Bhairahawa, December 7:

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs KP Sharma Oli today said the appointment of ambassadors was being delayed due to poor health of Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala. Oli was speaking at a press meet organised by Press Chautari (Rupandehi) here.

The coming meeting of the Cabinet will decide about the appointment of ambassadors, said Oli.

Saying that the Maoists bickering on the appointment of ambassadors was meaningless, Oli said, “Any carping that the Maoists do, ought to come after they have joined the government”.

Saying that no discussion has been held on the issue of changing the prime minister in an interim government, Oli said, “Talk of changing the prime minister is just a rumour.” Oli also accused regressive forces of being active to disrupt constituent assembly elections. He said action would be taken against the suppressors of Jana Andolan II as per the report of the Rayamajhi Commission. “We are studying the Rayamajhi Commission report,” said Oli. He added that there was no question of a Thailand or Fiji style military coup in Nepal.

Earlier, Oli inaugurated the Lumbini Tourism Festival and National Trade Fair here. Speaking at the function, he stressed the need for ending economic backwardness and inequality. He also urged the Maoists to stop extortion and win people’s hearts.

Minister for Industries, Commerce and Supplies Hridesh Tripathi also spoke on the occasion.