KATHMANDU, June 4 - CPN-Maoist has threatened to quit the government in two days if it is not allowed to form the next government by tomorrow.
Maoist Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal, during a meeting with Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala at the latter's official residence in Baluwatar on Tuesday urged the PM to immediately step down to facilitate the Maoists to forming the next government.
"If Nepali Congress and UML don't withdraw their conditions and don't allow us to form the next government by tomorrow, we will quit the government," said senior Maoist leader Dr Baburam Bhattarai, who was present at the meeting.
He charged that the NC and the UML were obstructing Maoists from forming the next government by putting forth 'meaningless' conditions.
During the meeting Dahal told Koirala that CPN- Maoist, being the largest political party, has the legitimate claim to form the next government. He also told Koirala that Maoists can't initiate consultations on forming the government until the Prime Minister resigns.
"The Prime Minister must resign and should call us to form the next government," Dr Bhattarai said, adding, "Otherwise, we will be morally compelled to quit the government."
Maoist Chairman Dahal, during the meeting, reiterated the Maoist position that it (Maoist) will not share the top posts - President and Prime Minister with NC or UML.
"We will never share the top posts -President and Prime Minister with any of the two loser parties -NC and UML," said Dr Bhattarai, adding, "Losers can't claim any of the top posts."
The Prime Minister, during the meeting, agreed to call a meeting of three major political parties - NC, UML and Maoist - to seek political consensus tomorrow.
Today, the Maoist leadership discussed the current political stalemate with leaders of UML, Madhesi People's Rights Forum (MPRF) and Terai Madhes Democratic Party (TMDP).
"We basically made our position clear and informed them that we will quit the government if political consensus is not reached by tomorrow evening," said Dr Bhattarai.
Meanwhile, NC and UML today decided to stand over their previous positions -amending the two-third provision in the interim constitution and sharing the top posts. In a meeting held at PM Koirala's residence, the leaders decided to urge Maoists to agree on amending the two-third provision to form and remove the government and share the top posts during tomorrow's meeting.
"We both (NC and UML) reiterated our position and decided that both the top posts can't be given to a single party," said NC General Secretary Bimalendra Nidhi, who was present during the meeting.
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Chairman Prachanda interview with Japanese Newspaper
Kazuo Nagata / Yomiuri Shimbun Correspondent
KATMANDU--The Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) won the largest number of seats for a constitution-drafting assembly after its success in the country's April election. Following is the text of a Yomiuri Shimbun interview with party leader Prachanda, 53, conducted at his residence in Katmandu on Friday.
The Yomiuri Shimbun: What happens to the [deposed] King? How soon does he have to evacuate the palace? Is he welcome to stay in Nepal?
Prachanda: The whole situation is quite clear. It seems that he has already agreed with the decision of the Constitutional Assembly. If you respect the will of the people, I think he should stay here. He should not go into exile. He should do his business and help his country. We prefer him to be here. He can form a party and he can contest in the election. There's not any barrier.
Do you intend to become prime minister or president?
Before the election we clearly mentioned in our manifesto we will be the first president of the new republican system. People gave us votes in favor of our position. But intensive debate is going on between the political parties and it has not been settled. Because we don't have a majority, and in that situation it is important to have a consensus. Ultimately we should have consensus and we decide who will be the president. Within one week it will be clear.
A new government in a week?
I think so.
What happens to the current prime minister, Girija Prasad Koirala, in the event his Nepali Congress [Party] becomes part of the coalition with the Maoists?
Just after the election we asked major political parties to form a coalition. Not just the Nepali Congress. As far as role of Koirala is concerned, we have put a proposal he should become the alliance chief. Like Sonia Gandhi [of India's ruling coalition].
How important is relationship with Japan for Nepal?
The relationship with Japan has been important in the whole history of modern Nepal. The cooperation and help of the Japanese people and government have been very strategic and important. Right now we are focusing our attention on economic rebuilding, reconstruction of this country. Japan can play a vital role in reconstruction of this country mainly in economic terms.
Political revolution is more or less completed after this election of the Constitutional Assembly and establishment of a federal republic. Now we want to focus on economic revolution and it is very difficult to have sustainable peace without quick development. Peace and development are interrelated. Japan will be our very important partner.
The Japanese and Nepali royal families were very close, but now one of them is gone. Do you think there will be an impact on the bilateral relationship? Do you intend to visit Japan any time soon?
I prefer to visit Japan. After the war Japan has done a miraculous development. I want to learn particularly from Japan's economic development. It is one of our models and inspirations for the reconstruction of our country. I don't think the relationship between Japan and Nepal is a question of the two royal families, but it's a question of the governments and peoples. In coming days the relationship will be closer and cooperation will be more.
It's impressive you are talking about economic development only a few years after hiding underground to fight a guerrilla war. It's also impressive you shifted your focus from military to political means during your struggle with the monarchy. Where does such flexibility come from?
Yeah [laughs]. We are not traditional type of insurgents or thinkers. We are not communists of the sectarian, dogmatic, totalitarian [type], something like that. Eight years ago we decided, unanimously, in the development of democracy in 21st century, and that even in socialism, there should be multiparty competition. This is something new in international communist movement. In a negative way, [King Gyanendra] contributed to the establishment of the democratic republic. If he hadn't taken stupid measures against the people...
Maoists have suspended, but not formally abandoned, military struggle as a means of achieving the party's goals. Are you ready to do so now?
In our guess, after this election, it has been decided by the people for peace and change. I don't think it is necessary to have army struggle again. I don't think there will be any kind of necessity to use arms again. But it doesn't mean nobody should take arms to resist oppression of the government or something like that. I can't predict that.
Do you think the United States will remove the Maoists from its list of terrorist groups soon?
Just recently I had a discussion with the U.S. [Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Evan Feigenbaum] in this room. I think the U.S. is going to change its attitude and policy. They are trying to understand the real dynamics of our country. Slowly, gradually, they are taking more pragmatic steps. In my discussion with the U.S. deputy assistant secretary, I smelled that they were going to take a more flexible attitude. He categorically said. "We'll cooperate with your government." This is something encouraging. We want to have diplomatic relationship with the United States.
Chairman Mao is of course from China and you are also Maoists. What's the relationship between the two Maoists?
I think we all have our own particular type of political and ideological lines, working styles, understandings. Although all Maoists have minimum common features, some of the basic philosophical and ideological points, in strategy and tactics they are all independent. Implementing Marxism and Leninism in a concrete way according to concrete situation is something common. But how to apply it in concrete situation is different from country to country.
(Jun. 3, 2008)
KATMANDU--The Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) won the largest number of seats for a constitution-drafting assembly after its success in the country's April election. Following is the text of a Yomiuri Shimbun interview with party leader Prachanda, 53, conducted at his residence in Katmandu on Friday.
The Yomiuri Shimbun: What happens to the [deposed] King? How soon does he have to evacuate the palace? Is he welcome to stay in Nepal?
Prachanda: The whole situation is quite clear. It seems that he has already agreed with the decision of the Constitutional Assembly. If you respect the will of the people, I think he should stay here. He should not go into exile. He should do his business and help his country. We prefer him to be here. He can form a party and he can contest in the election. There's not any barrier.
Do you intend to become prime minister or president?
Before the election we clearly mentioned in our manifesto we will be the first president of the new republican system. People gave us votes in favor of our position. But intensive debate is going on between the political parties and it has not been settled. Because we don't have a majority, and in that situation it is important to have a consensus. Ultimately we should have consensus and we decide who will be the president. Within one week it will be clear.
A new government in a week?
I think so.
What happens to the current prime minister, Girija Prasad Koirala, in the event his Nepali Congress [Party] becomes part of the coalition with the Maoists?
Just after the election we asked major political parties to form a coalition. Not just the Nepali Congress. As far as role of Koirala is concerned, we have put a proposal he should become the alliance chief. Like Sonia Gandhi [of India's ruling coalition].
How important is relationship with Japan for Nepal?
The relationship with Japan has been important in the whole history of modern Nepal. The cooperation and help of the Japanese people and government have been very strategic and important. Right now we are focusing our attention on economic rebuilding, reconstruction of this country. Japan can play a vital role in reconstruction of this country mainly in economic terms.
Political revolution is more or less completed after this election of the Constitutional Assembly and establishment of a federal republic. Now we want to focus on economic revolution and it is very difficult to have sustainable peace without quick development. Peace and development are interrelated. Japan will be our very important partner.
The Japanese and Nepali royal families were very close, but now one of them is gone. Do you think there will be an impact on the bilateral relationship? Do you intend to visit Japan any time soon?
I prefer to visit Japan. After the war Japan has done a miraculous development. I want to learn particularly from Japan's economic development. It is one of our models and inspirations for the reconstruction of our country. I don't think the relationship between Japan and Nepal is a question of the two royal families, but it's a question of the governments and peoples. In coming days the relationship will be closer and cooperation will be more.
It's impressive you are talking about economic development only a few years after hiding underground to fight a guerrilla war. It's also impressive you shifted your focus from military to political means during your struggle with the monarchy. Where does such flexibility come from?
Yeah [laughs]. We are not traditional type of insurgents or thinkers. We are not communists of the sectarian, dogmatic, totalitarian [type], something like that. Eight years ago we decided, unanimously, in the development of democracy in 21st century, and that even in socialism, there should be multiparty competition. This is something new in international communist movement. In a negative way, [King Gyanendra] contributed to the establishment of the democratic republic. If he hadn't taken stupid measures against the people...
Maoists have suspended, but not formally abandoned, military struggle as a means of achieving the party's goals. Are you ready to do so now?
In our guess, after this election, it has been decided by the people for peace and change. I don't think it is necessary to have army struggle again. I don't think there will be any kind of necessity to use arms again. But it doesn't mean nobody should take arms to resist oppression of the government or something like that. I can't predict that.
Do you think the United States will remove the Maoists from its list of terrorist groups soon?
Just recently I had a discussion with the U.S. [Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Evan Feigenbaum] in this room. I think the U.S. is going to change its attitude and policy. They are trying to understand the real dynamics of our country. Slowly, gradually, they are taking more pragmatic steps. In my discussion with the U.S. deputy assistant secretary, I smelled that they were going to take a more flexible attitude. He categorically said. "We'll cooperate with your government." This is something encouraging. We want to have diplomatic relationship with the United States.
Chairman Mao is of course from China and you are also Maoists. What's the relationship between the two Maoists?
I think we all have our own particular type of political and ideological lines, working styles, understandings. Although all Maoists have minimum common features, some of the basic philosophical and ideological points, in strategy and tactics they are all independent. Implementing Marxism and Leninism in a concrete way according to concrete situation is something common. But how to apply it in concrete situation is different from country to country.
(Jun. 3, 2008)
Prachanda meets Koirala; renews protest warning
Amid growing differences over power-sharing, the leaderships of the CPN (Maoist) and the Nepali Congress (NC) sat for serious dialogue on Wednesday
At the meeting, Maoist chairman Prachanda stressed that the deadlock must be resolved by Thursday and urged Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala to call a meeting of the seven-party alliance on Wednesday.
He also renewed his warning to launch street protest if a clear political understanding to transfer power to the Maoists does not evolve by Thursday.
In response, PM Koirala told Prachanda that the Maoists, as the largest party in the Constituent Assembly, should take the initiative to form a new government by taking other parties into confidence.
However, the two sides could not arrive at any understanding at the meeting.
Senior Maoist leader Dr Baburam Bhattarai, Nepali Congress acting president Suhil Koirala, vice-present Ram Chandra Poudel and Home Minister Krishna Situala were also present at the meeting.
At the meeting, Maoist chairman Prachanda stressed that the deadlock must be resolved by Thursday and urged Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala to call a meeting of the seven-party alliance on Wednesday.
He also renewed his warning to launch street protest if a clear political understanding to transfer power to the Maoists does not evolve by Thursday.
In response, PM Koirala told Prachanda that the Maoists, as the largest party in the Constituent Assembly, should take the initiative to form a new government by taking other parties into confidence.
However, the two sides could not arrive at any understanding at the meeting.
Senior Maoist leader Dr Baburam Bhattarai, Nepali Congress acting president Suhil Koirala, vice-present Ram Chandra Poudel and Home Minister Krishna Situala were also present at the meeting.
Monday, June 2, 2008
Prachanda's directives to security chiefs, civil servants and intellectuals
CPN (Maoist) Chairman Prachanda on Monday urged the security chiefs and civil servants to commit themselves to the task of providing security and service to the people by embracing the new changes that has come in the country.
Chairman Prachanda, who has laid claim to the post of President of Nepal as his party looks poised to head the new government, made this request in a meeting with heads of security agencies and top government officials in Gorkha district today morning.
Similarly, in another interaction organized by Maoist aligned Nepal Intellectual Organization in Gorkha today, Prachanda said that in the changed political scenario the parties including the administrative sector and all other state organs ought to become "very vigilant" in order to build a new Nepal
He also asked the "intellectuals" to help keep those political parties in check that could deviate from the path of working for the welfare of the people and institutionalizing republic in the country.
The Maoist Chairman also said that the "balance of power" between political parties and administrative sector in the changed situation can help realize the goal of building new Nepal.
Speaking at the same program, senior Maoist leader Dr Baburam Bhattarai said intellectuals could play an instrumental role by helping chart out the path for the country and make the political and administrative sector work in benefit of the country and the people
Chairman Prachanda, who has laid claim to the post of President of Nepal as his party looks poised to head the new government, made this request in a meeting with heads of security agencies and top government officials in Gorkha district today morning.
Similarly, in another interaction organized by Maoist aligned Nepal Intellectual Organization in Gorkha today, Prachanda said that in the changed political scenario the parties including the administrative sector and all other state organs ought to become "very vigilant" in order to build a new Nepal
He also asked the "intellectuals" to help keep those political parties in check that could deviate from the path of working for the welfare of the people and institutionalizing republic in the country.
The Maoist Chairman also said that the "balance of power" between political parties and administrative sector in the changed situation can help realize the goal of building new Nepal.
Speaking at the same program, senior Maoist leader Dr Baburam Bhattarai said intellectuals could play an instrumental role by helping chart out the path for the country and make the political and administrative sector work in benefit of the country and the people
The Communist Party of China (CPC) and the Chinese government and people respect the Nepalese people's choice of social system and development path
BEIJING, June 2 (Xinhua) -- The Communist Party of China (CPC) and the Chinese government and people respect the Nepalese people's choice of social system and development path suited to its own conditions, said a senior CPC official here Monday.
Wang Jiarui, head of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee, made the remarks at a meeting with Krishna Bahadur Mahara, member of the Central Secretariat of the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) (CPN-M) and minister of Information and Communication.
Wang voiced his congratulations on the success of the first meeting of the newly elected Nepal's Constituent Assembly (CA) and hoped that parties concerned, including the CPN-M, would continue to push forward the peace process in Nepal so as to ensure peace, stability and development in the country as early as possible.
The first meeting of the CA declared last Wednesday the country a federal
democratic republic at the International Conference Center in the Nepalese capital Kathmandu.
Wang spoke highly of the Nepalese government's and different parties' consistent position on issues concerning China's sovereignty and territorial integrity, hoping that the Nepalese side would continue to follow a friendly policy toward China.
Wang said China and Nepal are neighbors and enjoy a traditional friendship.
The CPC had maintained friendly exchanges and contacts with major Nepalese parties and it would further relations with them, said Wang.
Wang also briefed Mahara on China's fight against the severe earthquake that hit southwest China's Sichuan Province on May 12, and expressed his appreciation for the Nepalese side's concern and sympathy.
Mahara expressed once again deep condolences to the victims in the devastating earthquake on behalf of Prachanda, chairman of the CPN-M.
He said the Chinese people would definitely overcome the difficulties and rebuild the hometown under the leadership of the CPC and the Chinese government.
Mahara said CPN-M firmly supported China's stance on Tibet-related issues, and would prevent any forces from doing anti-China activities in Nepal.
Mahara briefed Wang the latest situation in Nepal.
The two sides also exchanged views on party-to-party relations.
Wang Jiarui, head of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee, made the remarks at a meeting with Krishna Bahadur Mahara, member of the Central Secretariat of the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) (CPN-M) and minister of Information and Communication.
Wang voiced his congratulations on the success of the first meeting of the newly elected Nepal's Constituent Assembly (CA) and hoped that parties concerned, including the CPN-M, would continue to push forward the peace process in Nepal so as to ensure peace, stability and development in the country as early as possible.
The first meeting of the CA declared last Wednesday the country a federal
democratic republic at the International Conference Center in the Nepalese capital Kathmandu.
Wang spoke highly of the Nepalese government's and different parties' consistent position on issues concerning China's sovereignty and territorial integrity, hoping that the Nepalese side would continue to follow a friendly policy toward China.
Wang said China and Nepal are neighbors and enjoy a traditional friendship.
The CPC had maintained friendly exchanges and contacts with major Nepalese parties and it would further relations with them, said Wang.
Wang also briefed Mahara on China's fight against the severe earthquake that hit southwest China's Sichuan Province on May 12, and expressed his appreciation for the Nepalese side's concern and sympathy.
Mahara expressed once again deep condolences to the victims in the devastating earthquake on behalf of Prachanda, chairman of the CPN-M.
He said the Chinese people would definitely overcome the difficulties and rebuild the hometown under the leadership of the CPC and the Chinese government.
Mahara said CPN-M firmly supported China's stance on Tibet-related issues, and would prevent any forces from doing anti-China activities in Nepal.
Mahara briefed Wang the latest situation in Nepal.
The two sides also exchanged views on party-to-party relations.
Prachanda warns of street movement if NC fails to hand over leadership
Kathmandu, June 2 (ANI): Communist Party of Nepal-Maoist (CPN-M) Chairman Prachanda has warned that his party would launch a street movement in Nepal if the Nepali Congress (NC) failed to hand over the reins of power to his party within the next three days. Nepalnews quoted Prachanda as saying that Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala should submit his resignation to the Constituent Assembly (CA) and allow the Maoists to form the next government.
If that does not happen in the next two-three days, the Maoist representatives in the current government would resign and join a street agitation, he added.
Prachanda, who arrived in Gorkha district accompanied by the senior leader Dr Baburam Bhattarai, took the NC and CPN (UML) to task for what he called violation of past agreements, by setting conditions for allowing the Maoists to lead the government
If that does not happen in the next two-three days, the Maoist representatives in the current government would resign and join a street agitation, he added.
Prachanda, who arrived in Gorkha district accompanied by the senior leader Dr Baburam Bhattarai, took the NC and CPN (UML) to task for what he called violation of past agreements, by setting conditions for allowing the Maoists to lead the government
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