LETTERS

Option for Nepal

The front-page news report “House directs govt to sign Rome Statute” (THT, July 26) quotes Sushil Pyakurel, a former member of the NHRC, as saying: “We have been calling on the

government to sign the statute for a long time.

Once the statute is endorsed, we can prosecute those involved in committing crimes against humanity.” But he also says that the ICC jurisdiction will apply “only to the incidents that occurred after the signing of the Statute.” This statement is correct.

However, the government of Nepal, at the time it will deposit the instrument of ratification of the Rome Statute with the UN secretary general in New York, may lodge a declaration with the registrar of the ICC at The Hague, The Netherlands, accepting the ICC jurisdiction for

any Rome Statute crime committed in Nepal after the Statute’s enforcement

on July 1, 2002.

Such a declaration would be in compliance with Article 12.3 of the Statute and Rule 44 of the Rules of Procedure and Evidence of the ICC.

It is Nepal’s sovereign right to take advantage of these provisions in its fight against the culture of impunity.

David Donat Cattin,

Director of Programmes,

Parliamentarians for Global Action, New York

New hope

It would be in the best interest of the country if the Maoists and the seven-party alliance (SPA) could resolve their differences in order to find a solution to the contentious issues arising from the lack of trust between the two parties. It is advisable that both the sides will help the United Nation to speed up the peace process.

Unfortunately, after Jana Andolan II, the political parties have been ignoring the people’s aspirations. I hope the United Nation team under Stafan de Mistura will be able to help the parties and the civil society to restore permanent peace. This will not only benefit Nepal, but the whole of South Asia in the long run.

Surya B Prasai, via e-mail

Discomfort

Recently, I took a Buddha Air flight from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur. We took off at the appointed time and the 40-minute flight was comfortable. But sadly, there was no place for rest in the aircraft.

What are passengers to do if they get sick? This would affect the passengers as well as the flight crew.

I saw our airhostess rush to the airport restroom as soon as we landed.

Somebody will have to pay a big price if these aircraft do not install toilet facilities soon.

K B Rai, Lalitpur

Accidents

The number of road accidents is increasing in the country. According to a news report, around 30 per cent of all road mishaps in Nepal are caused by human errors. The other culprits are poor roads, lack of maintenance of old vehicles and the rain. Drunken-driving and speeding seem to have resulted in many accidents. We should set speed limits on all roads and ensure they are followed.

Similarly, there should be random testing for alcohol among drivers, especially on long routes.

We should also discard all old vehicles. The lives of surface passengers, who often cannot afford air travel, should be protected at all costs.

Sumit Basyal, via e-mail