E-Kantipur

KATHMANDU, DEC 19 -

Expressing dismay over the nationwide strike called by the Nepali Congress, US Ambassador to Nepal, Scott H DeLisi on Sunday said such “repeated strikes” could lead to US travel warnings being reinstated.

The NC’s youth wing has called a banda on Sunday in protest against the killing of Shiva Poudel, the district chairman of Nepal Tarun Dal, in the Chitwan District Prison.

“The US recently lifted the travel warning for American citizens hoping to visit Nepal and we are actively seeking to bring American investors here,” DeLisi wrote on his Facebook wall on Sunday.

He further said, “This type of political violence puts our efforts at risk and threatens to recreate the atmosphere that led to the travel warning in the first place.”

The NC Central Committee has called for a banda tomorrow, “if this means a repeat of the intimidation and violence we saw on Saturday, I think this is unfortunate.”

“Ultimately, it is up to you as Nepalis to determine the values you want to shape your political culture, but these actions affect your friends as well.

“We have said before, and say again, that we do not condone the use of intimidation and violence by any party. We hope that the NC leadership will reconsider its decision and instead choose a path for peaceful protest that does not restrict freedom of movement for others and that is consistent with the values of a party that has been an advocate for democracy for decades,” he wrote.

On Saturday too, DeLisi had written on Facebook and opposed the sudden banda.

Will begin process to withdraw case against Poudel, PM assures parties

A meeting of the four major parties on Sunday discussed various issues, including the murder of Tarun Dal leader of Chitwan, Shiva Poudel.

In the meeting, NC leaders urged the withdrawal of a case against Poudel and demanded that he be declared a martyr. Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai told the meeting that he will initiate the process in this regard.

NC leader Arjun Narsingh KC said this was not enough as the process had to be initiated by the Cabinet.

CPN-UML leader Bhim Rawal said the meeting also dwelt on the issue of citizenship to be provided to children of those that have naturalised citizenship.

The meeting also focused on integration of former maoist combatants. It was agreed that those who have opted for voluntary retirement would proceed accordingly, while those choosing integration would do as agreed upon earlier. On rank determination, Rawal said things will be carried out as agreed—according to the norms of the security forces. Rawal also said the parties failed to agree to go beyond the agreed number of 6,500 on integration.

Try to see, NC asks int’l community

Expressing displeasure at US Ambassador Scott H DeLisi’s Facebook statements against the decision to call a banda on Monday, Nepali Congress (NC) leaders on Sunday said foreign diplomats should understand the circumstances that “forced” them to take the step.

“We have taken foreign diplomats’ suggestions to not call the banda positively. But they should also understand that in a democracy, you don’t kill one who is under government control,” said NC leader Arjun Narsingh KC. “Our protest will be peaceful and just for a day.” He was speaking during a meeting with Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai on Sunday to discuss the Chitwan incident.

Bhattarai requested NC leaders to call off the banda, citing statements from the US ambassador and the European Union. The EU had said it would impose visa restrictions on leaders who stage bandas and go for violent activities to fulfill any demand.

“When PM Bhattarai requested us to call off the banda saying that the EU has decided to deny visa to the banda organisers, I said the Congress, which has fought for the rights of the people, does not do anything in fear of losing visas,” KC said.

NC leader Chandra Bhandari said that it is unfortunate that the ambassador does not speak when an innocent person is killed inside a prison, but speaks when there are protests against the murder. (PR)

 

Posted on: 2011-12-19 09:13

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