E-Kantipur

KATHMANDU, APR 24 -

Leaders of Nepal’s political parties are anxious that there should be a full and final draft of the constitution before the deadline for the statute drafting expires on May 28.

A day after Maoist Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal expressed optimism that a draft of the new constitution could be readied by May-end, Prime Minister Jhala Nath Khanal on Saturday advanced  a similar argument. Khanal said a preliminary draft of the constitution could still be finalised before May 28 but admitted that such a document might not include specifics on a federal set-up. “It is still possible to reach an agreement on forms of governance and electoral system,” he said.

In an interview to the Post at his official residence in Baluwatar on Saturday evening, PM Khanal defended his government’s perceived inaction-arguing that conflict transformation was complex and time consuming and that putting a timeline to it was next to “impossible.”

“Slow and steady wins the race,” the PM said justifying his government’s record of over two-and-and-a-half months. He admitted that progress on the peace process front has been slow but assured that there would be major developments in the next four weeks.

“If we can make a drastic change in our position, we can resolve this issue sooner. So, by May 28, I am confident that we can come up with a first draft...,” he said.

The PM was certain that the term of the Constituent Assembly would be extended but appeared cognisant of the need to show substantial forward movement to justify it before the people and Doubting Thomases.

“We have to do something to allay the fear of uncertainty among people about the post May 28 situation,” PM Khanal said. On the issue of integrating Maoist combatants, he said the parties have come closer on certain modalities.

“We are discussing a concept that is also agreed upon by the Nepal Army. This concept is basically formulated by considering interests and the well-being of the forces. It is not important who proposed it. The major parties, Nepal Army and the government are close to consensus on the modality. The possibility of consensus is increasing,”

he said.

“Consensus should be reached  before May 28. I have held discussions with Maoist Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal. We will reach consensus on army integration pretty soon  and that will resolve other issues,” he said.

Asked if he sees any danger after May 28, Khanal said such a situation could arise if parties fail to shoulder their responsibilities. About the government’s response to Indian security concerns raised during the visit of Foreign Minister SM Krishna, he said he was committed to addressing those concerns.

“I committed we won’t allow our  territory to be used against any neighbours. But to really address all  concerns we have to strengthen our national security system. We should reach a deeper understanding on managing the open border. There should be coordination between security agencies of the two countries,” the Prime Minister said.

 

Posted on: 2011-04-24 08:51

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