Government to launch campaign to alleviate poverty: Karki

Minister for Communications and Information Technology Gyanendra Bahadur Karki, also the government's spokesperson, today said the government would launch a campaign to alleviate poverty and end employment problems. Plan would be made for the holistic development of the country, economic prosperity and employment opportunities creation, said Karki, also Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs. He was addressing an event organized at Barahachhetra Municipality-6 in Sunsari by Jaycees Nepal, Chakraghatti. He fulfilled most of commitments he made to the people of Sunsari constituency 4 during the erstwhile elections, he claimed. Minister Karki, also Nepali Congress leader, has filed his candidacy in the November 20 House of Representatives (HoR) elections from the same constituency from the left-democratic alliance that includes the NC. Maintaining that the constituency saw development activities in education, health, electricity and physical infrastructure in five years, his next priorities according to him would be to alleviate poverty and create job opportunities.

US Ambassador calls on Home Minister Khand

Newly appointed US Ambassador to Nepal Dean R. Thompson paid a courtesy call on Home Minister Bal Krishna Khand. Various matters of bilateral mutual interest were discussed during the meeting held today at the Ministry, according to the Home Minister's Secretariat. Welcoming Ambassador Thompson to Nepal, Home Minister Khand expressed his gratitude for the US support to development and democracy of Nepal and hoped for continued support in the future. On the occasion, Ambassador Thompson expressed his belief that the upcoming elections in Nepal would contribute to making Nepal's democracy more prosperous. He also assured that the US will continue to support the development endeavors of Nepal.

Will Xi invade Taiwan in his third term?

A resolution endorsed by the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China mentions 'fully, faithfully, and resolutely implementing the policy of one country and two systems.'

 The document states that the communist government will oppose and deter any move that seeks Taiwan's independence.  This provision will be a part of China’s constitution through amendment.

Earlier, speaking at the opening session of congress on October 16, Xi, who has become the powerful President of China after Mao stated that China will continue to strive for peaceful reunification with the greatest sincerity and utmost efforts.

“This is directed solely at interference by outside forces and the few separatists seeking 'Taiwan independence' and their separatist activities; it is by no means targeted at our Taiwan compatriots."

At the same time, Xi said that they will never promise to renounce the use of force and they reserve the option of taking all measures necessary.

Though Xi talks about peaceful unification, the growing tension between China and US over Taiwan may prompt Beijing to go for a military attack, experts say.

 As Taiwan is drawing closer to America and there are growing voices of complete independence inside the country, tensions are likely to grow in the coming days. Such a situation, according to leaders, may lead to a military confrontation.

Xi expresses confidence in creating new, greater miracles as key Party congress concludes

The Communist Party of China (CPC) is fully confident and capable of creating new and even greater miracles on the new journey of the new era, Xi Jinping said as the 20th CPC National Congress came to a conclusion Saturday, Xinhua reported. The CPC congress has realized its goals of unifying thinking, fortifying confidence, charting the course, and boosting morale, Xi told 2,338 delegates and specially invited delegates present at the closing session of the weeklong congress at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. "This has been a congress of holding our banner high, pooling our strength, and promoting solidarity and dedication." At the closing session presided over by Xi, the congress elected a new CPC Central Committee, with 205 members and 171 alternate members, and a new Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI) consisting of 133 members. The congress passed a resolution on the report of the 19th CPC Central Committee, a resolution on the work report of the 19th CCDI, and a resolution on an amendment to the CPC Constitution. "We believe that all the decisions and plans set out at the congress and all its outcomes will play a significant role in guiding and underpinning our efforts to build a modern socialist country in all respects, advance national rejuvenation on all fronts, and secure new victories for socialism with Chinese characteristics," Xi said. Xi called on the delegates to firmly keep in mind the Party's original aspiration and founding mission and the country's most fundamental interests, and firmly keep in mind that "this country is its people; the people are the country." During the congress, the central committees of other political parties, the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce as well as public figures from all ethnic groups and all sectors in China offered their congratulations, as did members of the public through various means. Political parties and organizations in many countries around the world also sent congratulatory messages, according to Xinhua. "The presidium of the congress wishes to express its heartfelt thanks to each and every one of them," Xi said. Having come through a century of great endeavor, the Party is once again embarking on a new journey on which it will face new tests, Xi noted. "We are fully confident and capable of creating new and even greater miracles on the new journey of the new era -- miracles that will amaze the world." Xi urged all Party members to stay closely rallied around the CPC Central Committee and hold high the great banner of socialism with Chinese characteristics. "We must remain confident in our history, exhibit greater historical initiative, and have the courage to fight and the mettle to win," he said. Xi called on the Party to stay focused, determinedly forge ahead, and unite and lead all Chinese people in striving to fulfill the goals and tasks set out at the 20th CPC National Congress, Xinhua reported.