| ashu |
Posted
on 29-Aug-03 05:09 AM
What follows is posted here for public information only.
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His Majestys Government of Nepal
Singhadurbar Kathmandu
Press Statement
1. CPN (Maoist) President Prachandas statement issued today stating that the peace talks, cease-fire and code of conduct have no significance now is a serious attack on attempts to seek peaceful solutions. Both sides in the third round in Hapuray had agreed to decide the time and venue of the next round within a week. Everybody is aware that the government had informed the facilitators that it was ready to sit for the fourth round any time. At such a time when the entire nation was longing for the fourth round of talks, the Maoists terminating the significance of not only talks but the code of conduct as well as the cease-fire is an unfortunate step.
2. In an effort to seek peaceful outlets to the problems, the government withdrew the terrorist label on Maoists, terminated the price tags on the heads of their leaders, and cancelled the court cases and red corner notice. It is also well known that the government showed patience and tolerance when the Maoists continued to breach the code of conduct and carry out extortion, military recruitment and training, accumulation of arms and weapons, killing of civilians and unarmed security personnel, abductions, etc.
With the aim of seeking a quicker solution, his majestys government put forward its agenda on the progressive reforms of the state policies and structures in the third round of talks. There was enough room to seek a solution after discussions, taking this agenda as an entry point. The government had clarified that the proposal could be amended and reformed through mutual trust and consensus. But unfortunately, the Moaists refused to discuss anything on reforms and improvements.
Despite the repeated display of patience and flexibility from the government side, the Maoists were adamant on their stand. It is a sad fact that the Maoists claim that, despite all these, the government was not serious about talks.
On the contrary, as the cease-fire, code of conduct and talks were intact, the Maoists attacked the former PM Deuba, also murdered security personnel, burnt down the public bus, set fire on an industry that had employed hundreds, broke down the ambulance, and attacked the police posts and looted arms, etc. These incidents blocked the pursuit of peaceful solution to the problems.
3. The Maoists side has shown an interest to resume the saga of violence, murder and terror by terminating the significance of cease-fire, code of conduct, and peace talks. In this situation, the government is ready to cope with all the possible problems to defend the sovereign right of the people, multi-party democracy, and constitutional monarchy.
4. His Majestys government has tried all its best seek a peaceful solution and it will continue to do so in the future. Despite Maoists claim, the government wants to clarify that the significance of peace talks, code of conduct and cease-fire still holds. Therefore, the government requests the Maoists to reconsider their position and renounce violence and terror and to take part in the peace process. His Majestys government is ready to discuss over all the possible alternatives.
His Majestys government also requests the political parties, civil society, and entire citizenry to help give a continuation of the peace talks.
Date: 27 August 2003
(Kamal Thapa)
Minister for Information and Communication
Spokesman, His Majestys Government
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| ashu |
Posted
on 29-Aug-03 05:11 AM
EU Statement on End of Ceasefire
Heads of Mission of the European Union in Kathmandu deeply deplore the unilateral suspension of the ceasefire by the CPN-Maoist leadership, which may result in further widespread violence, human rights violations and suffering of the people of Nepal who have had to endure so much hardship and misery already. The EU Heads of Mission reiterate their well-known position that a lasting settlement of the internal conflict plaguing Nepal cannot be achieved by violent means. They remind the parties to the conflict that, as to the future of the country, the only way the will of the people can be determined is through ballots, not bullets. The EU Heads of Mission therefore appeal to the leaders of the Maoist movement to reconsider their decision, to renounce all acts of terrorism and to return to the negotiating table without delay.
Kathmandu, 28 August 2003
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