The sixth central executive committee meeting of the Federation of Nepalese Journalists FNJ) has demanded that the government release all detained journalists and pay compensation to those injured and detained for a long time.
The umbrella organization of Nepalese journalists has further demanded reinstatement of journalists of both private and government media who were sacked in the aftermath of February 1, along with compensation for the losses they suffered.
The FNJ has demanded to scrap all ordinances, orders, policies and circulars issued by the previous government.
The FNJ also urged the new government to make public details of expenses made during the distribution of advertisements through the one-door policy and expenses incurred while giving out Dashain bonus.
The meeting also demanded the resignation of Chairman of the Press Council Mathbar Singh Basnet for misuse of the council against established rules and norms of the press, the scrapping of discriminatory newspaper classification and rewriting of the council’s report.
Saying that private media were barred from covering important events in the past, the FNJ called upon the government to privatise government-owned media.
The media body has urged the government to waive renewal charge for FM stations, taking into account their existing condition and the role they have played. FNJ also demanded withdrawl of increment in postal charge.
FNJ has decided to honor senior journalists Harihar Birahi, Gopal Thapaliya and Keshav Raj Parajuli as fighters for press freedom in Nepal.
The Supreme Court (SC) ordered the government to permit Kantipur Television (KTV) Network, a private Television station of the country to use satellite link between its central studio in Kathmandu and relay stations outside.
Acting on a writ petition filed by KTV Managing Director Ganesh Agrawal, Justices Min Bahadur Rayamaji and Bal Ram KC ordered the Ministry of Information and Communications to allow the network to use satellite link and complete all the necessary procedures within one month.
KTV had moved the court after the then royal government cancelled its permission to use a Television Receive Only (TVRO) device to link its Master Control Room in Kathmandu to a regional relay station in Dhankuta (Bhedetar). The broadcaster plans to use TVRO to link its station in Kathmandu and eight regional relay stations.
Welcoming the court verdict, KTV’s MD Agrawal further said, “We finally got justice.”
US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs, Richard Boucher, is arriving in Kathmandu today to gauge the latest developments in Nepal.
US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs, Richard Boucher
This is Boucher’s first visit to Nepal after his appointment as Assistant Secretary of State. Boucher is scheduled to address a press conference in Kathmandu on Wednesday morning.
Earlier, reports quoted Boucher as saying that the US would consider renewing military aid to Nepal, but the assistance would depend on the army’s support of the political process here.
The US along with India and UK had stalled military assistance to Nepal following the February 1 royal takeover of the last year.
Nepalese people residing in France organized a protest rally in Paris, France on Monday, on the occasion of International Labour Day demanding immediate end of autocracy in Nepal.
Participants of the programme said that the reinstatement of the parliament is only a partial success for democracy and demanded for restoration of complete democracy in the country.
Starting from Plas Da La Republic, the rally passed through major thoroughfares of the city before concluding at Nasiyo.
Participants of the rally carried placards and chanted slogans in favour of complete democracy and human rights in the country and against autocracy.
Speaking at a programme before the beginning of the rally, Dilli Raj Amagain of Nepal Progressive Forum appreciated the decision of the parliament to go for the election of the constituent assembly.
He said that the Royal Nepalese Army should be brought under the control of the parliament.
Speaking at the same programme, Nepali Engineer in Paris Nirmal Aryal said that the recent change failed to fulfill the aspiration of Nepali people.
Hemanta Upadhya of Nepali Cultural Association demanded to handover the state power to the young generation and also demanded immediate action against corrupt people.
Newly appointed Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala has formed a seven-member cabinet on Tuesday.
The state-run Radio Nepal quoted a statement issued by the press secretariat of the royal palace as saying that His Majesty King Gyanendra has constituted a seven-member council of ministers upon the recommendation of premier Koirala in accordance with the constitution of the kingdom of Nepal, 1990.
Those included in the council of ministers—that has been formed in the aftermath of the people’s movement 2006—include senior CPN (UML) leader, K. P. Sharma Oli, three members from Nepali Congress and one representative each from NC (Democratic) and United Left Front.
Oli will hold the deputy prime minister with foreign affairs portfolio. He had earlier served as the Home Minister.
Similarly, Nepali Congress leaders Mahantha Thakur, Dr. Ram Sharan Mahat and Krishna Sitaula have been assigned Agriculture, Finance and Home portfolios respectively.
Treasurer of Nepali Congress and former deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Thakur is considered a Koirala loyalist. Newly appointed Finance Minister Dr. Mahat has held the finance and foreign affairs portfolio in the past. He had also served as vice chairman of the National Planning Commission after the restoration of democracy in 1990.
Appointment of NC spokesman, Krishna Sitaula, to the key post of Home Minister may be the most remarkable appointment in the new cabinet. A trusted lieutenant of Koirala, the soft-spoken Sitaula accompanied the NC leader to New Delhi in November last year and is said to be involved in negotiations between the Seven Party Alliance (SPA) and the CPN (Maoists). Sitaula—who had earlier served as state minister of Industry, Commerce and Supplies during coalition governments—is likely to emerge as the most powerful minister in the cabinet as he is said to enjoy full trust of the prime minister.
Reports say a major coalition partner, CPN (UML), is unhappy with the new cabinet as it was claiming for Home portfolio, among others.
One of the senior leaders of Nepali Congress (Democratic), Gopal Man Shrestha, will have to be content with Physical Planning and Works Ministry—that is responsible for the implementation of the much-talked about Melamchi Water Supply project. Shrestha had earlier made claims for the deputy prime minister, according to reports. Shrestha had served as Forest minister, among others.
The new face in the council of ministers is Prabhu Narayan Chaudhari. President of the United Left Front (ULF)—one of the constituents of the SPA—has been assigned the Land Reforms and Management portfolio. Since Chaudhari is not a member of the House of Representatives, he will have to be nominated as member of the National Assembly within six months to retain his cabinet portfolio.
SPA leaders earlier said the size of the cabinet would not exceed 21. Senior leader of Nepali Congress, Ram Chandra Poudel, who was dubbed as a candidate for the deputy prime minister is not included in the cabinet.
Prime Minister Koirala has kept defense and all other portfolios with himself for the time being. Sources say the cabinet will be expanded soon as soon as other SPA members send their names to the premier.
Delay in forming the cabinet by the ailing leader had drawn widespread criticism from the supporters of the SPA as well as civil society leaders. Prime Minister Koirala is expected to administer oath of office and secrecy to newly appointed ministers at Singha Durbar this afternoon.
Earlier, prime minister used to administer oath of office to his cabinet colleagues at the Narayanhiti royal palace in the presence of HM the King.
US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs, Richard Boucher
Talking to journalists at the Tribhuvan International Airport upon his arrival this afternoon, Boucher said the US is ready to extend any support for the development and institutionalization of democracy in Nepal.
He also urged the Maoists to initiate dialogue for peaceful settlement of Maoist insurgency that has claimed the lives of more than 11,000 Nepalis.
Boucher further said that there no change in the stance of US about Maoists.
Boucher is scheduled to meet King Gyanendra later this afternoon. He will also hold discussion with the Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala and other key political leaders and civil society representatives about the political development of the country before leaving Nepal on Wednesday.
This is Boucher’s first visit to Nepal after his appointment as Assistant Secretary of State. Boucher is scheduled to address a press conference in Kathmandu on Wednesday morning. Boucher will submit report about Nepal in the Senate after he returns to America.
Earlier, reports quoted Boucher as saying that the US would consider renewing military aid to Nepal, but the assistance would depend on the army’s support of the political process here.
The US along with India and UK had stalled military assistance to Nepal following the February 1 royal takeover of the last year.
Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala received more congratulatory messages for assuming the top post of the country.
In his message, King Jigme Singe Wangchuk of Bhutan said that the appointment to the high office is a befitting recognition to the nation as well as a testimony to the confidence that the people of Nepal have upon Koirala.
The message further said that Koirala would successfully steer the country through the present difficult times and challenges to usher in peace, stability and all-round progress for the well-being of the people of Nepal.
The King has also wished every success in discharging the very important responsibilities of the high office.
The King has expressed his confidence that the goodwill and the close ties of friendship that existed between the two countries would be further strengthened in the years ahead.
More than 105,000 Bhutanese refugees are languishing in seven UNHCR administered camps in eastern Nepal. The problem remains unresolved despite 15 round of talks between Nepal and Bhutan.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi of Japan has congratulated Girija Prasad Koirala on his appointment as Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Nepal and hoped that his leadership would bring about the consolidation of democracy and the realisation of permanent peace to Nepal.
In a congratulatory message, the Japanese Prime Minister has also expressed the trust that the friendship existing between the two countries would be further developed and strengthened by vigorous exchanges on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries this year.
Meanwhile, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of India has extended heartiest congratulations and felicitations to Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala on his assumption of the office of the Prime Minister of Nepal.
In a felicitation message sent today, Chairman of the Party Raj Nath Singh said, “As a veteran public leader of eminence, you yourself have always advocated strong Indo-Nepal amity, and in your leadership, not only between governments but even people to people relationship between the two great countries would be strengthened once again.”
Likewise, Israeli Ambassador to Nepal Dan Stav has extended congratulations to Prime Minister Koirala on his assumption of his office, and wished for success in discharging the important and challenging responsibilities.
In a message sent to Prime Minister Koirala, Ambassador Stav has expressed faith that the friendly and cordial relations existing between the two countries would be maintained and further strengthened during the tenure of office of Prime Minister Koirala.
Koirala was appointed to the post of Prime Minster after the King reinstated the dissolved House of Representatives as demanded by seven political parties.
The Nepal Workers and Peasants Party (NWPP), a partner in the seven-party alliance (SPA), has decided not to join the Council of Ministers.
A meeting of the central committee of the party on Tuesday decided to limit the party in the role of opposition in the reinstated House of Representatives. The NWPP, however, pledged cooperation to the government led by Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala.
A meeting of the SPA had yesterday decided to have representatives of all seven parties in the cabinet. NWPP chairman Narayan Bijukchhe had gone out of SPA the meeting held at Koirala’s Maharajgunj residence, asking the leaders to keep the cabinet seat of his party vacant until the decision of the central committee of the party.
Meanwhile, Janamorcha Nepal vice-chairman Lilamani Pokhrel has said his party is yet to decide whether to join the cabinet.
Talking to reporters at Singha Durbar before the meeting of the HoR today, Pokhrel said a meeting of his party scheduled for Wednesday would take a decision on this matter.
PM Koirala formed a seven-member cabinet today with three members from his party, Nepali Congress, and one each from CPN (UML), NC (Democratic) and United Left Front.
Meanwhile, UML spokesman Pradeep Nepal today announced his resignation from the membership of the Standing Committee of the party saying that he was not informed about the party’s decision to accept the post of deputy prime minister (DPM) with foreign affairs portfolio.
The standing committee had demanded Home Ministry along with the post of DPM.
Talking to reporters at the premises of the parliament this afternoon, he said the party settled for the DPM and foreign affairs portfolio whereas the Standing Committee had decided otherwise and that he was not informed about the new decision.
Civil society leaders have stressed that a federal system is needed to address the existing differences in the Nepali society and that the election to the constituent assembly (CA) should be based on the equitable representation of various ethnic, cultural, regional and linguistic communities.
Speaking at a programme organised by Indigenous People’s Peace Council in the capital on Monday, editor of pro-left Mulyankan monthly magazine Shyam Shrestha said the new Nepal after the election to CA should end all discriminatory systems and policies that have been prevailing in the society since centuries.
He said the new constitution to be drafted by the CA should address the problems of ethnic communities, undeveloped regions, Dalits and women and bring them into mainstream of the state mechanism.
Former justice of the Supreme Court Laxman Prasad Aryal said keeping in mind the situation of varied ethnic, linguistic and cultural existence in the society, it was possible to balance their equitable representation and equal rights only in the federal system of governance.
He said the discriminated communities including the indigenous people and Dalits should continue to put pressure on state jointly for more rights in the new system.
He further said it is now the right of the sovereign people to choose the governance system of their interest.
Dr Mathura Shrestha said that the state should devise a mechanism so that there is equal representation from all sections of the society in governance and while formulating state policies.
The reinstated parliament has resolved on Sunday to go for election to the CA to draft a new constitution and bring the Maoists into the political mainstream.
Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala administered the oath of office and secrecy to newly appointed Deputy Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and five other ministers at the National Planning Commission hall at Singha Durbar Tuesday afternoon.
This is for the first time the swearing in of ministers has been done outside the Narayanhiti Royal Palace. Traditionally, swearing in of ministers would be done in the presence of the King at the palace.
Five other ministers who took oath from the PM were Home Minister KP Sitaula, Finance Minister Dr Ram Saran Mahat, Minister for Physical Planning and Works Gopal Man Shrestha, Minister for Agriculture and Cooperatives Mahanta Thakur and Minister for Land Reforms and Management Prabhuman Narayan Choudhari.
DPM Oli also holds the foreign affairs portfolio. PM Koirala appointed the DPM and the ministers this morning.
Members of the parliament and media persons were present at the swearing-in ceremony.
Addressing the function, PM Koirala said the reconvened House of Representatives would make necessary amendments in the constitution to make the government’s works effective.
He further said the government would work as per the agendas of the seven-party alliance (SPA) and the 12-point understanding signed with the Maoists. The seven-party unity, according to PM Koirala, will remain unbreakable under any circumstance.
Although he didn’t clarify which article/s of the constitution will be amended, the Prime Minister’s statement came in the backdrop of relentless pressure from the SPA activists and the civil society to bring the army under the purview of the parliament, change His Majesty’s Government into ‘Nepal government’ and scrap the Raj Parishad (royal privy council), among others.
Meanwhile, a meeting of the Council of Ministers chaired by Koirala was underway at Singha Durbar until 7:30 this evening.
In another development, CPN (UML) leader and MP Pradeep Gyawali was manhandled by a group or ‘protesters’ at the western entrance of Singha Durbar as he came out of the parliament in the evening.
Our correspondent on the site said Gyawali was roughed up by a group that was chanting slogans against the seven parties, PM Koirala and the King and was demanding ‘unconditional’ constituent assembly.
It was not clear who the protesters were. However, hundreds of pro-democracy activists had carried out a rally earlier in the afternoon, warning the seven-party leaders not to backtrack from their commitments made to the people.