PM Dahal vows to take peace process to 'logical conclusion, intensifies
parleys to find consensus
Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal on Monday renewed his commitment to take
the constitution drafting and the peace process into a "logical
conclusion" under any circumstances, adding that for this integration and
rehabilitation of the former Maoist combatants is a main pre-requisite.
Addressing a mass meet organised by the Unified CPN (Maoist) at the Open
Air Theatre of the capital city to commemorate the popular movement of
1990, PM Dahal, who is also its chairman, said that those who oppose army
integration are not "true democrats".
Main opposition Nepali Congress and top coalition leaders argue that the
integration of Maoist combatants into the Nepal Army will not be in the
best interest of the country, even warning that it will lead to civil
strife.
Appearing in dark suit with his dark hair combed backwards in his first
public appearance after arriving from his visit of Norway and Finland, PM
Dahal also requested political parties not to obstruct the normal
proceedings of the House as it would only hamper the constitution drafting
process. Clearly hinting at the Nepali Congress, he said "few power centers" are
intent on not allowing the new constitution to be drafted on the
leadership of the Maoists and asked all to remain ever aware about this.
The Maoists are organizing mass assemblies in the capital city including
Pokhara, Biratnagar, Janakpur, Nepalgunj, Dang, Kalaiyaa and Kanchanpur to
mark the day when the 1990 popular uprising reached its peak which
eventually led to fall of the oppressive Panchayati regime.
Likewise, few central committee members of the Maoist party also addressed
the assembly at the Open Air Theatre.
However, the participation of the people in the assembly was less than
expected due to the nationwide general strike called by few left parties.
Similarly, Maoist Parliamentary party deputy leader Narayan Kazi Shrestha
and Secretariat member Lila Mani Pokharel addressed the assembly in
Pokhara and Biratnagar respectively.
Meanwhile, PM Dahal intensified consultations with political parties today
as well following threats from major parties like UML and Nepali Congress
that they would disrupt normal business of the House.
The two parties accuse Maoists of continuing with their excesses and trying
to impose totalitarianism.
In the course, PM Dahal held discussions with the Terai Madhesh Loktantrik
Party (TMLP) in the afternoon and assured that the government is seriously
considering their demands which include implementation of the party's
13-point demands.
Prime Minister Dahal also met Nepali Congress president Girija Prasad Koirala Monday afternoon. Dahal requested Koirala not to obstruct the proceedings of the House. In reply, Koirala said, NC would not obstruct the house but the government should address the demands of the UML. PM Dahal also apprised Koirala of his Europe tour and urged NC to join the government. Koirala said, NC would support peace process without joining the government, according to a Koirala aide Dr Suresh Chalise. nepalnews.com ag Apr 06 09
