EU demands democracy in Nepal
May 5, 2004 15: 32 EST
Here is the latest on the situation:
International donors have warned Nepal that it must move to restore democracy to guarantee development. European Union donors said: "The democratic process needs to be reactivated, beginning with a representative government." The meeting comes amid a long-running Maoist insurgency and a growing rift between the king and political parties. Although the donors pledged to continue assistance, they also called for an early restoration of democratic rule, a peaceful resolution of the eight-year Maoist insurgency and an improvement in the worsening human rights situation. - BBC News
By breaking off a cease-fire, the Maoists plunged Nepal back into the cycle of violence last year. The security forces arrested, detained in undisclosed locations, tortured or threatened about 100 journalists. More journalists were arrested in Nepal in 2003 than in any other country in the world. The Maoists murdered one journalist and threatened dozens of others for allegedly spying for the army. It was a grim year for press freedom. - Reporters Without Borders
Nepal's pro-royal government lifted restrictions on protests against King Gyanendra and released opposition leaders rounded up hours earlier, urging reconciliation to end a month-long showdown.
The olive branch came after at least 28 people were injured in clashes near the royal palace as police fired tear gas at stone-throwing opposition supporters demanding the king restore democratic rule.
The opposition made its own U-turn after the day of violence, saying Girija Prasad Koirala, a three-time prime minister and key opposition leader, was ready for talks with the king, who sacked the elected government in 2002. - Channel News India
The Royal Nepalese Army said Monday it had mounted an operation to round up Communist rebels in the Himalayan kingdom's Midwest following reports that guerrillas were planning a major attack.
The operation began Thursday in Rukum district, about 400 kilometers (250 miles) west of the capital, Katmandu, and in a half dozen other districts known as Maoist rebel strongholds, said an army spokesman, Rajendra Thapa.
"The operation is to break the so-called base area of the rebels," he said. - International Herald Tribune
Image of Nepali riot police officer courtesy of Channel News India.
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