Eve of May festival (Maiabendfest) in Bochum, Ruhr Area, Germany

On the last saturday in April, the traditional 'Maiabendfest'(eve of May festival) is celebrated in the streets of Bochum in the Ruhr area of Germany.

See some impressions...

Happy New Year 2067 !

Nepal enters the year 2067 B.S. with difficult challenges still unsolved.

After a year of stagnation, in which the only agenda of the ruling parties was to stop the Maoists from returning to power, the new year carries the hope to bring about a solution to the political situation of Nepal.

Pressing problems are awaiting their proper solution, the most important being the integration of the rebel militia into the army and the civil society. To formulate a constitution is the second big task on the agenda. Both subjects are interconnected and without a proper management of the militia no constitution can successfully be written.

The current government seems to be unwilling to let either problem find a solution, which makes it very unlikely that this government will last long. While obviously enjoying the support and guidance of some of the international players the current government is in the end not governing at all but just participating in the international policy of angering the Maoists until they either split or make a grave mistake, which would allow to blame them for the failure of the peace process.

May all responsible people in Nepal stand united to find a peaceful outlet for this difficult situation.

We wish a happy New Year 2067 to all Nepali people!