NC district presidents want clear stance on monarchy

District presidents of the Nepali Congress (NC) have pressurized the party leadership to make a clear stance on monarchy and go for a republican set up as early as possible so that they could not lose credibility while facing the people.

Speaking during the ongoing meeting of district presidents at the party headquarters in Sanepa on Sunday they also expressed worries about the failure to implement the agreements and understandings reached between the seven political parties and the Maoists.

In the meting, Central Working Committee (CWC) member Narahari Acharya said the NC must opt for republican set up prior to six months the constituent assembly polls take place.

During the meeting leaders from various districts and sister organizations of NC sought the party leadership’s attention towards being clear about the future agendas of the party.

Likewise, the meeting has expressed its solidarity towards the agitating Nepal 1 journalists who are on fast-unto death strike demanding appointment letters, and effective management, among others.

The district chiefs Sunday spoke about the current political issues and briefed the meeting about the situations in their respective districts.

As all the district heads haven’t finished speaking, the meeting which was scheduled to conclude Sunday will be extended for a day, NC sources said.

Peace process in Nepal firm and on track: Martin

Ian Martin, head of the United Nations Mission in Nepal (UNMIM) has said that despite the postponement of elections in Nepal, the peace process is track and developing firmly.

“Fundamentally I’m optimistic, because it was the people of Nepal who took their future in their hands in a very dramatic way in the people’s movement of a year ago,” reports quoted Martin as saying who was briefing the Security Council at UN headquarters in New York.

He said that no one could have imagined a year ago that the King of Nepal would have relinquished executive authority and that the resulting cease-fire could have blossomed into a full, comprehensive peace agreement that has already made strides under UN monitoring.

At the same time, he pointed out that the timetable for the election of the Constituent Assembly, which will adopt a constitution for the country, has been delayed because regulations governing the process are not yet ready.

Meanwhile, Martin said, he hoped the Nepalese, with the assistance of UNMIN, will be able to improve security conditions for the elections and work for the full inclusion of marginalized ethic groups.

At Friday’s briefing Martin reported that, with reports of snakes and tents blowing away, cantonment conditions are, indeed, “extremely unsatisfactory.” There are now plans for the construction of more permanent living structures, he said.

I take the responsibility of deferral of CA polls: PM Koirala

Girija Prasad Koirala, Prime Minister and the president of Nepali Congress (NC) on Friday said that he take the responsibility of the deferral of Constituent Assembly election.

Addressing the inaugural eremony of the NC district chief’s meeting at the party head office in Sanepa, PM Koirala said that as the PM of the country it was his responsibility to hold Constituent Assembly (CA) elections on time.

PM Koirala said that he was not deterred by the accusations that the CA polls could not be held in time.

“I take the responsibility of the deferral of CA polls, and take criticism positively and am not discouraged by it,” the PM said.

PM Koirala further showed his commitment that no matter late he would hold the CA election at any cost.

Directing the party cadres no to execute any actions that would break the unity of eight-party, PM Koirala urged the leaders of political parties not to make statements of allegations and counter-allegations.

Addressing the meeting, Shushil Koirala, vice-president of NC said that the country is still unstable even with the establishment of Loktantra (Democracy). He urged the Maoists to immediately stop the acts of intimidation, extortion, and abduction.

Koirala blamed that Young Communist League (YCL), sister organization of CPN-M is terrorizing the people and urged them to stop such misdeeds.

General Secretary of NC and Minister for Peace and Reconstruction, Ram Chandra Poudel blamed that Maoists minister are showing their double standard character by demanding the salaries to the Maoists armies.

The meeting, which is being held up to Sunday, is said to discuss the official view of the NC party on Monarchy, proclamation of republic through Interim-Legislature Parliament, and the preparation for Constituent Assembly election.

CAN Soft-Tech-2007 kicks off

With an objective of promoting Nepali software and exploring markets for knowledge-based industry, CAN Soft-Tech-2007, first national software fair of the country, has started at the United World Trade Center from Wednesday.

The four-day long event is being organised by Computer Association of Nepal (CAN) for the first time in the country and will last till May 5.

About 60 different companies, including four from India, three from South Korea and one from Sri Lanka are showcasing their products and services through 77 stalls during the CAN Softech-2007.

Inaugurating the event, Mahantha Thakur, minister for environment, science and technology, reiterated the government’s support for the development of information and communication technology (ICT).

“ICT has always been a priority sector,” he said, adding that the government would soon unveil new projects for ICT.

Thakur further said that policies to attract foreign investment in ICT and to create a conducive environment would be soon formulated.

The expo would give exposure to the Nepali software developers and industry people to the international arena and will be beneficial for them in exploring markets outside the country, said Biplav Man Singh, president of CAN. “It will also serve as a platform to highlight Nepal’s strength in software development, BPO and IT solutions.”

According to CAN, the event is expected to attract about 30,000 quality visitors. Two separate halls have been arranged for demonstration of the products and services. Business meeting room, telephone and internet facilities in each stall are some of the features of the event, which will facilitate both the exhibitors and customers to experience a real virtual world.