News update from Nepal, April 8, 2005 Highlighting the institutional weakness that hampered the Nepalese government’s ability to respond appropriately and effectively to rights violations, the report stated “violence against women, trafficking, child labor and the impact of insurgency-related violence on children have remained serious rights concerns.” Geo-strategic contest A new geopolitical realignment is putting Nepal in a vortex of cross-pressure. The US geo-strategy and war on terrorism challenged China’s influence in the Central and South Asian regions. The UK, the USA and India continue to coordinate their policies in the region and have strengthened the Nepalese army’s deterrent capability against the Maoists. But, after the king’s takeover, they have suspended military aid, expressed concern about Nepal being pushed towards China and mounted a joint pressure to reverse the King’s takeover. On March 18 the British Health Minister Gareth Thomas said,“In the current environment, we consider it inappropriate to continue support to the police, prison services and Prime Minister’s office. We will not continue programs in the face of increased and unacceptable risks in Nepal.” Out of the total amount of Rs. 324.48 million committed for various programs the UK cancelled the unspent Rs 175.76 million. He said,“The UK remains deeply concerned about human rights situation in Nepal.” Reacting to this move, the Vice-Chairman of the Council of Ministers Kirti Nidhi Bista asserted,“The Nepalese would not die if foreign donors stopped their assistance. As our ancestors had survived on the sweet of their of toil and bravery without external support, their descendents will also survive with a sense of integrity.” He, however, hoped to get“cooperation from the international community to combat terrorism.” On March 19 former army chief and a Standing Committee member of State Council, Sachchit Shumsher Rana revealed,“China has offered military cooperation to combat terrorism. In case Britain, India and America completely stop military aid to Nepal, we will have to take the Chinese offer.” China’s strategy of preventing the US strategy of“encircling China’s south western border” defines Nepal’s importance to Beijing. The increased diplomatic profile of India’s rivals, China and Pakistan, in Nepal has evoked the strategic concern of India and the Western powers as they view that the Chinese policy of“active defense,” entry into free trade arrangements and security initiatives with the Association of South East Asian Nations(ASEAN), strengthened ties with Russia and Central Asia, strategic partnership between Moscow and Beijing and security beef-up in Xinjing­Afghan and Tibetan border and close ties with Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh and Myanmar will significantly reduce their influence in the region. On March 20 the Chinese Ambassador to Nepal, Sun Heping, said,“The Chinese perspective on Nepal will never change. It will continue to support the economic development of Nepal as it has been doing and will provide help to the maximum capacity. China is concerned about the security situation in Nepal as a neighbor.” He said,“Mutual support enhances understanding and creates power.” Chinese Minister for Foreign Affairs Li Zhaoxing made a two-day visit in Nepal on March 31and appreciated Nepal’s one China policy. On April 6 Chinese Ambassador to Nepal, Sun Heping, stressed the need for“national reconciliation” among the King, political parties and people to solve the problems facing the country. He said,“Nepal can solve its problem on its own…we want peace and stability restored with national