PM Nepal tells diplomats govt ready to take difficult decision to end crisis

Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal on Wednesday tried to allay concerns of foreign diplomats in Nepal about the complicated political situation of the country.
In a meeting with some 44 diplomats and heads of donor agencies in Nepal at his official residence in Baluwatar, PM Nepal said that he was ready to take difficult decisions to give a way out to the deepening political crisis.He, however, said that the unconstitutional steps taken by the main opposition Unified CPN (Maoist) to unseat the government is hindering attempts to resolve the problem facing the country.On the occasion, the diplomats expressed their serious concern over the worsening situation of the country.They complained that the growing instability in the country has put their people coming to visit Nepal in serious risk and warned that if the situations persist they will be compelled to issue travel advisories barring their citizens from traveling to Nepal.Stating that there is no alternative than to forge consensus among the parties to end the political crisis, the diplomats stressed on more dialogue and understanding."We advised the prime minister that consensus is needed among parties to end the current political crisis," US ambassador for Nepal Scott H DeLisi told media-persons after the meeting.During the meeting, PM Nepal also assured that the UNMIN's term, which expires on May 15, will be extended.On the occasion, PM Nepal also requested the Unified CPN (Maoist) to call off its general strike and sit for talks.

Gunshots heard during Maoist protest in Bhaktapur

Maoist affiliated Young Communist League (YCL) and UML affiliated Youth Force (YF) exchange allegations over the firing that took place near Bhaktapur Durbar square Wednesday morning.
At least two gunshots were heard while the YCL cadres were chasing away the YF cadres after the latter demonstrated against the general strike.
The two youth groups were demonstrating from early morning in the area. YF rally was led by its president Mahesh Banset.
According to YCL members, they have collected one magazine and 4 bullets from the scene, which have been handed over to police. No one has been report hurt in the incident.
YCL and YF leaders have accused each other for the firing. Police have now taken the situation under control.