Kathmandu, October 31, 2005

The spokesperson for the Rastriya Prajatantra Party, Rosan Karki, said today that major political parties were mainly to blame for political deadlock dogging the country. Terming the present situation a political deadlock between the King and the political parties, she said the deadlock was the result of the failure of the constitutional forces to iron out their differences through talks. Addressing a talk programme organised by the Media Group Nepal here today, she said that only by taking part in the general elections can the parties bring the derailed constitutional process back on track.

Stating that the elections will help reactivate the 1990 constitution, she said: “Major political parties should not hesitate to participate in the elections.” “The government should create a conducive for free and fair elections,” she said, adding that her party was prepared to take part in the elections. Stating that the Maoists were still wielding violence, Karki said: “It is better for the political parties to hold talks with the King than with the Maoists.” Reminding that the King had sacked previous governments headed by Lokendra Bahadur Chand, Surya Bahadur Thapa and Sher Bahadur Deuba as they failed to conduct the elections, she said the King has taken the responsibility of holding the elections on his shoulders.

Pandey flays ‘dual standards’ on terror

Kathmandu, October 31, 2005

Minister for Foreign Affairs Ramesh Nath Pandey today said a double standard approach while dealing with terrorism must be stopped for elimination of terror in the world. According to him, this view is shared by Russia as well. Pandey was addressing media persons on arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport from a tour of Russia and Pakistan. Claiming that his visit was a success, he said new areas of cooperation have been identified. “Reinforcing traditionally friendly and close ties with these countries with new and strategically vital areas of cooperation serves to further our paramount national interest,” Pandey said. He said Russia has a deep understanding of the current situation in Nepal and has reaffirmed support for Nepal’s fight against terrorism and measures aimed at ending the internal strife. “Russia shares with Nepal the firm view that double standard and selective approach to terrorism must be stopped,” he said. Referring to his meeting with the Chairman of the Committee on International Link of the Russian parliament(DUMA), Konstantin I Kosa-chev, Pandey said the DUMA will give due attention to developing a strategic planning for the next three years in Nepal. On his visit to Pakistan, Pandey said Islamabad wants to see a sovereign, peaceful, stable and secure Nepal. “Pakistan has offered help in fighting terrorism and promoting economic development.”