Nepal

Indian envoy meets Prachanda over COAS row twice

Pushpa Kamal Dahal Kathmandu, Apr 22 : Indian Ambassador to Nepal Rakesh Sood met Prime Minister Prachnada twice in 24 hours over the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) clarification episode.

During the meeting, which lasted for half an hour, Sood reportedly expressed ''concern'' over the government order to Nepal Army chief, seeking his clarification for "challenging civilian supremacy".

General Rookmangud Katawal has submitted his clarification in writing to Cabinet Secretary Bhoj Raj Ghimire.

Nepal president dragged into dispute between government and army

Nepal, KathmanduKathmandu- Nepalese President Ram Baran Yadav was dragged into growing row between the Maoist-led government and the army chief who allegedly disobeyed orders, news reports said Wednesday.

The government supported a decision by the defence ministry, led by a Maoist politician, two days ago to seek clarification from army chief General Rukmangad Katuwal over allegations that he ignored government orders on recruitment and the sacking of eight senior army generals.

Katuwal was said to have provided an explanation within the 24-hour deadline given to him by the government.

Political divisions surface over government clarification from army

Political divisions surface over government clarification from armyKathmandu - The opposition Nepali Congress disrupted a parliamentary session Tuesday in protest at the Maoist-led government's treatment of the head of the army.

The political division surfaced a day after the defence ministry headed by a Maoist politician accused army chief Rukmangad Katuwal of disobeying orders and demanded an explanation of his conduct.

The political division is now threatening the fragile coalition government and Nepal's two-and-half-year-old peace process, analysts say.

Army chief Katawal might be relieved: Nepal Finance Minister

Army chief Katawal might be relieved: Nepal Finance MinisterKathmandu, Apr 21: Nepal Finance Minister Dr Baburam Bhattarai has said that the Chief of Army Staff General Rookmangud Katawal could be sacked if he fails to furnish clarification on some serious issues.

Dr Bhattarai said that if General Katawal failed to defend himself against charges of "grossly" defying government orders, he would be relieved of his command.

Army, Maoists on collision course over government clarification

Army, Maoists on collision course over government clarificationKathmandu - In a sign worsening relations between Nepal's Maoist led government and the army, the defence ministry Monday sought clarification from the army chief alleging him and his organisation of disobeying orders.

The new crisis prompted Nepalese President Ram Baran Yadav to summon Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal and the army chief Rukmangad Katuwal separately to discuss the issue.

Earlier Monday, defence ministry led by a Maoist politician, gave army chief Rukmangad Katuwal 24 hours to respond to its allegations of disobeying orders.

Nepal wants UN peacekeeping mission to end

Nepal wants UN peacekeeping mission to end Kathmandu  - Nepalese prime minister has hinted that the term of United Nations Mission in Nepal (UNMIN) may not be extended beyond July, newspaper reports said Sunday.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal told visiting British Under Secretary of State for Defence Kevan Jones that Nepal intended to complete the reintegration of the Maoist combatants by July, and that UNMIN would no longer be needed, the Kathmandu Post newspaper reported.

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