Emergency need not be extended: Deuba

HIMALAYAN NEWS SERVICE

KATHMANDU: Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba returning from his visits to the United States and the United Kingdom today indicated that the state of emergency might not be extended. “It is not necessary. Emergency is essential to combat terrorism,” said Deuba adding, “However, we’ll hold discussions.” Besides consulting the cabinet, the prime minister will also hold discussion with the opposition parties.Talking to reporters upon arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport, Deuba labelled the visit as “fruitful”. He said he highlighted the security situation of the country during his meeting with US president George W Bush, Secretary of state Collin Powell and national security advisor Condolezza Rice. “I asked for assistance in the defence and poverty alleviation sectors. They have assured help as much as possible,” the prime minister said. The United States has agreed to offer military hardware and logistics, he added.Deuba however, ruled out the likelihood of any foreign troop to march into Nepali soil. The US Congressmen also extended their goodwill and assured support in dealing with the current situation of the country. There’s strong possibility that the US would provide $20 million in assistance, he added. The Prime Minister also brought to light the United Kingdom’s willingness to assist Nepal in overcoming the crises. The UK has assured it will hold meeting with the international community and create conducive environment in favour of Nepal, Deuba said. “The details would only be known thereafter,” he added.

Reduce number of undernourished: FAO

KATHMANDU: A three-day meeting of the twenty-sixth Food and Agriculture Organisation’s (FAO) regional conference for Asia and Pacific concluded here today with a call to intensify efforts to reduce the numberof undernourished in the region, which is home to 500 million starving people. On a report prepared at the conclusion of the meeting, representatives of 25 FAO countries and other international organisations suggested to prepare national action plans giving priority to sustainable, broad based agriculture growth and rural development as soon as possible. These outcomes of the in-depth discussions on a range of issues central to food security and rural poverty alleviation are expected to be considered during a two-day ministerial session, which will begin on Thursday. The meet noted that “Global Coalition against Hunger” could be instrumental to further mobilise political will in combating hunger. It also emphasised the importance of food insecurity and vulnerability information mapping systems (FIVIMS) for identifying and addressing chronic food insecurity and sought member countries’ support. The meeting recommended that countries pay special attention to women in agriculture.