivery, disrupted so often in so many places, to its full capacity, and is likely to make it efficient and transparent. In the past, after the elected bodies were allowed to die, most donors, particularly Scandinavian governments, were not pleased and had expressed their serious reservations about continuing aid aimed at strengthening local self-governance on the ground that the shape of the local bodies under active royal rule did not reflect a representative political arrangement. This had severely hampered work. The eight-party arrangements are expected to enhance accountability and credibility of local units, and greater willingness on the part of donors to help with expertise, money and material to promote democracy and decision-making at the grassroots.

Source: The Himalayan Times, June 10, 2007

Virtual diplomacy: Can Nepal benefit from it?

Madhav Shrestha

Thanks to the Geneva-based DiploFoundation, the concept of “Virtual Embassy” has finally materialised. Run with the help of internet, the virtual embassy occupies what is dubbed “Diplomatic Quarter of Diplomacy Island in Second Life” in cyberspace. The services and facilities of the virtual embassy are especially intended for the countries with limited human resources and severe financial constraints — the countries incapable of putting enough people on the ground. Considering its diplomatic efficacy, small and weak countries with limited diplomatic outreach may opt for it. In fact, smaller countries are ideally suited for the conduct of virtual diplomacy.

Recently, the Maldives became the first country in the world to bring to use the services offered by virtual embassy developed by DiploFoundation. Although the concept of virtual embassy is still in an adumbrative state, Sweden, a highly advanced Nordic country, intends to use it. The Philippines, too, along with other countries, is likely to follow suit soon. No doubt, this latest innovation will be brought to wide use if its worth as an effective diplomatic and cost-efficient tool is proven while it is used by the first few countries that embrace it.
Nonetheless, the virtual embassy looks like it’s here to stay. For it is likely to prove highly effective in diplomatic dealings in both regional and broader international settings. Any government can use virtual embassy for representation and negotiation on bilateral and multilateral concerns should two or more countries choose to adhere to the techniques and methods developed by the DiploFoundation. Certainly, cash-starved governments which are short on good diplomats may choose this option. However, no safe predictions can be made at a time when its concept is slowly evolving. Unseen complexities and outcomes cannot be ruled out in the atmosphere of highly competitive and self-interested negotiations among nations.

Modalities of the virtual embassy will gain popularity if governments believe state secrets and intelligence services will not be compromised by its use. Viewed in this context, the concept of virtual embassy might not take off comfortably, although it might be considered convenient to handle diplomatic business bilaterally and multilaterally. Moreover, its scope and activities are likely to be limited only to non-sensitive areas for aforementioned reasons.
Virtual embassy may not prove to be of much help if it is intended to replace the “substantial groundwork” of diplomats accredited to specific countries. Indeed, that is not its purpose. The reports Net diplomats send to their governments — prepared without ground-level observation and analysis — might not prove useful. Realistically, diplomats in question will be made worthless who contribute nothing substantive. Such practice will make diplomats look like boys at the other end of the keyboard who are not very aware about the ground realities of the place he is talking about. Their stature and personality will not be held in high esteem, the way traditional diplomats are looked upon.

The most defective side of diplomacy through virtual embassy is that it completely ignores the great value of the human touch and cordial contacts able diplomats make with other diplomats, politicians, officials and important persons through real embassies. Thus it is less likely to promote understanding and cooperation between countries. The physical absence of diplomats on the spot would, in effect, create a situation of non-linkage rather than generate an atmosphere of warmth and cordiality that are so important in diplomacy. Hence the question of importance of physical presence of diplomats, be it for diplomatic business or important ceremonial occasions, should be considered seriously before deciding if virtual diplomacy should be adopted.

However, considering the financial crunch that afflicts Nepal, it is advisable that the country adopt virtual diplomacy, which was especially designed for the countries weak in both financial and manpower resources. As such, its set-up cost will be far less as compared to the huge cost involved in putting in place a real embassy in a faraway place. Hence it will be a wise option to cut down on the number of real embassies from the capital cities of the countries of lesser political, diplomatic and economic importance.

The government should be prepared to work for education and training of staff and officials needed to conduct virtual diplomacy in places considered appropriate for the purpose. If our aim is to trim down swollen budgetary expenditures, why not turn to the DiploFoundation in Geneva for necessary advice and consideration? Is the government prepared to do this? If virtual embassies can be geared towards the intended purpose, it would truly help develop Net Diplomats who will sincerely work for the welfare of the Nepali people.

Source: The Himalayan Times, June 10, 2007

India to help UN on Nepal's transition to democracy

India has told the United Nations that it will strengthen its hands to help Nepal's transition to democracy, Indian diplomats said here Thursday.At a meeting between Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, the two sides discussed the situation in Nepal in terms of the ensuing elections in the Himalayan country, arms management and the UN resolution 1740.

'Both the prime minister and the secretary general said that they looked forward to helping Nepal to achieve her democratic transition in a peaceful and orderly manner,' Foreign Secretary Shivshankar Menon said after the meeting. 'UN has an active role in Nepal,' he said and added that India will also extend all the help it can in helping its South Asian neighbour that is slated to elect its constituent assembly in November. After being criticised by the international community for delaying the crucial election, regarded as the key to peace and stability in Nepal, the ruling eight-party coalition had announced last week that the polls would be held in November.

Manmohan Singh and Ban also discussed other issues like climate change and felt that the right forum to raise the issue should be under the UN's Framework Convention on Climate Change. The secretary general, who has served in India in the past, proposed a meeting of world leaders, ahead of the General Assembly in September, to discuss climate change.

Source: Malaysia Sun, June 7, 2007

Prachanda tells India to keep hands off from Nepal

A series of meetings between top Indian officials and leaders of two of Nepal's biggest political parties in New Delhi has given rise to deep unease among Maoist guerrillas here, with their chief Prachanda lashing out at "Indian interference". Maoist supremo Prachanda, who was touring the Terai plains as top leaders of the Nepali Congress and Communist Party of Nepal-Unified Marxist Leninist (UML) were in New Delhi to attend a conference of MPs from South Asia, on Wednesday accused India of trying to suppress the Maoists by playing a divide and rule game. "India has no right to say which Nepali parties should come close or which ones to stay away from," the Maoist leader said.

The anger was caused by a meeting on Tuesday between Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and UML chief Madhav Kumar Nepal, who was also accompanied by two former deputy prime ministers, K.P. Oli and Bharat Mohan Adhikari. The Maoists are smouldering at the Indian prime minister reportedly urging close ties between the UML and the Nepali Congress, two of their biggest rivals in the upcoming November elections. Though Maoist MP Dinanath Sharma is also taking part in the parliamentarians' conference, he had not been included in the meetings between UML leaders and the Indian authorities, including Congress president Sonia Gandhi and External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee. The Delhi meets come at a time there has been a fresh war of words between the Maoists and Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala. Earlier this week, Maoist cadres handed over to the police a businessman wanted for nearly a year for defrauding a bank of about Nepali Rs.200 million.

The "arrest" of wanted businessman Sitaram Prasain, who is considered close to Koirala's Nepali Congress party, triggered an angry reaction from Koirala, who called the cadres of the Maoist Young Communist League the 'Young Criminal League'. The comment has given rise to widespread anger and criticism, both among the Maoists and the public, who are accusing Koirala of shielding corrupt businessmen. Maoists MPs on Wednesday threw a challenge to the prime miniser in parliament, saying he should ban the YCL if it was a criminal organisation, or else, apologise. Information and Communications Minister Krishna Bahadur Mahara, who is the government spokesperson as well as one of the top Maoist leaders, said Koirala's comment smacked of bias towards criminals.

Source: The Peninsula, June 8, 2007

WILL US REVISE ITS NEPAL POLICY?

Though unstated and undeclared, the American administration appears to have concentrated its entire efforts on mainly two key points wherein it would wish the stated two points established.
Those two key points, opine analysts, rests upon the presumptions, for example, uniting the liberal and the democratic forces scattered in different political camps, and secondly to keep the communists, more so the Maoists at a comfortable distance. Undeniably, the US appears to have got the point as to what it meant by the inclusion of the Maoists into the mainstream politics of the country. The US too can’t escape the blame for having worked in “tandem” with the countries in Nepal “axis” around 2005 which in effect facilitated the Maoists entrance into the government structure.

It was a Delhi sponsored 12 point agreement which the then agitating seven party alliances signed with the Maoists right in Delhi which allowed the smooth entry of the Maoists into the country’s political scene. Needless to say, the efforts of the countries in the said axis-Delhi-Washington-London not only brought the down fall of the King’s regime but also paved the way for the Maoists to have a “bold and determined” say in the country’s politics.
Nevertheless, Ambassador Moriarty is on record to have denounced the 12 point pact saying that it was the Maoists who brought the SPA to their political sphere of influence contrary to what had been propagated by the SPA partners after the Delhi agreement.

Ambassador Moriarty, for example, though he fathomed in advanced that the SPA were inviting trouble not only for themselves but for the entire country as a whole then why he could not convince his friends in the “axis” not to encourage the Maoists and the SPA members to come together through the 12 point agreement. Analysts very well remember that during the agreement period in Delhi, Ambassador Moriarty made several declared and undeclared trips to the Indian capital and is on record to have met the notorious Indian Foreign Secretary-Shyam Saran and discussed with him over the unfolding political events then in this country.

Question thus becomes pertinent as to when this innocent Ambassador knew every thing in advance then why he could, as a representative of the lone super power, not veto the entire game being played by London and Delhi which had only a single motive: unseating of the what they used to call the “autocratic monarch”? Now that the monarch has been out of the political scene, the Maoists have certainly gained what they wanted. Clearly, the Maoists in the government structure have allowed them to impose their say in the cabinet. Add to this the Maoists new incarnation in the form of Young Communist League that has already become the synonym of terror and panic in the entire country whose reverberations could also be felt in the international media.

Clearly, the US Ambassador was ditched, cheated and deceived by his two friends in the axis. Ambassador Moriarty just wanted the King to step down. However, London and Delhi worked in tandem and very skillfully brought the Maoists into the government structure. Nevertheless, both London and Delhi must have come to their senses looking at the current political events that have unfolded of late more so after the YCL men dared to vandalize a UN car which was ferrying American Ambassador Moriarty last May 25 Friday in Damak, Jhapa district. Nonetheless, London-Delhi-Washington managed peace in this country with the Maoists entrance into the mainstream politics. However, analysts say that the peace that has heralded in this country is a “negative” one. The second attack of the growing YCL activities would be India for sure. (Read in-depth analysis) Be that as it may, now look at the chain of events.

Exactly after five days of such a YCL attack on its Kathmandu posted envoy, the US sent comparatively a high level functioning State authority to listen to the unfolding events in this country and apparently to sound the Nepal government that the US would not tolerate any more if such YCL vandalism continued in the future that targets the US authorities here.
The US Assistant Secretary Barry F. Lowenkron who just concluded his four day Nepal trip talking to press prior to his departure has said that “one can’t have ballots and bullets in a democratic process and that intimidation and violence have no roles whatsoever in the democratic process of any country”. In saying so the US dignitary sounds that the US still views the Maoists and its YCL boys as trouble makers and that the US wanted the Maoists to behave that is demanded of them in a democratic system.

In addition, the US still believes that the Maoists have not abandoned the acts of intimidation, and violence even after joining the government structure. “Nothing justifies the use of violence as a legitimate political tool”, concluded Barry. All in all, the visiting US authority must have been briefed by his embassy colleagues about the nature and the feature of the YCL boys of the Maoists. More so Ambassador Moriarty must have told Secretary Barry in private as to how he felt when he was stoned by the YCL cadres in Damak. Now that the Ambassador of the lone super power has been mentally tortured by the Maoists and their kids, how the US influences the country’s politics in the days ahead is any body’s guess. It is therefore no wonder that the ailing Prime Minister Monday described the YCL as Young Criminal League.

Perhaps this explains so many things unspoken. Perhaps Koirala’s stern warning to the Maoists is a message to the US that things must change and he will change the Maoists in the days ahead or else the ex-rebels will be taken to task. However, what is intriguing is that how Koirala will penalize the erratic Maoists? Neither he can expel the Maoists ministers from the cabinet nor he can check the increasing high handedness of the YCL outfit. For Home Minister Sitaula appears still sympathetic to the Maoists. So to expect that Koirala can tame the Maoists in a matter of days or even weeks appears a remote eventuality.

Yes! What is for sure is that Ambassador Moriarty will not settle for less. But how he proceeds with his political cards, if left any under his sleeve, to cut down the size of the Maoists will have to be watched. Nevertheless, this time he enjoys the backing of the entire diplomatic community who have very promptly denounced the YCL attacks on Ambassador Moriarty. The otherwise European Ambassadors who appeared less energetic in denouncing the Maoists not so in the distant past too have openly condemned the YCL erratic behavior. This adds to the strength of Ambassador Moriarty definitely. Will he then advise his administration to go in for a revision in the current US policy on Nepal? Who knows what is in store? However, what is for guaranteed and taken for granted is that the erratic activities of the YCL and the Maoists’ combined is surely benefiting the now silent monarch though in a subtle manner. What is going to his pockets for free is also from the dismal performances of the EPA leaders being in the parliament and in government as well. The more the leaders lose in the process would mean, by default indeed, a sort of windfall to the now sleeping monarch.
Politics is simply the art of the possible.

Source: The Telegraph Nepal, June 8, 2007

NEPAL: MAOISTS TO REVISE ITS INDIA POLICY

With Shyam Saran-the former Indian Foreign Secretary, gone, the Indian establishment appears to have now shifted its sympathy from the Maoists to the unity in between Nepali Congress and United Marxist-Leninist, the UML-party. It was none less than the Indian Proxy Prime Minister Dr. Man Mohan Singh who “instructed” the visiting UML delegation led by Madhav Kumar Nepal to forge a sort of alliance with the Nepali Congress led by Girija Prasad Koirala. Now that the Indian PM has said so, the UML, as a good student of India since a decade or so, would go by the Indian instructions. Naturally, the news itself is a disturbing one for the Maoists.

Reacting to this fresh Indian political overture aimed at “cornering” the entire Maoists paraphernalia, Comrade Prachanda sees an Indian “design” in the instructions provided to Comrade Madhav Nepal the other day. “If this is so, then we are also free to frame an entirely different policy on India”, said a fuming Prachanda today. Prachanda made these declarations upon listening to the changed Indian stance in Butwal. Analysts say that the Indian politics in Nepal has ever remained “divide and rule” which they copied from their colonizers.

Now that the UML and the NC would certainly come closer as per the Indian sermons which mean that the Maoists will be left in the cold. An extension of this would mean that India wants now the unity among the SPA but not the EPA. The Maoists are not fools, any way. They know how to tame India. Kalapani, the continued land encroachment and the Susta issues are some, among others, which would be more handy for the Maoists to torture India in Nepal. The stage is thus set for Maoists-India face to face. No wonder one fine morning India could even declare that it has revived its “Three-Pillar Theory”.

Source: The Telegraph Nepal, June 6, 2007