Foundation stone laid

KATHMANDU: Shiv Shankar Mukerjee, Indian ambassador to Nepal laid the foundation stone for the blacktopping of Phattepur-Kunauli road (phase II) in Rajbiraj yesterday. Constructed with Indian assistance, the road had been graveled few months ago in its first phase. For the construction of the road, which joins Nepal with India, the Indian government has agreed to provide an assistance of Rs 29.722 million. The road that passes through six VDCs of Saptari district benefits about 600,000 local people. The local bodies will carry out the management and operation of the road after its completion. — RSS

Chemical fertilizer

BHOJPUR: Government is providing transport grant for chemical fertiliser to all farmers in Bhojpur district this year. About 235 metric tonnes of feritiliser has been brought in to the district. The fertiliser that has been provided by the district agricultural development office, Bhojpur has been distributed to all farmers depending on their needs, according to senior officer Abadhkishor Dev. About 1,200 MT of fertiliser is likely to be supplied to Bhojpur alone. — RSS

Unocal, CNOOC deal

NEW YORk: US oil group Unocal said it received a waiver from Chevron to open talks with China National Offshore Oil Company (CNOOC) over a rival merger bid. A statement from Unocal said the waiver allows talks with theChinese state-owned CNOOC up to the time of the Unocal shareholder meeting to consider the offers. The date of the Unocal stockholder meeting has not yet been set. Unocal said it “intends promptly to commence such discussions with the Chinese company,” but added that its board’s recommendation to accept the Chevron deal “remains in effect.” —AFP