Nepalmountainnews Report | 26 Feb 2008
Demand of single Madhes province unacceptable: FM Dr Mahat
Q1: What benefits we received from the freshly concluded Nepal Donors’ Consultation Meeting?
Dr. Mahat: We found the donor community positive to the economic progress we have achieved so far in the midst of adverse situation.
They have acknowledged the achievements we have made. They have fully supported the government for maintaining the economic stability and the progress made in the social sector and achievements made as regards reducing poverty.
To add, they have pledged additional support to the development priorities set by the government.
Q2: What they said of the election to the Constituent Assembly?
Dr. Mahat: They are of the opinion that Constituent Assembly Election is an inherent part of the overall peace process. Timely election in a free fair and peaceful environment was their prime concern.
Q3: What they say of the Maoists overtures?
Dr. Mahat: They say that the Maoists must exhibit their behavior as per the chartered lines of the peace agreements they have signed with the State in the past.
Q4: The prime concern of the donor community is the election and lasting peace. How can you assure them of their concern?
Dr. Mahat: The government is totally committed to hold timely election and ascertain permanent peace. We are trying our best to convince all the stake holders for their participation in the upcoming election.
Q5: Are the donors ready to extend additional financial support for the election and establish lasting peace? How long can we continue asking their support in this way?
Dr. Mahat: First and the foremost is to utilize our own resources, for the rest we might seek their support.
Q6: What sort of support you asked from them?
Dr. Mahat: Look, we cannot continue begging. They have pledged support according to the country’s priority, that’s all.
Q7: Can the government hold the election this time?
Dr. Mahat: Why we can’t? We are totally committed to hold the election and are confident as well.
Q8: What say you of the Madhesi demand of entire Terai as a single Madhesi province?
Dr. Mahat: No, it is impossible. This is not acceptable at all.
Q9: What difference will it make if the government accepts the Madhesi demands?
Dr. Mahat: This will clearly invite the disintegration of the country. This may be a ploy to disintegrate the country. This will also create hurdle for the CA election.
Q10: If the Madhesi parties reject the poll, will the election take place as per the schedule?
Dr. Mahat: We are still trying to convince them to participate in the election. If they do not want to participate then we cannot do any thing. But I can assure that the Madhesi population will vote.
Q11: Then, no further postponement?
Dr. Mahat: Not at all!
Q12: What agenda the NC will carry in their election campaign?
Dr. Mahat: Lasting peace, Democracy and Economic prosperity will be the NC’s slogan.
Q13: Any possibility of forging an election alliance?
Dr. Mahat: We do not have any plans as such in this regard. We will make it alone.
Q14: Will the congress bag majority?
Dr. Mahat: The NC has always won. We will win this time as well. We will win with majority.
Q15: There is grumbling in the distribution of the tickets?
Dr. Mahat: This is a normal phenomenon prior to the poll. Not that all can be accommodated, thus the grumbling.
Q16: It is said that nepotism and favoritism is prevalent in the distribution?
Dr. Mahat: I do not have any knowledge in this regard.
Q16: It means that there is no grumbling?
Dr. Mahat: It is mainly because we have more capable candidates than the seats available. Naturally, there will be dispute in such a situation.
Q17: Do you believe that the country will embrace republican order?
Dr. Mahat: The country is heading towards that direction.
Q18: It is talked that, to be precise on 2003 April 11, there had been agreement to continue with the institution of the monarchy?
Dr. Mahat: The interim constitution has already decided to declare the country a republic.
Q19: What say you of the Nepali stakeholders holding talks right inside the Indian Embassy premises in Kathmandu to sort out their differences?
Dr. Mahat: I have no idea as to how they get into the Indian embassy premises. But I believe that it was not a great idea at all to hold talks at the foreign mission.
(Courtesy Deshantar Vernacular Weekly dated 24, Feb 08)
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