MPs take exception to PM’s statement on army integration

The lawmakers have taken strong exception to statements given by Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala and Nepal Army (NA) chief Rookmangud Katawal that the Maoist army cannot be integrated into the NA.

Speaking during Thursday's sitting of the parliament, lawmakers said such statements would seriously affect the constituent assembly election process. They urged all sides to stop the debate over army integration before the elections.

MPs Raghuji Panta and Lokendra Bista said the Prime Minister and the army chief would be held responsible if their statements lead to failure of the polls.

The lawmakers also raised the issue of the border encroachment. After they demanded government’s reaction to the issue, Foreign Minister Sahana Pradhan informed the House that negotiations were going on at the diplomatic level.

At the beginning of the Housesitting, Speaker Subas Nemwang had announced the names of newly appointed members of the parliament from Nepal Congress, UML and Rastriya Prajatantra Party. nepalnews.com ia Jan 10 08