Pokhara, December 22

Information and Communication Technology Minister Sherdhan Rai expressed the government’s willingness to conclude fresh trade and transit treaties with its neighbours.

“We’re for ending the humanitarian crisis facing the country as soon as possible by concluding fresh trade and transit treaties and striking a perfect balance in relations with our immediate neighbours,” the minister told mediapersons here today.

Regarding the Madhes crisis, Rai conveyed the government’s willingness to hold talks in the Tarai as demanded by agitating parties. “We’re ready to hold talks in the Tarai as the agitating leaders want, but they should also be ready for decisive talks,” he said, taking exception to the agitating parties’ decision to resort to agitation to get their demands addressed.

Describing the recent constitution of Nepal as a model constitution, Rai urged all to accept the constitution as it gives due respect to identity and capacity issues. “Though most people have accepted the charter, a few have been raging against it, which is unfortunate,” he reasoned.

He also condemned the attack on President Biddhya Devi Bhandari at Janaki Temple of Janakpur and pledged action against the guilty.

The minister also spoke about the government plan to get the provision of minimum remuneration for journalists implemented. “The state is ready to help in professional development and capacity building of journalists,” he said, adding that the government was preparing to investigate and take action against the media in the Tarai for acting against the general code of conduct for journalists.

Also, the minister revealed about the government plan to spend 12 billion rupees on optical fibre for expanding telecommunication to remote villages.