Statute Amendment a Milestone in Nepal's History: Prachanda

Statute Amendment a Milestone in Nepal's History: Prachanda

Kathmandu, December 29, 2007
Maoist chairman Prachanda today termed that the third amendment in the interim constitution declaring the country a republic by the interim parliament on Friday was a "milestone" in Nepal's political history. "Though there may be some challenges ahead, it has, indeed, heralded a new era in the country's political course. Monarchy would not stage a come back again," Prachanda told the media persons after addressing a function organised by Kathmandu Deaf Association. He said objective of the decade-old People's War and repeated people's movements was fulfilled following the parliament's decision to declare the country a republic on Friday. "Now onwards, people can be assured of the fact that the constituent assembly election will be held in mid-April," he said, adding that various commissions proposed by the comprehensive peace accord would also be formed soon following the seven-party alliance's meeting in a day or two.

He said there would be no problem in holding election even in Madhes as most of their demands had been addressed. He said they would soon form a mechanism to effectively run the interim government and decide on venues and dates of holding joint rallies in seven places across the country as per the 23-point agreement. On his party joining the government, Prachanda said he met Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala this morning and gave a name list of Maoist leaders to be included in the interim cabinet. He said they also asked the PM to appoint one state minister from his party in the Ministry of Peace and Reconstruction to run it impartially. According to him, Krishna Bahadur Mahara would lead the Maoist party in the interim cabinet. Other ministers include Dev Gurung as Local Development Minister, Hishila Yami as Minister for Physical Planning and Works, Matrika Prasad Yadav as Minister for Forest and Soil Conservation and Pampha Bhusal as Minister for Woman, Children and Social Welfare. Bhusal was earlier recommended for an ambassadorship to France but she is learnt to have been rejected by the host country. Prachanda has also recommended names of Padam Rai and Nabin BK to the PM as state ministers for Local Development and Woman, Children and Social Welfare respectively.
Source: THT Online