News on 118th May Day in Kathmandu.

Book Tallinn Hotels, Vilnius Hotels, Helsinki Hotels and Riga Hotels. Remains thought to be those of Maina Sunuwar, 15 year old daughter of Devi Sunuwar when murdered, have been exhumed in Kavre district, where the girl was abducted, raped, and killed by the Royal Nepal Army in February 2004.

Four member investigative committee to report in 15 days. Maoist object to the committee. Huge mass attends funeral on Friday.

A European Union Parliament Team led by Nina Gill arrived in Kathmandu on Wednesday, and is in the process of meeting with government officials.

OHCHR-Nepal urges Madheshi People’s Rights Forum and CPN(M) to end unacceptable violence.

After a written promise by the Eight Party meeting to address their concerns, the business community withdrew the indefinite strike that they had announced.

At least 25 Maoists were killed by Madheshi People’s Rights Forum members in Rautahat district.

The task force created by the Eight Party meetings have delivered the Common Minimum Programme, a set of bullet points outlining the process and content of the interim government. All parties agree to hold constituent assembly polls by 15 June. The business community protests in Baluwatar.

The Eight Party meeting continued to discuss formation of the interim government on Saturday, but has not yet reached an agreement. Meetings will continue on Sunday.

The awaited Eight-Party meeting was unable to reach agreement on forming an interim government on Friday. Meetings will continue Saturday.

Maheswor Shrestha writes on the growing uncertainty of the election to the constituent assembly and possibility of revival of absolute monarchy through military coup de’ tat.

Moti Chamling

Pramod Dhakal writes on the whirlwind of pseudo-intellectual criticism, and the need for a visionary leader to rise above the chatter.

Moti Chamling

Pramod Dhakal writes on the issue of voting rights for non-resident Nepalis in the upcoming polls.

Part three of the series “Republic of Nepal: only a dream?” by Maheswor Shrestha.

From India’s CPN(ML) newsletter.

Sushma Joshi confronts a German historian who mislabeled Nepali POWs in Germany as Indians.

Article from Madhesh.com

Articles from Kantipur, Nepalnews.com, and NDTV about anti-king protests.

Report by a visiting young Japanese woman on a trip to meet Dalit women in Nepal, from Gyaku.jp.

New York Times article by Somini Sengupta, with contributions by Tilak Pokharel.

Anka 10 of “Our Path” in Nepali, a Maoist publication.

Himal Magazine essay by Prashant Jha.

Marty Logan, IPS

IRIN Report