June 12, 2003	Thursday	Rabi-us-Sani 11, 1424

KATHMANDU, June 11: Nepal’s new prime minister, Surya Bahadur Thapa, on Wednesday appointed a “mini-cabinet” a week after being appointed, state-run radio announced.

Mr Thapa kept the important portfolios of foreign, defence, and home for himself, the radio said, quoting the royal palace.

The appointments were all from his National Democratic Party (NDP), as other political parties have refused to cooperate with him.

Mr Thapa appointed Prakash Chandra Lohani as finance minister, Kamal Thapa as information and communications minister, Hari Bahadur Basnet as education and sports minister, Buddhi Man Tamang as physical planning and public works minister, Sarbendra Nath Shukla as civil aviation, tourism and culture minister, while Renu Yadav was made minister of state for women, children and social welfare.

Thapa was appointed by King Gyanendra on June 4, provoking strong criticism from most political parties.—AFP