King‚ Queen returning home today

HIMALAYAN NEWS SERVICE

KATHMANDU:" King Gyanendra and Queen Komal return on Thursday after a successful state visit to China, which has deepened the traditional bonds of friendship between Nepal and China. During the visit, the monarch told theChinese leaders that China was a reliable and trustworthy friend of Nepal.The King had talks with President Jiang Zemin in Beijing. The other senior Chinese leaders calling on him included Li Peng, chairman of the standing committee of the National People’s Congress, vice president Hu Jintao and premier Zhu Rongji.The leaders, who appreciated Nepal’s support on the issue of Tibet, expressed Beijing’s full support for and understanding of the efforts of the King and his government to safeguard Nepal’s sovereignty, unity and stability. Beijing reiterated that no interference in the internal affairs of a sovereign country should be allowed and that China would work with Nepal along the lines mapped out by the leaders of both countries to consolidate their friendship.The consensus between King Gyanendra and president Jiang on July 10 on friendship and cooperation laid a firmer foundation for a long-term and sound progress in bilateral relations. King Gyanendra during the meetings with the Chinese leaders reaffirmed that Nepal would uphold the “one China” policy, and would not allow any activities in Nepal that would harm China’s interests. Expressing satisfaction with his visit, the King said bilateral ties were based on reliability, trust and understanding and Nepal appreciated China’s support and assistance.Nepal would strengthen cooperation with China, Tibet in particular, in various fields and in the area of non-governmental exchanges, the monarch said. He hoped that the visit would further promote bilateral relations and said he would spare no effort to keep friendship alive between Nepal and China.

RPP doubts if polls will improve situation



KATHMANDU: Though leaders of the Rastriya PrajatantraParty (RPP) are certain the general election will be held on schedule, they are doubtful whether its outcome would improve the situation in the country.”We are certain that the general election will be held on time though we do not know how many people will vote and for which party,” said Padma Sundar Lawati, a member of the central working committee of the RPP. However, Lawati said that the election will not solve the problem of “incapable leadership”.He was speaking at the inauguration of the RPP Kathmandu district working committee’s third district convention. Lawati also said the “King should save democracy” and being the symbol of national unity, should not be enmeshed in debates. RPP leaders blamed the ruling Nepali Congress party and the opposition Communist Party of Nepal-UML for the current turmoil in the country.