Nepal : China cuts down India's Influence

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RPT-India, Nepal sign new treaty to boost trade | Reuters
NEW DELHI, Aug 22 (Reuters) - India and Nepal signed a trade treaty on Saturday to allow Nepalese goods duty-free access to India and agreed to bolster security along their border to thwart militant attacks, officials said.

India will allow Nepal to use the southern port of Vishakhapatnam for foreign trade, Indian officials said.

Trade between the two neighbours stood at $1.9 billion and they hope it will more than double in a few years time. India is Nepal's sole fuel supplier and is the Himalayan nation's main foreign investor.

The treaty was signed during a visit to India's capital New Delhi by Nepal's new Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal.

The moderate communist leader was chosen by Nepal's parliament as prime minister in May, three weeks after Maoist leader Prachanda resigned.

The two countries also agreed to boost security along a 1750 km (1,000 miles) border, which security officials say is being used by militants to enter India via Nepalese territory.

"The Nepalese side assured that it would not allow its territory to be used for any activity against India and the Indian side also gave the same assurance to the Nepalese side," a foreign ministry spokesman said.

 

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domain-b.com : India signs fresh free-trade pact with Nepal

India and Nepal signed a fresh trade treaty on Saturday to allow Nepalese goods duty-free access to India, and to take steps to control the illegal entry of goods from third countries. Under the agreement, India will also invest Rs1,485 crore to beef up Nepal's road and rail links in the underdeveloped Terai region.

The treaty, signed during a visit to New Delhi by Nepal's new Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal, will allow Nepal to use the southern port of Vishakhapatnam for foreign trade. Nepal's request for using an additional port on the west coast will be favourably considered as well, officials said.

To improve rail connectivity, two cross-border links, including the Jogbani-Biratnagar route, will be built with Indian assistance at an estimated cost of Rs680 crore.

As Kathmandu plans to generate 25,000 MW of hydroelectricity over the next 20 years, the two countries have agreed to expedite the construction of the Dhalkebar-Muzaffarpur 400 kv cross-border transmission line, for which the modalities are to be developed.

Nepal has also requested India to consider removing its ban on the export of essential commodities.

The trade treaty, which was under negotiation for two years, is meant to replace the agreements of 1991 and 1996 that give goods manufactured in Nepal a duty-free access in India.

''The two sides completed the negotiations and initiated the revised Treaty of Trade and Agreement of Cooperation to Control Unauthorised Trade, which will enhance bilateral trade,'' according to joint statement issued at the conclusion of Nepal's visit, during which he held talks with his counterpart Manmohan Singh.

The two countries also agreed to boost security along a 1750 km (1,000 miles) border, which security officials say is being used by militants to enter India via Nepalese territory.

The statement said a new agreement on avoiding double taxation and investment protection would be signed soon to address the concerns of businessmen.

At present, India accounts for 70 per cent of Nepal's external trade and about 44 per cent of foreign direct investment. Trade between the two countries stood at $1.9 billion in 2008-09 and is expected to reach $3 billion this fiscal. India is Nepal's sole fuel supplier

 

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10 year visa for Non-Resident Nepalese in Nepal

Kathmandu: The Nepal Government has decided to give Non-Resident Nepalese (NRN) a 10 year visa for staying in the country.


According to Foreign Minister Sujata Koirala, the country's cabinet in its recent meeting adopted a regulation in this regard.

Among other benefits, NRN will now be able to purchase land and houses within the country up to specific amount besides doing business, Sujata said. The government has also decided to issue Identity Cards to the NRNs for their identification.

Besides, the new regulation allows them to invest in business and claim the profits they make. This provision will encourage Non-resident Nepalese to make investment in the country, she said.

The Association of the Non-Resident Nepalese (NRN) has demanded visa, investment and other facilities for them. However, their demand of dual citizenship has not been fulfilled by the government.

The association will hold its fourth Global Conference in Kathmandu from October 13 to 15.

 

[I-G]

Blast near Nepal VP's home, one hurt

Blast near Nepal VP's home, one hurt
REUTERS 28 August 2009, 09:31pm IST
|

KATHMANDU: A blast went off just outside the home of Nepal's vice president in a Kathmandu suburb on Friday, injuring one person, police said.


Vice President Paramananda Jha, who was at home at the time, was unhurt, his family said.

"It was a big explosion outside the house but no one from the family is injured," said Jyoti Jha, an aide of the leader.

Police said it was not clear who planted the explosive. Jha, a member of the minority ethnic Madheshi community dominating Nepal's southern plains, has been in the news since he took the oath of office last year in the Hindi language rather than Nepali, sparking angry protests.

A security guard was injured in a similar blast at his home last year.

Last week the Supreme Court ruled that the "legality of the vice-presidency will not be recognized" if Jha fails to retake the oath using the Nepali language in seven days.

Political parties based in the Himalayan nation's southern plains called the ruling "prejudiced" and say the vice president need not take the oath again.

The Madheshi parties prop up the ruling coalition. Hindi is not an official language but is widely spoken in the southern plains.

Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal has urged Jha to take the oath in Nepali and respect the court order.

The row has become a headache for the government formed after Maoist former rebels quit amid a row over the firing of the country's army chief.

Jha was elected Nepal's first vice president last year after the Himalayan nation abolished the 239-year-old monarchy and became a republic.

Blast near Nepal VP's home, one hurt - South Asia - World - NEWS - The Times of India

 

[I-G]

Armed outfit claims responsibility for bombing near Nepali vice president's house
2009-08-29 04:26:48 GMT2009-08-29 12:26:48 (Beijing Time) xinhuanet

KATHMANDU, Aug. 29 (Xinhua) -- An underground armed outfit has claimed responsibility for the bombing on Friday evening near Nepali Vice President Paramananda Jha's residence.

A bomb went off close to Vice President Paramananda Jha's private residence in Nepali capital Kathmandu on Friday evening, injuring a local people, which took place about 50 meters from the Vice President's house at around 19:30 local time (1345GMT). Jha and his family members escaped unhurt, local newspaper The Himalayan Times reported Saturday.

"Kirat Republican Workers' Party (KRWP), an underground armed outfit, has claimed responsibility for the blast," the report said.

Leaflets, belonging to the outfit, were recovered from the site.Superintendent of Police Nawa Raj Silwal, the in-charge of Metropolitan Police Range, Hanumandhoka, said that the explosion was triggered by an improvised socket.

The KRWP claims to fight for the Kirat people in eastern Nepal.Kirat, meaning people with lion nature, refers to the Kirati minorities including ethnic groups of Nepal like Limbu and Rai, etc. The KRWP once demanded to be recognized by the government as a political party and to include their demands in the constitution being drafted.

Security has been beefed up in the area following the incident, and the police launched a manhunt for KRWP activists.

This is the second time that bomb exploded near the Vice President's residence. Last August, a handmade bomb was exploded in his compound, injuring one soldier deputed for his security. Another underground outfit, National Liberation Army, had claimed responsibility for the blast that time.

Jha is in the midst of controversies over his oath-taking in Hindi since last July. The Supreme Court of Nepal has required the Vice President to take an oath in Nepali language by the coming Sunday.

Armed outfit claims responsibility for bombing near Nepali vice president's house - World News - SINA English

 

[I-G]

Another bomb found outside Nepal VP’s house

Updated on Saturday, August 29, 2009, 19:33 IST Tags:bomb found, Nepal VP’s house

Kathmandu: A bomb was found today outside the residence of Nepal's embattled Vice President Parmananda Jha, who is embroiled in a language row, a day after an explosion near his house injured a woman.


Despite tight security in and around the residence of the Vice President, another bomb was planted by the Kirat Janawadi Workers Party (KJWP), a group that was also involved in yesterday's incident.

However, a bomb disposal team was called to defuse the explosives, planted some 50 metres away from the house, before they could go off, said his aid Jyoti Jha.

"He has not directly received any death threat though," she told.

Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal today condemned last night's incident and assured to investigate the matter and take strong action against the guilty. He also visited Jha's residence to inspect the site of the blast.

Police began hunting for the group which had claimed responsibility for the blast and had warned that "tougher action" would follow if Jha refused to take oath in Nepali.

As pressure mounted on Jha to honour a Supreme Court order to retake a fresh oath in Nepali, he filed a petition yesterday for review of the ruling.

An explosion had taken place outside Jha's residence last year shortly after he took his oath in Hindi. However, no one was injured in the explosion.

Bureau Report

Another bomb found outside Nepal VP?s house

 

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India pledges Rs 3.23 crore for schools in Nepal

fullstory

Kathmandu, Sept 3 (PTI) India has pledged to provide an assistance of Rs 3.23 crore to Nepal for development of educational infrastructure in that country.

Two Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) were signed yesterday by the embassy of India with the District Development Committees of Dhanusha and Ramechhap to provide assistance for development of educational infrastructure in these districts, a release issued by Indian embassy said.

Under the assistance programme, Rs 1.58 crore will be provided to Sri B P Koirala Secondary School, Sapahi-7, Dhanusha for construction of double storied school building and provision for lab equipment and computers. The school caters to the educational needs of nearly 900 students.

Besides, Rs 1.65 crore will be provided to Sri Manthali Higher Secondary School, Manthali-2, Ramechhap for construction of four-storey building, provision of furniture, lab equipment and computers. The school caters to the educational needs of more than 2,250 students.

 

[NSG_Blackcats]

Pashupatinath under siege once again

 

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Nepalese police arrest alleged militant leader - South Asia - World - NEWS - The Times of India

NEPAL: Police have arrested one of Nepal's most wanted men, the alleged leader of a shadowy militant group blamed in the deadly attacks on a church
and a mosque, the government said on Monday.

Ram Prasad Mainali, who authorities believe is the leader of the underground Nepal Defense Army, "was arrested in the southeastern town of Biratnagar on Saturday after months of investigation," home ministry spokesman Ramratna Pandey said.

Pandey said Mainali was being brought to the capital, Kathmandu, for questioning and that he has not been charged with any crime. "Police seized guns and ammunition during the arrest," he added.

Little is known about the Nepal Defense Army or its objectives. The militant group claimed responsibility for the May bombing of a Catholic church in Kathmandu that killed three people and an attack on a mosque in southern Nepal last year that also left three dead.

The group also said it carried out a bombing at the headquarters of the Nepali Congress party in Kathmandu in August - an attack that caused minor damage to the building, but hurt no one. Congress is one of Nepal's main political parties.

"Mainali is one of Nepal's most wanted criminals and his arrest could help solve many cases," said Binod Singh, Nepal police spokesman.

 

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The Hindu : News / International : Nepal to sign three agreements with China

Nepal will sign three agreements with the People’s Republic of China this week.

Foreign Minister Sujata Koirala left on Tuesday for her first official visit to China after assuming office. She told reporters that agreements would be signed with Nepal’s northern neighbour on construction of a dry port in Tatopani, construction of flyovers in Kathmandu and on waste management.

The delegation led by Ms. Koirala will also discuss construction of an international airport in Pokhara and special economic zone in Paachkhal. The Nepali government will also request duty-free access for some 500 Nepali products to China.

The government of Nepal considered Tibet as an integral part of China, said Ms. Koirala reiterating that anti-China activities in Nepal would not be tolerated.

Nepal is home to some 20,000 Tibetan refugees who often hold protests in Kathmandu demanding a free Tibet. Ms. Koirala’s visit to China will also prepare the ground for Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal’s China visit next month.

 

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The Hindu : Front Page : Nepal, India for frank talks on bilateral issues

KATHMANDU: Nepal and India want to be “more open” in discussions on bilateral issues, according to Nepal’s Foreign Minister Sujata Koirala and India’s Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao.

“We should be more open and hold frank discussions about our bilateral issues,” Ms. Koirala said adding that Ms. Rao also held similar views. “If our distance increases, others would try to take advantage of it,” she pointed out.An agreement was reached to execute the projects mutually-agreed upon during Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal’s recent visit to India. “This would help establish even better relations between the two countries,” Ms. Koirala said.

Upon her arrival, Ms. Rao said she would try to “strengthen the long-standing relationship between the two countries.” In recent days, issues such as border disputes and fake Indian currency have been a cause of concern for both nations.

Trust deficit


While border problems that surfaced in June in Dang district wherein Nepali land was allegedly encroached upon by the Sashastra Seema Bal, has resulted in a trust deficit; India, has been seriously concerned about the circulation of fake Indian currencies and the recent assault on its two priests by Maoists in the Pashupatinath temple premises.

Ms. Rao, who is here on a two-day visit, is to visit the temple on Tuesday. She is expected to meet the priests.

Sources in the Foreign Ministry here said Ms. Rao’s visit was also aimed at doing the groundwork for the coming visit here by India’s Commerce Minister to finalise the agreement on Treaty of Trade and Agreement of Cooperation to Control Unauthorized Trade, which was initialised during Mr. Nepal’s visit to India.

A whole range of issues such as an extradition treaty, fake currency, border problems, operation of direct flights from Kathmandu to six Indian cities, the Naumure Project and others will be discussed in depth when a Home-Secretary-level meeting will be held here in November first week.

 

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Nepal Maoists rake up new dispute over national flag

Kathmandu: The Nepal Maoists have demanded a new flag for the country after being instrumental in stalling of the landmark peace process over the integration of its guerrilla force with the national Army.


A fresh dispute has erupted over the national flag between the UCPN (Maoist), the main Opposition party in the 601 member Constituent Assembly, and the ruling 22-party coalition.

The former rebels have been calling for a new national flag that should contain stars equal in numbers to the number of federal units after the restructuring of the state. The row over the flag surfaced at the panel formed by the Assembly, which acts as the country's Parliament, Kantipur online reported today.

The Maoists have been carrying out a campaign of protests for enforcement of "civilian supremacy" since Prachanda suddenly resigned as Prime Minister on May 4 after President Ram Baran Yadav reinstated Gen Rukmangad Katawal.

The political standoff has put new stresses on Nepal's reconciliation efforts after the end of the decade-long insurgency in 2006, with fears that the stalled peace process may be derailed if the constitutional crisis is not ended soon.

Now the UCPN (Maoist), the Rastriya Janamorcha, and the Dalit Janajati Party have demanded that the flag should be changed after the state restructuring, the report said.

However, the Nepali Congress, the CPN-UML, and the Nepal Majdoor Kishan Party have opposed the demand, asserting that it is not necessary to change the flag which provides national identity to the people.

 

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Link

Extend Tibet rail line to Kathmandu: Nepal to China

Kathmandu, Oct 11 (PTI) In a demand that may have strategic geopolitical implications for India, Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal has asked China to extend the Beijing-Lhasa railway line to Kathmandu.

"The economic ties between Nepal and China could be taken to a new height if the railway line that has reached upto Lhasa from mainland China could be extended upto Kathmandu, and economic infrastructure could be developed on the Himalayan transit points between Nepal and China," Prime Minister Nepal noted.

The 1956 km long Qinghai-Tibet railway is a high altitude line that connects Xining in Qinghai to Lhasa, capital of Tibet Autonomous region. This railway is the first to connect China proper with the remote Tibetan region.

Nepal is committed not to allow anti-China activity from its soil, the Prime said.

 

[Rage]

India, Nepal renew trade treaties

Posted: Wednesday, Oct 28, 2009 at 0257 hrs IST
Updated: Wednesday, Oct 28, 2009 at 0257 hrs IS

Kathmandu: India and Nepal updated two treaties on Tuesday, including a 60-year-old trade agreement that would provide the Himalayan nation duty-free access to more products and allow Nepalese exporters to sell Indian goods to a third country.

Talks for both agreements were concluded during the visit of Nepalese PM Madhav Kumar to New Delhi in August 2009.

For the first time, India has allowed goods consignments to and from Nepal through Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Mumbai airports. Four more land-customs routes have been approved to facilitate trade with Nepal, taking the total tally to 26.

The India-Nepal trade treaty, which was first signed in 1950 has been updated regularly. The trade treaty was last updated in 1996, but with a provision to review it after every five years. As per the new norms, the treaty will now be reviewed every seven years.

“The new treaty retains the positive features of the previous one and has some additional features,” commerce minister Anand Sharma said after signing the treaty.

Under the new treaty, Nepal will export additional primary goods duty free to India without any cap on the quantity, which includes wheat flour, bran, husk, bristles, herbs, stone aggregates, boulders, sand and gravel.

The updation of the treaties comes in wake of Nepal insisting on removal of trade barriers and greater access to the Indian market.Meanwhile, China has been making considerable inroads into the economy of Nepal, a trend which made India uncomfortable.

According to the treaty, trade between the two countries in rupee terms will now be at par with convertible currency like dollar and euro. This will lead to easier reimbursement of duties like central excise. This will make imports from India cheaper for Nepal. Indian companies that have presence in Nepal include Dabur, Hindustan Lever, Asian Paints, Bajaj Auto and ITC. "The treaty will lead to enhanced manufacturing activity in Nepal, which will increase jobs," said a commerce ministry official.

"The treaty will add to the trade volumes between the two countries," said Rajendra Mahato, Nepalese minister of commerce and supplies.

Both nations also updated the Agreement for Cooperation to Control Unauthorised Trade by adding on reciprocal basis norms that will promote trade. "India can afford to support trade facilitating measures with countries like Nepal. The new changes to the treaty will lead to incremental benefits," said S Sen, principal advisor, Confederation of Indian Industry.

A panel of officials at the joint secretary level has been set up for fast tracking operational issues of the trade treaty. For the 13-year period ending March 2009, Nepalese exports to India expanded 11 times and stood at Rs 4,100 crore. On the Indian side, exports to the neigbouring country increased six times in the same period and stood at Rs 16,400 crore.


India, Nepal renew trade treaties

 

[sandeepdg]

Link

Extend Tibet rail line to Kathmandu: Nepal to China

Kathmandu, Oct 11 (PTI) In a demand that may have strategic geopolitical implications for India, Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal has asked China to extend the Beijing-Lhasa railway line to Kathmandu.

"The economic ties between Nepal and China could be taken to a new height if the railway line that has reached upto Lhasa from mainland China could be extended upto Kathmandu, and economic infrastructure could be developed on the Himalayan transit points between Nepal and China," Prime Minister Nepal noted.

The 1956 km long Qinghai-Tibet railway is a high altitude line that connects Xining in Qinghai to Lhasa, capital of Tibet Autonomous region. This railway is the first to connect China proper with the remote Tibetan region.

Nepal is committed not to allow anti-China activity from its soil, the Prime said.

As and when this happens, it will be nothing short of an tempting invitation to the PLA..... they can move their strategic assets right into India's border in the case of a war......

 

[sandeepdg]

I also read in TOI sometime back that the Chinese are funding Chinese language schools in Nepal's border areas to spread the acceptance of the Chinese language.....

 

[ppgj]

Pak scripts a plot to scuttle Indo-Nepal extradition pact

Pak scripts a plot to scuttle Indo-Nepal extradition pact

 

[icecoolben]

A counter economic pact from india regarding development of tourist hub, or a joint investment fund would tilt nepal towards india i guess. If not, RAW must step up survilance and covert missions to extort paki agents and clients to india via the porous border.

 

[Rage]

Nuisance elements blocked a road leading in to the Principle Secretariat in the Nepalese capital yesterday..


Maoists block roads to Kathmandu

08:20 GMT, Tuesday, 10 November 2009

Maoists have held several
protests against the president


Thousands of Nepal's former Maoist rebels have blocked all roads leading into the capital, Kathmandu, to protest against the governing coalition.

Waving red flags, the rebels blocked the road at Thankot which connects the capital with the east-west highway.

Hundreds of riot police have been deployed to keep the peace.

The BBC's Joanna Jolly in Kathmandu says the Maoists want a debate on presidential powers in parliament, but the government has refused the demand.

The Maoists emerged as the largest party in Nepal's election last year.

They say President Ram Baran Yadav acted unconstitutionally by overruling their decision to sack the army chief earlier this year.

The president's decision led to the collapse of the Maoist-led government in May.

Slogan shouting

Supporters of the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) have gathered on roads connecting Kathmandu with the rest of the Himalayan nation.

At the Thankot checkpoint, the main entrance to the capital, hundreds of Maoist supporters held banners and their party's red flag, stopping vehicles and chanting slogans.

Seven other Maoist checkpoints have been set up around the city and only ambulances and emergency vehicles are being allowed to pass through.

Police said roads were shut by the protests but that there were no reports of violence.

Sagar Chandra Thapa, a Maoist leader in the Kathmandu valley, told the BBC that he expected thousands more supporters to join the blockade throughout the day.

"Today's protest is against the president's unconstitutional move. Our protest is to establish civilian supremacy over the military. We want to discuss it in the parliament, but we are not allowed. Therefore, we are forced to take to the streets."

The Maoists say they will continue their protests until their demands are met.

They plan a demonstration at the main government office complex in Kathmandu on Thursday. Thousands of Maoists held similar rallies against the president in September.

The coalition government has asked the Maoists to call off their protests. It has refused to discuss their demands, saying the issue has already been resolved.


http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/8351782.stm

 

[RAM]

Mount Everest to host Nepal cabinet meeting

Nepal is to hold a cabinet meeting on Mount Everest to highlight the threat global warming poses to glaciers.

On 4 December prime minister Madhav Kumar Nepal and those politicians physically fit enough will ascend 17,192ft (5,250m) to base camp.

In October the Maldives held a cabinet meeting underwater to warn of the effect of rising sea levels.

This meeting, to be held before the Copenhagen climate conference, aims to highlight Himalayan glacier melt.

With ice in the region melting at a rapid rate, lakes have been formed which could flood nearby villages.

Melted ice and snow also makes mountaineering routes more hazardous.

At such a high altitude health is a major concern, so a team of doctors will accompany the politicians.

They will fly to Everest's only airstrip, Lukla.

Doctors will make a final health assessment before a helicopter takes the cabinet to base camp, at the foot of Everest.

Once there they will hold a brief outdoor meeting.

Mount Everest is the highest point on earth, with a summit 29,035 ft (8,850 m) above sea level.

BBC News - Mount Everest to host Nepal cabinet meeting