Interim constitution only after verification of Maoist arms and armies

Central committee member of Nepali Congress Democratic Dr. Prakash Sharan Mahat has said that the interim constitution will be promulgated only after the United Nations (UN) starts monitoring of Maoist arms and armies after verification.

NC-D leader Dr Prakash Sharan Mahat, at an interaction program organized by the Reporters’ Club today, said the interim constitution will be formed only after the UN starts monitoring of the Maoist arms and armies, Monday, Dec 18 06. nepalnews.com/ANA

Speaking at an interaction at the Reporters’ Club on Monday, Dr. Mahat urged the UN to complete its work in Nepal on a fast track.

Stating that delay in verification of the Maoist arms and armies will push back the whole process of promulgating an interim constitution, forming interim legislature and government, Dr. Mahat urged the UN to expedite its work in Nepal.

He also said that verification process of the Maoist combatants should be done by the UN team itself, adding, “The UN is the only authentic institution for the process while former British Gurkhas may work in assisting the UN team.”

He also urged Maoists not to create obstruction in re-establishment of police posts as the police have the responsibility of providing security during the elections of the constituent assembly.

Speaking at the same programme, UML leader Ishwor Pokhrel said that the five-point agreement sent to UN secretary general by the Prime Minister and Maoist chairman Prachanda is the basic guideline for arms management.

He also informed that the interim government would be formed immediately after promulgating interim constitution.

Stating that there is a need of moving ahead through consensus for restoring sustainable peace in the country, leader Pokhrel also stressed the need of forming common minimum programme (CMP) among the political parties and a joint implementation mechanism to implement the CMP.

Similarly, General Secretary of Nepali Congress, Ram Chandra Poudel also said that they agreed to promulgate the interim constitution only after verification and monitoring of Maoist arms by the UN team.

Stating that people in remote parts are still living under the shadow of fear and Maoist excesses are ongoing in various parts of the country, Poudel said that management of Maoist arms is a must to hold the election in free and fair elections of the constituent assembly. nepalnews.com pb Dec 18 06