KATHMANDU: China has pitched in its concern over the growing political transition in Nepal with one of most powerful politician- UCPN Maoist Chairman Puspa Kamal Dahal aka Prachanda. During his meeting with key Chinese politicians that included President Xi Jinping, he was asked to deploy measures to stabilize politics at the earliest among other issues.

Prachanda said that he found Chinese government concerned about the extending political transition in the country while adding that the issue dominated his 15 minutes dialogue with President Xi Jinping while talking to journalist in Kathmandu after returning from China on Saturday night.

Jinping while inquiring about the latest measures taken by Nepalese political parties to hold CA elections, had specially stressed on the need to end transition so that Nepal could move ahead economically. Though President Jinping was not reported to have shown any particular interest in the CPN Maoist Chairman Mohan Baidya and other dissenting parties who have declined to participate in the proposed CA elections, lower rung of Chinese leaders did inquire about the confrontation between major political parties and CPN Maoist led group of 31 dissenting political partites, Prachanda said.

He said that he assuaged the Chinese concerns about the dissenting parties and about the repercussions stemming from the demand for ethnic federal states. While not elaborating on the nature of federalism that he assured to the Chinese leaders, Prachanda informed that the Chinese laid stress on forming a federal Nepal that has a powerful and stabilized central federal government system.

Maintaining cordial relationship with India and moving ahead jointly on issues of regional importance also were reported to be major discussions during the meetings. Prachanda said that the Chinese were keen on working closely with India to implement the 10MW Chisapani- Karnal Hydropower project and Lumbini Development Zone project.

Stating that economic development should be Nepal’s priority, Prachanda said that China has expressed more willingness of cooperating with the Indian side on many fronts in Nepal and in the region. He said that China has substantial amount of investments in India too and claimed that Chinese suggested Nepali politicians should also move ahead by working in close ties with both of its neighbor.

RISHI DHAMALA: United CPN Maoist Chairman Puspa Kamal Dahal’s weeklong visit to our northern neighbor and world’s rising power China at a time when Nepal is at peak of its transition has been analyzed significantly by all sectors. The visit made in the capacity of not only as the Chairman of Nepal’s largest political party but also in the capacity as the Chairman of Interim Election Council, will have wider impact on political, diplomatic, economic and other national sectors. Each of these sector is presently mulling on the factors that paved way for Prachanda’s visit to China.

Soon after China-visit, Prachanda is slated to make an official visit to India also. And these series of visits to both of Nepal’s next door neighbor has even more significance. China and India have always been active partners in our development endeavors and witnesses of our people’s political and economic struggles. Prachanda’s announcement that these visits are aimed at establishing peace, stability and development in Nepal have been received positively.

China’s growing economic dominance across the world is strategically in favor of Nepal. There has been change of guard in Chinese Communist Party and its government and also in Prachanda’s party. Cordial relationship between both nation’s communist party’s leadership seems to impart extra significance to his visit while promising repercussions in national politics.

China new leadership has recognized Prachanda as the key leader in Nepal and this is justified by the official visit invitation. Prachanda too also has renovated diplomatic tradition of Nepalese politicians considering Nepal’s geo-political situation and power-balance relationship between powerful nations. In the past, Prachanda was the one to break the unwritten diplomatic tradition of Nepalese politician to make their official state visit to India first. He had started his official visit to China. The break-way seemed to have cost him dearly.

Though not connected apparently, he was forced to resign from the post due to ‘Katuwal scandal’. However he has quickly learned the lesson of not irking one neighbor to gain the favor of other. He has adopted the philosophy of establishing Nepal as a connecting bridge between both neighbors. Though he made his first visit to China, he has clearly mentioned that India visit will follow soon after that. The statement was indicative of his party’s ‘connecting bridge’ policy.
Nepal’s adherence to One China policy and restriction of use of Nepalese soil to threat China’s national integrity has been Beijing’s main concern. The Free Tibet activities, termed as ‘anti-Chinese’ by the Chinese activities and fueled by the Western nations in the name of human rights in Nepal, has been a concerning issue for the Chinese leadership. During the erstwhile CA, China was concerned with the presence of UNMIN and with the growing influence of European nations in the federalization of Nepal. China is concerned that ethnic federalism can weaken Nepal’s national integrity and sovereignty and it’s leaders and diplomats have always brought this issue to the attention of Nepalese politicians.

India too has also expressed similar concerns as its own internal security is also connected to Nepal’s stability. Common concerns on core security issues have brought India and China on the same page. Well aware of these newly born circumstances, Prachanda is sure to assuage concerns of both nations during his visits. Needless to say, ethnic federalism will be Beijing’s main concern and Prachanda will be assuaging these concern.

China’s adoption of socialist capitalism and its corresponding growth seems to have enchanted Prachanda too. His call to Nepali youths to involve in industrial growth seems to have derived from the socialist-capitalism. The stress also indicated the shift of Maoist stress on economic growth from solo politics. While its main objective remains on national development, the policy to involve youths in economic activities will also be imperative in assuaging ethnic federalist demands, as youths will be focused on economic activities. And China has hinted to help Nepal in implementing this strategy.

Though these visits might pave way for bringing both neighbors on the same page, bringing internal dissenting political forces that includes some specialized ethnic federal forces, remains an uphill task for the Maoist supremo and his major political party counterparts.

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Translated/Edited by: Chitra Raj Bhandari

KATHMANDU: UCPN (Maoist) Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ is arriving home today by wrapping up his weeklong China trip. The former Prime Minister is returning home via Hong Kong. He would land at Tribhuvan International Airport at 9 on Sunday night.

During his visit to world’s second largest economy, Prachanda held discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Chinese Vice-President, Chinese Premier and other top leaders.

The former Prime Minister is learnt to have urged the Chinese leaders and investors to assist and invest in Nepal’s development projects, especially in hydropower and infrastructure development.

Nepal’s top politician and chief of UCPN (Maoist), Prachanda is the top south Asian politician to have a meeting with the Chinese leadership within a month after leadership change in China.

KATHMANDU: UCPN (Maoist) Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda who is currently on a week-long China trip met with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of People in Beijing, China today.

Nepal’s top politician and former prime minister Prachanda discussed the issues ranging from Nepal’s CA polls, Nepal-China relations, Chinese economic assistance to Nepal among others. The meeting lasted for nearly 40 minutes.

Nepali Ambassador to China Dr Mahesh Maskey was also present on the occasion.

Earlier, on Wednesday Prachanda had met with Chinese Vice-President Li Yuonchao and discussed issues of bilateral relations and mutual interests between Nepal and China.

Maoist chairman Prachanda also met Chinese Foreign Affairs Minister Wang Yi on Wednesday. Similarly, he held an interaction with the Chinese intellects and economic leaders.

UCPN Maoist Puspa Kamal Dahal aka Prachanda has been in the limelight for the recent years for coming up with ideas and strategies. Since the demise of Nepali Congress President Girija Prasad Koirala, Prachanda has dominated Nepali politics to the extent that the proposal of forming the incumbent Chief Justice led government was also his. This former rebel leader has been invited Chinese President Xi Jinping officially. Given Jinping’s recent comment to build close relationship with neighboring nations and his invitation to Prachanda has been read significantly by observers. Before heading to Beijing on Sunday, Prachanda spoke to Nepalireporter’s Rishi Dhamala on issues that his visit will be prioritizing. Here are the excerpts:

What is the objective of this visit?

This visit will be different than my previous visits to China. Instead of political affairs, during this visit discussions will center on economic front, areas of China-Nepal cooperation, India-China relationship, and Indo-Nepal cooperation. Along with that economic cooperation for helping Nepal pass through the transition will be another priority area.

Is your visit political or economical?

It is obvious to have China’s cooperation in holding Constituent Assembly (CA) elections and drafting of the new constitution. My agenda’s will concentrate on ensuring Nepal’s economic development. China has positioned itself as the second economic power and as a neighbor its contribution in our development activities and initiatives should be more. Priority areas for this are mega projects like the West Seti Hydropower, Pokhara Airport, and other projects include railway extension till Kathmandu, middle-mountain roadway, Kathmandu Metro Railway, Herbs and Medicene processing, and other afro-related projects which includes China’s advanced hybrid-rice seedling technology.

Whom are you going to hold discussions with?

The scheduled is yet not ascertained. But I am expecting to hold discussions with key Chinese politicians. I will be first addressing a meet of South Asian intellectuals in Chengdu. Than after i will head for Beijing where i will hold discussions with Chinese leaders including President Xi Jinping. After discussions I will be visiting special Chinese economic zones and will return home via Hong Kong.

Is this party or a national consensus visit?

I am heading for China as the Coordinator of Interim Electoral Council and thus represent the view of Nepali government and those of the major political parties. This is a official state visit and my efforts will concentrate on making it advantageous for Nepal in the days ahead.

What is the political significance?

It is obvious for our neighbors to have a stable neighborhood. We are preparing to hold fresh CA elections to draft a new constitution. This visit will try to garner support from our neighbor for both of this endeavor which will end our transition and bring stability.

Is India visit also on the cards?

I am in regular consultations with the Indian embassy in Kathmandu. Theoritically I will heading for India on a weeklong visit at the end of this month. However a date for the visit has not been ascertained so far. It might be in the last week of April or first week of May. That visit will also be different in the way that it will also center on eon comic agendas more than political. Both China and India are serious about Nepal’s development and I am looking forward to come up with projects in which both of these neighbors can work together. Such a project will help in creating a mutually beneficial relationship with these nations.

Nepal has so far not succeeded in balancing both nations. What are your plans?

I am planning to create environment in which both nations could work together in Nepal. It is important because conflict between their interests in Nepal is not beneficial for us. tilting towards any one of them at the cost of another cannot work anymore. Its time for us to learn from both of our neighbors to develop a prosperous nation. In the past there was a trend of using one neighbor against another, its time to end that.

KATHMANDU: Chairman of Nepal’s UCPN (Maoist) Pushpa Kamal Dahal left for Nepal’s northern neighbouring country China today for a weeklong trip at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping.

The former Prime Minister is accompanied by his wife Sita, personal secretaries Chudamani Khadka and Santu Darai, and Deputy Superintendent of Police Dan Bahadur Malla.

Earlier, Maoist party’s spokesperson Agni Prasad Sapkota had said that Chairman Dahal’s visit would focus on economic issues more than political.

Dahal is expected to meet top Chinese officials including President, Prime Minister and other leaders of the Communist Party of China.

Nepal’s senior communist leader Puspa Kamal Dahal aka “Prachanda’ is flying to Beijing on Sunday on official invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping with a five member delegation.

Speaking to a select few journalist on the eve of his visit on Saturday, Prachanda said that his visit will aim to bring China and India together on developing Nepal. ” The trend of instigating one neighbor towards another should be stopped. Nepal can benefit from its both neighbors, only if we work closely with each other,” Prachanda said echoing the statement of his deputy Baburam Bhattarai.

Bhattarai had proposed that Nepal act as a bridge between both nations when the Chinese Prime Minister had visited Nepal last January.

Elaborating on his visit, Prachanda laid stress on the need to garner support from neighboring nations to hold Constituent Assembly elections and said that his visit will focus on garnering economic support from China.

“Discussions will be held on political issues, but politics are Nepal’s internal affairs. So, my visit will basically center on economic cooperation,” Prachanda said elaborating that extension of Chinese railway till Kathmandu, extension of ports between China and Nepal, transformation of Kathmandu into a metro city and development of herbs will highlight the discussion.

On the occasion, Prachanda clarified that he is visiting China as the Coordinator of the High Level Political Mechanism that presently governs the Interim Election Council and added that he represents the interests of all political parties and the government.

He said that the agenda of his meetings have been endorsed by major political party leaders and the interim cabinet.

In China Prachanda is scheduled to address a conference of Nepal and Chinese intellectuals in Chengdu on the first day and than head to Beijing where he will hold consultations with Chinese President, Prime Minister among other influential Chinese leaders.

After that Prachanda will visit Chinese industrial cities and than head to Hong Kong from where he will return back home.

KATHMANDU: Nepal’s politicians have always tried to balance their ties with both of its giant southern and northern neighbors but so far no one has succeeded, at least with tangible results. The erstwhile Maoist Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai had also put a lot of efforts to visit China as officiating Prime Minister, but appointment with the Chinese President was available for him only in June. But, his party’s supremo, Puspa Kamal Dahal seems to be luckier than him. He is rumored to get the opportunity to hold dialogue with Xi Jinping.

A vernacular Nepali weekly news portal while confirming the report about Dahal’s, who is more famous for his war time name “Prachanda”, visit to China on April 14 claimed that the visit has been sponsored by the Chinese embassy in Kathmandu.

The visit is seen with importance due to two factors that are attached with Prachanda’s own and his party’s political ambition and China’s renewed interest in its neighborhood – especially Nepal which still remains a playground for the western powers for ‘upsetting’ Tibetan issue.

The recent formation of the Chief Justice led Interim Electoral Cabinet (IEC) in Nepal marked a new phase of transition. With various issues related with the constitution drafting still unsettled, instability across the nation, is predicted more than it was during the early CA elections. Scores of ethnic and regionalist groups’ demands for a ethnic/regional federal states have not been addressed or managed. An unstable neighborhood is never in the interest of a nation, that is trying hard to subside its own secessionist groups.

If the formation of federal states is carried out on the basis of ethnicity or ‘unitary ethnic identity’ as demanded by some recently formed ethnic-based and regional-based politics forces in Nepal, it is sure to be creating more hurdles for the neighbors- who are finding it hard to have their concerns addressed even with a centralized government in the present stage.

Prachanda comes into picture at this very moment. As the person who brought Nepal to this present stage- through bloodshed and later through peaceful politics- he is presently one of the mostly looked after political strategist that the nation has. With China adopting a more close-neighborhood policy, as announced by Jinping himself, Prachanda’s tour seems significant, though the dialogue between the duo still remains unconfirmed.

Apart from the China factor, the visit is certain to add some muscles to his party’s standing among the major political parties. In the recent time, relationship of Nepal’s older parties like the Nepali Congress and CPN UML’s communication with Indian centers has remained unhealthy. This was ascertained when the Maoist led Bhattarai government continued ruling even though NC President Koirala and UML’s Oli had communicated their willingness to take the reins. With Bhattarai cherishing support from Delhi, Prachanda’s visit might win the UCPN Maoist support from Beijing.

These confluence of support to Prachanda’s party will be a substantial threat to the claims of NC and UML, who are presently focused on strengthening their electoral standing by campaigning across the nation. If Prachanda meets Jingping, than he will one of the leader from South Asian nations to hold talks in the great hall. Adding to it, if the dialogue remain substantial, it will surely boost his party’s electoral campaign that aims to win a majority in the upcoming CA.

Lack of two third majority of any of the political parties and polarization leading to confrontation between the major forces had obliterated the earlier endeavor to draft the constitution. With preparations to forge alliance with the Madhesh-centric parties, Prachanda has hopes to remain a dominant force in the next CA too. This visit might just provide him the stamina to sustain his aspirations.

Family Politics!

Besides Prachanda and his party’s claims that he will be holding dialogue with China’s President, his family politics is also surprisingly attached with this trip and shocking too, to some extent. The Maoist supremo will be heading to China with his wife and his recently India-returned son Prakash Dahal. Though Prakash was absconding from the nation and from Prachanda’s sight after he eloped with party co-cadre, he has recently returned home. And Prachanda has nullified all disciplinary actions taken by the party against him and has paved way for his son to accompany him to the Great Hall. The news report claimed that Prachanda has denied not to take any of the senior leaders of the party with him citing secrecy reasons.

KATHMANDU: While the nation has one China policy as the bed rock of its bilateral relationship with China, two Nepali human rights activists have been openly assisting the Free Tibetan Movement.

The movement backed by the Western nations has been a major threat to the Chinese side and consecutive Nepali government since the monarchy era have opposed to allow the use of Nepali soil to be used against its Northern neighbor.

However, Nepal Human Rights Organization President Sudeep Pathak and Kapil Shrestha have a different opinion on the issue that propels them to participate movement’s actitivities in Nepal.

Nepali vernacular national daily, The Saurya Dainik, reported that though Pathak had earlier denied any involvment in the movement, he recently agreed to it when the newspaper produced an image that pictured him participating in a meeting with the Free Tibet Movement activists.

” I am not related to the Tibetan refugees therefore there is no chance of participating in their meetings,” Pathak was quoted saying earlier to the newspaper while challenging to produce evidence if otherwise.

But he changed his statement as soon as the newspaper produced the image.

I am a pacifist. I will participate in any program that is related to pacifism.Like the sunshine, the world is aware of that,

Pathak was quoted.

Pathak’s claims that the movement has been pacifist is however controversial given the self-immolation trend taken by the Tibetan refugees. Recently a Tibetan Refugee had self immolated in the center of Kathmandu.

However another human rights activist Shrestha did not bother to conceal his participation in the movement. Shreshtha said,

Its my duty to participate in any program that is related to human rights. If the Chinese government had not violated human rights, then why would hundreds of Tibetan self immolate?”Shrestha said adding, “some of Chinese agents can object to my allegiance, but i don’t care about them.”

Quoting anonymous sources, the newspaper further reported that both Pathak and Shrestha receive massive funds from India based Potala monastery sourced from the United States.

Adding to it, the duo has also been reported to have been in regular contact with Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama.