US-Cuba diplomatic initiative welcomed

KATHMANDU: Nepal on Tuesday welcomed the improving relations between the United States of America and the Republic of Cuba. The announcement by both governments regarding reopening their embassies in each other’s capital is a major step forward in this direction, Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement. “Nepal believes that normalisation of relations between the two countries will contribute significantly to promoting peace and stability in the region and beyond,” added the statement. Calling on Prime Minister Sushil Koirala on Monday, US Ambassador Peter W Bodde had apprised of the US government’s decision to restore diplomatic ties with communist Cuba after 54 years. PM Koirala had welcomed the initiatives taken by the US and Cuba.

Robbers sent to jail

KHOTANG: District Court Khotang on Tuesday convicted three persons on the charge of robbery and handed down six years’ prison term to each of them. A single bench of district Judge Ishwori Prasad Gautam sentenced Subarna Rai, 27, Yubak Rai, 18, and Dipendra Rai, 18, to six years in prison for robbery. The court also slapped a fine of Rs 42,150 on each of the convicts. The trio was arrested with illegal weapons for robbing gold ornaments a year ago from Manser Rai while he was walking on the street. They were arrested with a pistol, two rounds of bullets, some ornaments, and cash three days after the incident.