THT 10 YEARS AGO: Govt inks eight-point deal with Madhesi factions

Kathmandu, February 28, 2008

The government and United Madhesi Democratic Front sealed an eight-point agreement today, going a step ahead of the third amendment in the interim constitution and outlining the structure of future Nepal: a federal democratic republic comprising autonomous provinces.

The third amendment on December 28 had pldeged to declare Nepal a federal democratic republic. “Accepting the desire of Madhesi people for an autonomous Madhes province and the desires of the people of other regions for autonomous provinces under a federal set-up, Nepal will be a federal democratic republic,” Home Minister Krishna Prasad Sitaula read one of the points drawing applause, mainly from the supporters of the Front, at a press conference at the Prime Minister’s official residence in Baluwatar.

The agreement is also expected to clear a major hurdle — the Madhes agitation since February 13 — ahead of the Constituent Assembly election, slated for April 10. Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala signed the deal on behalf of the government, flanked by UML General Secretary Madhav Kumar Nepal and Maoist Chairman Prachanda. Rajendra Mahato of the Sadbhawana Party, Upendra Yadav of the Madhesi Janadhikar Forum and Mahantha Thakur of the Tarai Madhes Democratic Party initialled the deal on behalf of the Front.

India, US, UNMIN hail deal

Delhi / Kathmandu, February 28, 2008

India, the United States and UNMIN today heartily welcomed the agreeement between the Nepli government and the United Madhesi Democratic Front. Immediately after the deal was signed, Indian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Navtej Sarna issued a statement in New Delhi welcoming the deal.

The statement added that the agreement had paved the way for constituent assembly (CA) polls in Nepal. India also urged all political parties in Nepal to honour their commitments and hoped that the latest agreement would be implemented in letter and spirit. “It is up to the Nepali people to chart their political and social future.

They ought to decide for themselves what sort of government they want in their country and elect the representatives of their choice. This is essential for a democratic, stable and progressive Nepal. At all times, India is ready to provide any assistance required in this regard,” the statement added. “We expect this agreement will lead the UDMF parties to end their Tarai bandh with immediate effect and will pave the way for the three parties to participate fully in the upcoming Constituent Assembly election on April 10,” a statement issued by the US embassy here said. It also said the US expects both sides will fulfil the terms of the agreement.