traveler

[Dave S]

Not sure what to make of this article I found in the Asian Tribune.
www.asiantribune.com/show_news.php?id=17081
Has anyone heard that the King and his family is going to exile as this article states?
A few weeks ago my wife and I took a cruise and we met seven Nepalie men that worked on the ship. Each of them had no good words for the King of Nepal. One said they had thought of the King as a God and now they feel he has been disloyal to the people. Another said he is a business man and out for self gain. The views I hear from the articles I have read is that the recent election was not really democratic. I have even heard when we were in Nepal in Dec. 2001 that it was felt that the King himself was involved in the deaths of the previous royal family.
As much as I fear the Maoist I feel they have a right to be part of the seven political parties in Nepal provided it is democratic and that the people decide in elections whom is elected without the use of violence. As for the King, maybe exile would not be a bad idea if Nepal could have peace.
My wife and I hope for peace in Nepal. The people are beautiful and they deserve a life without conflict.

[mieke]

Not sure what to make of this article I found in the Asian Tribune.


Me neither, apart from the fact it's a poor copy&paste job after a longer version of the article was published on www.bangladesh-web.com on February 15 already. And apart from the fact that the author is a true sucker, imo, seeing how he keeps publishing mostly rather bloodthirsty and agressive stuff when it's about Nepali politics. He's the kind of guy, or to me he seems to be, who would love to see the Valley soaked in blood.
Considering that after that publication dated Febr. 15 none of the "respectable" newsmedia worldwide have said one word about these allegations of what the US ambassador would have said in Kathmandu, I think they're all perfectly aware of who supplied "that information".

For good orders sake though a couple of posters on a different travelboard for Nepal have asked their US contacts in Kathmandu to deny or confirm if there ever was such a meeting as described in the article in your link. Myself so far I've only received reactions from the US that say it's a hoax. And here is the follow-up publication (dated Febr. 17 as well) :

http://www.asiantribune.com/show_news.php?id=17091

Did someone ever teach you the meaning and importance of propaganda during warfare, Dave?
While the ambassador has reasons enough to worry about developments indeed (http://bloggersnepal.com/?p=204), I don't think the US Embassy would make plans and publicly announce an evacuation, without Washington knowing anything about it.


cheers.

[Dave S]

Thanks for your quick reply. Obviously you are more up on the situation than I am. I really appreciate the articles you sent. Much to look at.

[mieke]

Thanks for your kind reply, Dave. You'll appreciate to know this, as will many others:

Despite Volatile Situation, US Will Stay in Nepal

Despite reports that Maoists insurgence in the Kingdom of Nepal is gaining grounds partially disabling the rule of King Gyanendra, and the King’s continued refusal to return this Himalayan nation back to democracy, the United States Embassy in Kathmandu, Nepal yesterday, in a communication to 'Asian Tribune' said that the chancery is not "expected to evacuate" as suggested by 17 February report of the Online newspaper.

State Department's Richard Boucher, who testified before the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee who are considering his nomination to serve as assistant secretary of state for South and Central Asian Affairs on 16 February noted, “We face a difficult situation in Nepal. We believe Nepal’s internal struggle can only be addressed by the King taking steps to reverse the course he embarked on over a year ago – last February 1st – and to return to democratic government.”

Public Affairs Officer Robert L. Hugins of the American Embassy in Kathmandu however says in his communication to 'Asian Tribune' that on the important topic of "evacuation", the embassy "regularly advises, inform, and consult American citizens."

Following is the full text of the Public Affairs Officer's communication to 'Asian Tribune':

"The U.S. Embassy in Kathmandu is not “expected to evacuate” as a February 17 article in your Online publication stated. The report was wrong."

"Moreover, the article inaccurately attributed direct quotes to the U.S.Ambassador in Nepal, based on notes from a third party, about a discussion the Ambassador had had with American citizens."

"Security of American citizens in Nepal is of paramount importance to the Embassy. We regularly advise, inform, and consult American citizens on this vital topic. To correct your inaccurate report, we request that you distribute this message to your online readership."

- Asian Tribune -

Source: http://www.asiantribune.com/show_news.php?id=17094 - dated Febr. 18

bye!

[Wiliam]

Vandeveer has posted his reply to criticism of him Blogdai (http://nepalnow.blogspot.com/2006/02/comrade-james.html).