“The interim constitution draft would integrate all Nepali people in making a new Nepal by bringing an end to all types of problems seen in every sector of the country.”
Madhav Kumar Nepal, general secretary of the Unified Marxist Leninist (UML), talking to journalists after the finalization of the interim constitution.
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“All functions to be carried out by Head of State will now be carried out by PM as head of government. This is another big step towards republic Nepal.”
Iswor Pokharel, senior leader of Unified Marxist Leninist, after the finalization of the interim constitution.
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“The King has been retained only in name. The government would give the titular King liberty to step down, become a commoner and form his party to contest constituent assembly elections.”
Dr. Minendra Rijal, leader of NC (Democratic), reacting to media after the finalization of the interim constitution.
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“Prachanda's repeated praise for India's role in bringing about the agreement...creates illusions among the masses about India rather than preparing them for fighting the Indian expansionists who are keen on skirmishing Nepal in future.”
Azad, spokesperson of Communist Party of India (Maoists), in a press statement.
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“Communists have increased in the country due to Nepali Congress’ pro-King policies.”
Narahari Acharya, a central leader of NC, in a meet with journalists.
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“The change of King has neither solved refugee problem nor political issues.”
Ratan Gazmere, a Bhutanese refugee leader responding to decision of Bhutanese King to abdicate in favor of Crown Prince, in Kantipur.
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“We believe that Girija Prasad Koirala should lead a democratic front against republican communists.”
Rabindra Nath Sharma, president of Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP-Nepal), in a press meeting.
Transition:
APPROVED: A new national emblem, replacing the old one, by the cabinet. The new emblem will come into use beginning January 1, 2007.
RETURNED: Pranab Mukherjee, Indian Minister for External Affairs, after completing a day-long visit to Kathmandu. He had come to invite PM GP Koirala to attend the 14 th SAARC Summit to be held in April in New Delhi.
RETURNED: The Technical Assessment Mission of the United Nations, after completing a weeklong task of assessing actual logistic and technical needs of monitors.
ARRIVED: An expert team of the UN to determine the process and modalities of verification of arms and armies.
LEFT: Gopal Man Shrestha, Minister for Works and Physical Planning, for New Delhi to take part in the UN meeting on habitat and urban poverty.
AWARDED: Comedian duo Madan Krishna Shrestha and Hari Bansha Acharya, with Bhairab Puraskar.
