Nepal names negotiator for talks

Nepal has named a senior minister to hold preliminary talks with the Maoists to prepare for a direct meeting between rebel chief Prachanda and PM Girija Prasad Koirala, a minister said today.

Nepal has named a senior minister to hold preliminary talks with the Maoists to prepare for a direct meeting between rebel chief Prachanda and PM Girija Prasad Koirala, a minister said today.

The multi-party government, formed after King Gyanendra bowed to massive protests and handed power back to political parties, has appointed Home Minister Krishna Prasad Sitaula to head a three-member team, he said.

‘‘Other members of the team will be named soon,’’ said Works and Physical Planning Minister Gopal Man Shrestha.

Story continues below this ad

‘‘There will also be a separate multi-party party team to assist the government negotiators,’’ he said.

The Maoists, who have been fighting to topple the monarchy and set up a communist state in Nepal, have named their spokesman, Krishna Bahadur Mahara, for the preparatory talks.

Officials said the meeting, the first in nearly three years, would begin soon.

‘‘These will be only preliminary talks,’’ Shrestha said. ‘‘There will be a higher-level team headed by the prime minister for the talks with Prachanda.’’

Story continues below this ad

Early this month the government matched a rebel ceasefire and the two sides agreed to meet.

H-1B $100,000 entry fee explained: Who pays, who’s exempt, and what’s still unclear?

Explained6 hr ago

The White House's decision to impose a $100,000 entry fee on H-1B visa holders has sparked worry among Indian tech workers and students. While uncertainties remain about its implementation and exemptions, major tech companies have cautioned employees against traveling. The policy could lead to a shift towards other visa categories and potentially change the STEM immigration pipeline.

View all shorts

Live Blog