KATHMANDU: British Prime Minister's Special Representative for Peace Building Jack McConnell who was on a three-day visit to Nepal, said on Friday if 28 May was an unrealistic deadline, then thought should be given to extending it sooner rather than later.

On departure, Dr McConnell said, "I have had a constructive series of meetings with key political actors. It is clear that further efforts are now needed to resolve the future of former combatants, and to write the constitution, on time. If 28 May is an unrealistic deadline, then thought should be given to extending it sooner rather than later." He also argued that this visit reinforced for him the opportunities that peace can bring to poor people in Nepal. "So if the peace process can be concluded, I am certain that more development will follow," a press release issued by the British Embassy in Kathmandu quoted Dr McConnell as saying During his visit, McConnell, who left Nepal today, met a cross-section of civil society, a wide range of political leaders, and international donors. Delivering a letter from UK's Prime Minister Gordon Brown to Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal, McConnell urged the government to seek common ground at this crucial juncture in the peace process. Quoting McConnell the press release said, "At this historic moment it is crucial that the government of Nepal can be flexible enough to resolve differences with other parties, so that the new democratic constitution can be delivered to the people, and concrete progress made on driving forward other aspects of the peace agreement. Without progress on peace, development will be delayed." McConnell further emphasised how Nepal should make good use of international support, in particular through UNMIN and OHCHR, during the still fragile transitional period. In a subsequent meeting with the leader of the main opposition party, UCPN (Maoist) chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda', McConnell again stressed the need for all sides to demonstrate their seriousness about the peace process, by showing good faith, and fully engaging on plans for rehabilitation and integration of the former combatants, and supporting democratic norms and freedoms in the new constitution. He also called for an end to political violence. During his visit, McConnell also met Minister for Peace and Reconstruction Rakam Chemjong with whom he discussed the priority Truth and Reconciliation Commission and Disappearance Commission bills. He also paid respects to the late Girija Prasad Koirala at the holy offerings performed at Pashupatinath Temple.