"We want to continue working with parties and the
int'l community," says Prachanda
In what appeared to be his attempt to assure the
domestic and foreign political actors - who are
seemingly at unease over the nationwide sweep of the
election by the party of former rebels - Maoist
chairman Prachanda has expressed his party's sincerity
towards the peace process.
With his shoulders carrying garlands upon garlands of
flowers and forehead smeared with red vermillion, an
elated Maoist chairman Prachanda addressed an
impromptu press meet at Birendra International
Convention Center (BICC) in New Baneshwore, where the
vote counting was carried out.
"We will work together with not only the seven parties
but also the new parties that will be established
through this election and the old parties in existence
in the forthcoming constitution making process," he
said.
"All eyes are upon us. This is a positive challenge
for us. I want to clarify that the path of cooperation
that we adopted since 12-point agreement will
continue," he said.
"For the international community and especially our
neighbors India and China, I want to say that our
party wants good relations with all of them and is
willing to work together on development cooperation
and peace process," he said.
"Our commitment on multi party democracy has been
expressed through this election as well," he added, in
an attempt to queries among some quarters raising
doubts on Maoists' democratic credentials.
He had a lot of words of thanks for the people of
Nepal.
"I have taken this victory as the people's mandate to
us to consolidate lasting peace. We will remain honest
to that mandate," he said.
The press meet was attended also by senior Maoist
leaders Dr. Baburam Bhattarai and Hisila Yami.
Prachanda, however, did not say anything about whether
his party will stake claim to the government's
leadership. nepalnews.com sd Apr 12 08
