Category: World Service
Date: 01.09.2006
Printable version
Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Nepali is to broadcast a special programme with the leader of Nepal's Maoist rebels.
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In an hour-long programme from Kathmandu, Prachanda Lai Prashna (Questions to Prachanda) - broadcast at 8.45pm Nepal Standard Time on Friday 8 September - Chairman Prachanda will take listeners' questions asked via telephone, email and letters.
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There also will be questions recorded from Nepal's remote places which lack communication facilities.
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Despite the ceasefire and an agreement between the ruling parties and the Maoists for a new constitution, there have been disagreements over a range of issues: from long-term measures, such as the future of the monarchy and Parliament, to what has been described as "stop-gap measures", such as interim constitution and interim government.
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However, none of these will move anywhere before the issue of arms management is resolved. The rebels have insisted that they will not give up arms before the elections for the constituent assembly.
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Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Nepali Service's producer and presenter, Suman Kharel, who will host the programme, said: "From Nepal's remote mountainous district of Darchula to Washington DC, Nepali-speakers across the world will have the chance to put their questions to Chairman Prachanda.
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"Given the many unanswered questions in the present-day politics of Nepal, we know our listeners are keen to hear the views of one of the key figures on the country's political arena."
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The broadcast of Prachanda Lai Prashna will extend Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Nepali service's normal daily transmission by 30 minutes.
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Notes to Editors
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Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Nepali, which has been serving audiences for 35 years, is a respected source of news for listeners in Nepal, India and the rest of South Asia, the Far East and the GulfΜύcountries.
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Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Nepali programmes cover a wide spectrum of news stories as well as regular analysis and features on Nepalese issues.
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Its daily 30-minute programmes on short wave are rebroadcast by nine FM stations in Nepal.
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There is also a growing audience of Nepali-speakers who go to the website bbcnepali.com for programmes, in text and audio.
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The programme schedule is designed to cater for all listeners.
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For 22 minutes every day Samachar and Chautari bring national and international news and current affairs.
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This is followed by a programme which changes daily.
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Saptahik Bhet brings local news from the heart of Nepal on Sundays; The Feature analyses a key international news story on Mondays; while on Tuesdays, listeners can keep up to date with the world of science and technology.
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On Wednesdays, Nepal Sandarva interviews key Nepalese who are in the headlines that week. On Thursdays, listeners voice their opinions through letters and emails in Patramanjusha, and, on Fridays, sport lovers can hear the latest instalment of Sports Roundup. Saturdays are dedicated to English by Radio.
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Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ World Service
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