Date:14/01/2009 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2009/01/14/stories/2009011456311400.htm

International

Prachanda’s call for Communist unity

Prerana Marasini

KATHMANDU: The largest party of the country, the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoists), has united with the Communist Party of Nepal (Unity Centre-Masal) changing its name to Unified Communist Party of Nepal (Maoists). Prime Minister and chairman of the party Pushpa Kamal Dahal (Prachanda) said they would work to check foreign intervention, especially expansionists and imperialists.

“Reactionary elements both in and outside Nepal were making conspiracies against us,” Mr. Dahal claimed at a mass assembly to declare the unification.

“Only the Communists have the power to protect the country’s sovereignty; so all the Communist parties should unite to protect Nepal’s independence and address people’s aspirations.” He said, “If the government cannot win over the imperialists and expansionists, there’s a danger of Nepal losing its identity.”

Last week, The Kathmandu Post, Nepal’s English daily, had written: The political document of the CPN (Maoist) says Indian expansionism has blatantly interfered in Nepal’s economic, political and cultural affairs.

“American imperialism has also interfered in Nepal’s political affairs and its Ambassador in Nepal has given speeches against Maoists in different parts of the country.”

Meanwhile, Home Minister Bam Dev Gautam told the Constituent Assembly on Tuesday that the guilty behind the murder of journalist Uma Singh would soon be nabbed.