SUSHIL PYAKUREL: Senior Human Rights Leader 1. Mr. Pyakurel started his presentation by addressing the question of why civil society organizations like human rights groups and journalist groups should be involved in politics of the country. His response was that the idea of democracy itself is highly politically charged issue. Social aspects like respecting human rights and freedom of the press can only exist in a democratic framework, and since their organizations fight for such rights, they inevitably get drenched in politics of the country. 2. Armed revolution is the result of grave socio-economic problems the country faced for decades. Now, in order to resolve this crisis, there are two schools of thought: a. those who propose further democratization and strengthening of the civil society, b. those who believe in armed revolution to bring about much-needed social changes. Precedence of various governments around the world listening to social grievances ONLY when the revolutionaries pick up arms has already been set and it is a very dangerous precedence. This gives rise to terrorism. Even in Nepal, the fact that democratic governments failed to address the legitimate concerns of certain section of the public contributed to rise of the movement to an armed struggle. 3. There is absolutely no sense of rule of law in the country. Not only the Maoists, but even the King's government, by trampling upon the constitution, and creating parallel government bodies, have blatantly ignored the rule of law. 4. The key question that needs to be pondered upon by every Nepali at this juncture is this: Where lies the sovereign power, to the King or the people? Ever since Nepal was freed from Rana rule, the royal institution has always been reluctant to restore sovereignty to the people. Even King Tribhuwan, after having proposing that the ultimate sovereignty must be vested upon the people, was reluctant (after returning to Nepal from India) to let go of that sovereignty. The idea that since the Kings are the true and dutiful masters of Nepal just because ancestors of the royal family helped form the Nepali nation-state has always prevailed in the royal circles. However, in this day in age, and especially throughout history, the royals have not -- and cannot -- survive if they do not attach themselves to the true aspirations of the people and bestow sovereignty to the latter. 5. King Gyanendra, who had publicly proclaimed that he wanted to become an "active monarch" has now seized the sovereignty back from the people which was rightfully given to the latter by his brother King Birendra in 1990. He has made no secret of the fact that he loathes the multi-party political process, and blames the country's crisis on the ineptitude of the political parties, rather than on unfavorable socio-political conditions. Therefore, the February first's move was the climax of King Gyanendra deliberately trying to destroy the independence of democratic institutions of the country. 6. King Gyanendra also doesn't (still) believe that the current bureaucracy will support him -- he doesn?t have faith in the institutions created by the people through democratically elected governments, hence he has created parallel institutions to forego proper political processes in order to advance his own agenda. 7. So, what is the way forward? The political parties have put forth a minimum agenda: Restoration of the parliament. This would legitimize ANY moves towards peace and reconciliation and other developmental process of the country. Regardless of what kinds of constitutional processes is deemed fit for the country, only ratification of those processes by the people ? through the elected parliament ? will give ultimate and unquestionable legitimacy to them. Restoring the parliament doesn?t amount to return to failed status quo, rather will only give credence to future actions to bring about much-needed changes. 8. The king needs to be kept at the right place. 9. Political parties have also realized that they need not be in power to push for changes and/or progress in the society. They have realized the importance of pushing for things like negotiations and peace even by being outside the power helm. And this is exactly what the parties are beginning to do now. 10. Even the international community is beginning to realize and understand King Gyannendra?s sinister motives to destroy the democratic institutions in Nepal. Mr. Pyakurel noted how much change in attitude in favor of democracy has emerged in the international community, comparing his earlier visits to, and interactions with, the law makers in the US to his recent visits. 11. US citizens of Nepali origin must work towards pressuring their constituent representatives in the US government to push for democracy in Nepal. All other Nepalis in the US can do much by contributing to opinion building by organizing events such as discussion forums and other informative sessions. * The talk program at the Himalayan Yak Restaurant was attended by about 45 Nepalis from NYC area. ** The speakers entertained various questions from the audience after their presentations.