Province lawmakers among 11 leaders of CPN (US) return to UML
Two lawmakers of Madhesh Province among 11 leaders of the CPN (Unified Socialist) returned to their mother party, CPN -UML, amidst a program at the party’s central office in Chyasal on Thursday. CPN (US) central member and Province Assembly member Sundar Bishwokarma and incumbent Province Assembly member and a member of Central Election Commission Sita Gurung among other returned to the UML. Similarly, Central Council members Kaushal Kishor Singh, Madhesh Bishwokarma, Madhesh Pradesh Committee members Dashrath Ram, Bidhya Thapa, Min Rahapal, District Committee members Manju Khanal, Manju Bhattarai, Achhelal Ram, and Mukti Sahani returned to their mother party today. UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli welcomed them in the party. Meanwhile, the CPN (US) has appointed Bijendra Chaudhary as the acting chairman after the party’s district committee joined the UML.
Nepali sky safe: Tourism Minister Shrestha
Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Jeevan Ram Shrestha has claimed Nepali sky to be safe. He said this in his address to the 41st general assembly of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). Addressing the general assembly underway in Montreal city of Canada on Wednesday, Minister Shrestha said that Nepal has made remarkable progress in aviation safety as per the ICAO-determined standards and recommendations, the private secretariat of the minister shared. Tourism Minister Shrestha claimed that Nepali sky was safe as the country had gained a higher score on aviation safety in comparison to the global standards. He reiterated Nepal government's commitment to make the aviation sector secure, reliable and qualitative. There was no alternative to air travel taking into consideration the geographical situation of Nepal, he said, adding the government was fully committed to make the aviation service more secure, qualitative and effective. Sharing that the Gautam Buddha International Airport had already come into operation and Pokhara International Airport was in the final phase of its construction, he said the government had laid emphasis on expanding air connectivity, up-grading airports and constructing new airports.
Chief Minister Pandey bereaved of mother
Chief Minister of Bagmati Province Rajendra Prasad Pandey has been bereaved of his mother. She was 87. CM Pandey's mother Manamaya Pandey breathed her last on Thursday. Manamaya died at Sitapaila, Kathmandu at 3 am today, said Chief Minister's personal secretary Umesh Rupakheti. The late Pandey is survived by five sons, including CM Pandey, CPN-UML leader Surendra Pandey and three daughters. Her last rites would be performed at Pashupati Aryaghat today, family sources said.
Myanmar court sentences Suu Kyi and Australian economist to 3 years in jail - source
A court in military-ruled Myanmar on Thursday sentenced deposed leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, and her former economic adviser, Australian Sean Turnell, to three years in prison, a source familiar with the proceedings said, Reuters reported.
Both had been charged with violating the official secrets act and had pleaded not guilty.
"Three years each, no hard labour," said the source, who declined to be named due to the sensitivity of the issue. The sentencing took place in a closed court.
Suu Kyi and several members of her economic team had been indicted for the same offence, which carries a maximum sentence of 14 years. They are among thousands arrested since the junta seized power in a coup early last year, including politicians, lawmakers, bureaucrats, students and journalists, according to Reuters.
The courts have dealt harshly with opponents of the military, handing down prison terms and even the death penalty in some cases. The junta insists Myanmar's courts are independent and those arrested are receiving due process.
