Defence Minister denies being asked clarification by PM
"The prime minister has not asked for clarification over my statement on army integration," said Minister Bhandari talking to journalists after meeting visiting Indian Army Chief Gen. Deepak Kapoor. "I am firm on my statement on army integration."
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KATHMANDU, JAN 21 - Defence Minister Bidya Bhandari, who has been dragged into controversy over her statement on integration of Maoist combatants, said on Thursday that the prime minister has not sought clarification from her on the same. She reiterated that she is firm on her stand on integration of Maoist ex-combatants.
"The prime minister has not asked for clarification over my statement on army integration," said Minister Bhandari talking to journalists after meeting visiting Indian Army Chief Gen. Deepak Kapoor. "I am firm on my statement on army integration."
She added that there won't be any changes in fundamentals of her opinion on the same.
"Sooner or later everyone will accept my opinion as the time passes by," said the defence minister, whose statement that her ministry and Nepal Army (NA) could not be compelled to abide by the decision of the Special Committee for the Supervision, Integration and Rehabilitation of Maoist combatants prompted the Maoists leaders to react in public programmes.
Organising a sudden press meet on Tuesday, Minister Bhadari had categorically denied the bulk integration of Maoist combatants into the NA. She had said the decision of the special committee led by Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal cannot be the final, arguing that the committee lacks representatives from the Nepal Army and the defence ministry.
The cabinet meeting held on Wednesday had reiterated that the government was committed to comply with the peace process and the interim constitution.
Posted on: 2010-01-21 04:19
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