Brits continue military aid to King of Nepal

Friday February 07, 2003 20:54

by The Himalayan Times

Britain provided 6.7 million sterling pound for the current British fiscal year...reinforcing Nepal's development, military and police capacity.

Truce not to affect military aid: UK

"Himalayan News Service",

Kathmandu, February 6,

Britain today indicated that it would continue to provide military assistance to Nepal despite the ceasefire, but the assistance would mainly focus on training of the Royal Nepalese Army.

The indication came following the visit of the United Kingdom's interdepartmental mission that concluded its weeklong visit to Nepal today.

"We look at Nepal's needs independently," said a member of the mission. "The military assistance will continue and there will be no decline in the aid next fiscal year (beginning April)."

The mission was led by Stephen Smith, head of the South Asian Department, and comprised senior officials from the British Ministry of Defence and the Department for International Development.

Britain provided 6.7 million sterling pound under the Global Conflict Prevention Pool for the current British fiscal year ending in March. Projects funded from the pool aim at short-term development and reinforcing Nepal's development, military and police capacity.

London welcomed the government-Maoist ceasefire as an "important and positive development," and expressed the hope that the ceasefire will lead to a negotiated settlement and pave way from peace in Nepal.

Britain has also expressed its interest in supporting, if Nepal so desires, the peace process since a lot of work needs to be done, and it is vital that all groups in Nepal do everything they can to end the pain and suffering this conflict has caused.

The mission also met King Gyanendra, government leaders, defence officials and development partners, and reiterated Britain's commitment to work with Nepal towards lasting peace in the country.

Britain also contributes over 22 million sterling pound as annual bilateral development assistance to Nepal.

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Comments (2 of 2)

BBC misrepresents Nepal's coup d'etat

by Brian O'Connor

Fri Feb 07, 2003 22:20

The links to BBC articles above provide horrific propaganda regarding the Royal assassinations in Nepal on June 1, 2000. The previous King of Nepal, Birendra, refused to employ his own army against the Maoist rebels, and was subsequently assassinated, along with the entire Royal family, with the exception of the current King and his nephew, Paras. Both are alleged to have ties to the American CIA.

Crown Prince Dipendra was also killed in the coup, however, the media reported he survived the attack for 3 days in a coma, during which time he was made King. This was quite convenient as that the King cannot be charged with murder. Dipendra was the scapegoat.

Such reckless disregard for the truth by the BBC can only reflect their biased and tarnished viewpoint of world events. What they call journalism, I call trash.

for recent british historical ties with Nepal

by iosaf doesnt do anonymous.

Fri Feb 07, 2003 21:09

be astounded "the first contact"
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/despatches/54423.stm
followed by
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/1365795.stm

it was the 7th of February just a few years ago when Charles first went to Nepal. His company got the Water contract.
Please note that amongst competitors were included ICP sponsered agencies. (link provided amongst other drivel on the newswire today)

read president Rajendra Oli President of the America-Nepal Society thoughts on Nepal at
http://www.nepalhorizons.com/ans/about.htm
interested in American interests in Nepal?
write a letter to
U.S. Diplomats to Nepal, 1948-1991
Henry F. Grady (Minister, 1948- ) Loy W. Henderson (Minister, 1948-51) Chester Bowles (Ambassador, 1951-53) George V. Allen (Ambassador, 1953-54) John Sherman Cooper (Ambassador, 1955-56) Ellsworth Bunker (Ambassador, 1956-59) Henry Endicott Stebbins (Ambassador, 1959- ) Caroline Clendening Laise (Ambassador, 1966- ) William Ira Cargo (Ambassador, 1973-76) Marquita Moseley Maytag (Ambassador, 1976- ) L. Douglas Heck (Ambassador, 1977- ) Philip R. Trimble (Ambassador, 1980- ) Carleton Stevens Coon, Jr. (Ambassador, 1981- ) Leon Jerome Weil (Ambassador, 1984- ) Milton Frank (Ambassador, 1988- ) Julia Chang Bloch (Ambassador, 1989-)

Do you know which were Republican and which were Democrat?
Which were termed "anglophile" and not by the British legation?
No. you do not.
short and sweet. Ms Claire Short is one of the best of a monstrous team. I wouldn´t mind if Short got "the job" in the short-term.

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Brits continue military aid to King of Nepal

Comments (2 of 2)