Question of practice

This refers to the edit page article “Transformational diplomacy: Question of what and how” (THT, March 4). The article sheds light on the recent effort of the government to employ transformational diplomacy. The fact that leftists, centrists, and extreme leftists have been appointed to ambassadorial positions does not compel them to act in concert with the foreign policy of Nepal. In fact, the government should have appointed ambassadors on the basis of their diplomatic knowledge and expertise. Moreover, the new ambassadors should also be well equipped to deal with political and economic issues that would help further the interests of Nepal and the Nepalis.

S P Pandey, Gongabu,

Kathmandu

Mend ways

Maoist chairman Prachanda recently talked of the Constituent Assembly election as the final phase of battle for defeating the forces of status quo. He should do some introspection and correct the shortcomings of his party for the Constituent Assembly to pave the way for a peaceful transition. Dahal is also resorting to slogans like “if Constituent Assembly can’t do it, then we will capture power by force”. However, rhetoric and winning the hearts of the people are two different things. On the contrary, his recent statements have only served to project him and his party as a force not yet democratic. This certainly is not the kind of Constituent Assembly that the Nepali people want. They desire democracy, peace and progress.

Sunil Sharma,

Teku, Kathmandu

Careless

This is in reference to the news report “10 killed as UN chopper crashes in Ramechap” (THT, March.4). Eyewitnesses have claimed that when the UNMIN chopper crashed, it had been heavily raining. Most of the air-crashes in Nepal have resulted from recklessness of the pilots and the crew members. It is not only the crew members but dozens of passengers, whose lives are at stake when the pilots fly under adverse climatic conditions. An extensive probe should be conducted into the incident.

Basanta Deokota,

Gaurighat, Kathmandu

Youth power

Nepal is on the threshold of transition towards a more inclusive democracy.

However, the youth force, which has been the main agent of change in the country, is still in the shadow of old and failed leaders. Now that the country is heading towards the Constituent Assembly election, the youth force should be ready to assume leadership to steer the nation towards peace and stability. It’s time now for the youth leaders to contribute greatly to building a New Nepal.

Ramesh Bahadur Shrestha, Lalitpur

Crucial

Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala has said that the Nepali Congress must win the Constituent Assembly election to safeguard the democratic aspirations of the country and that the election is crucial. Indeed, it would be tragic if the upcoming Constituent Assembly election was unable to fulfil the aspirations of the Nepalis expressed through the

popular uprising of April 2006.

V P Sayami, Kathmandu