Govt. in crisis after Maoists set two preconditions

Kathmandu, 17 Sept: Government is in a fresh crisis.Maoists Monday decided to quit government if two of 22 demands, aren’t met by Tuesday in an effort to pressure a weak Koirala government that has adopted an appeasement policy.Last-minute efforts are being attempting to same the government.The prime minister is attempting to appeal to Maoists through a national appeal.
Koirala is interested in prolonging the live of his coalition government even without parliamentary elections.Koirala has said the eight-party alliance should continue for another eight years.It’s not certain when parliamentary elections will be held even if assembly elections are held 22 November.Maoist leader CP Gajurel said after the meeting Monday government must meet demands for an immediate declaration of a republic and election on proportional representation basis.The declaration of a republic by parliament will have to be endorsed by a constituent assembly.An emergency unofficial meeting of CPN (Maoist) discussed leaving government Monday for more than two hours.Maoists plan a public meeting in the capital Tuesday to announce detailed protest plans in demands aren’t met.

"We will leave government if two of 22 demands aren’t met by Tuesday," Gajurel told Radio Nepal.Gajurel quoted Peace Minister Ram Chandra Paudel as saying government won’t accept the two main Maoist demands.Only 65 days remain for election.There’s no election wave and security ahead of election.Communal violence broke out in Kapilvasthu and Rupedhani districts Sunday killing at least four persons.Armed groups set off bombs explosions in various parts of the country Monday.Election Commission will enforce a code of conduct for government and semi-government officials from Tuesday.Government can’t promote and transfer officials after the enforcement.Home Ministry, under the control of Nepali Congress, has already effected major transfers.India pressed elections despite adverse circumstances when Indian Foreign Secretary Shib Shankar Menon visited Nepal.US Ambassador Nancy J Powell said Monday there was no security and an election wave while noting candidates in her country where already canvassing for the 20008 presidential vote.

Yet she said election should be held.

She was not clear in an interview with The Kathmandu Post whether her statement was a general support for a vote or election at any cost to save the unelected Koirala government and the movement with Maoist involvement Washington supported against the King in 2006.

Maoists announcing movement Thursday after roundtable conference

Kathmandu, 11 Sept: Quoting unnamed Maoist sources, CPN (M) mouthpiece Janadesh reported Tuesday a broad roundtable conference will be held this week to declare a movement।The detailed movement is being launched to prepare conditions for a constituent assembly elections.The conference will form a joint front to go for constituent assembly elections by announcing a republic.The assembly election will be conducted on proportional representation basis and will push ethnicity, regionalism and autonomy.

The movement will wipe away status quoists, the newspaper reported.Leftists, republicans, representatives of civil society, Madeshis, women, Dalits, agitating Janajatis, class and regional organizations have been invited for the conference.The conference will prepare a common understanding; a joint front is being created to implement the understanding, the newspaper reported.Maoist have threatened to launch a movement from 18 September if 22 demands aren’t met.The roundtable conference is being held Thursday, Kantipur reports.Rebel Madesh Janaadhikar Forum, Limbuwan, Tamlasingh, Janamorcha Nepal, CPN (United), MLM Central and others have been invited, the newspaper said."All preparations for the movement have been completed. Only the formal announcement of a withdrawal from government remains," Kantipur quoted central committee leader Barsha Man Pun ‘Anant’ as saying.Although Congress has opted for a republic, election without declaration of a republic is meaningless, Pun said."Election cannot be held because the demands of Madesh, adibashi janajatis, Dalits and others haven’t been met," a newspaper quoted an unnamed Maoist leader as saying.Maoists have called for a new agreement with seven parties to replace a 12-point agreement.The international community has been informed of the Maoist decision.

Army promises held for election

Kathmandu, 10 Sept: Although government has decided not to deploy the Nepal Army for the uncertain 22 November assembly polls, top army officers trooped to Baluwatar Sunday and offered Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala ‘ possible army help’ for the elections.The Army offered help amid widespread feeling work of Nepal Police and Armed Police Force in maintaining law and order situation for election is inadequate.Chief of the Army Staff Gen Rookmangud Katawal, department, division and Valley chiefs, briefed Koirala on the security situation work and action plans.Koirala, who is also defence minister, ordered the officers to ‘be prepared to face any challenge for the protection of national integrity and promotion of democratic system in the country," a Defence Ministry announcement said.

Koirala assured top generals the 22 November poll will be held.Details weren’t released.Top army officers briefed Koirala on the country’s security situation after a review meeting in the capital Thursday and Friday.Maoists are opposed to the deployment of Nepal Army for election even as they demanded the deployment of YCL for the vote.The top officers held discussions with Koirala as Maoists have threatened to opt out of government and launch urban protests from 18 September if their 22-point demand for assembly elections aren’t met by 17 September.Maoists have called a roundtable conference to discuss their demands, including the declaration of a republic and election of proportional representation basis.Parties opposed to the election have been invited by Maoists for the roundtable conference.