Kathmandu, April 1:

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon’s Personal Representative, Ian Martin, and the European Union have welcomed the interim government. Martin termed it a key moment for the consolidation of Nepal’s peace process.

“A truly unified government should be in a stronger position to face the challenges: creating conditions for a credible Constituent Assembly election; addressing the legitimate demands of groups in Nepalese society calling for more inclusive democracy; establishing effective law enforcement across the country; and providing for the future of former combatants and a wider reform of security sector.”

Martin retierated the UN’s support in ensuring full compliance with the commitments made by the parties to the Agreement on the Monitoring of the Management of Arms and Armies, as well as monitoring the electoral process.

He welcomed the renewed commitments intended to create an environment conducive to holding the constituent assembly polls and to provide for more effective monitoring of agreements, which will be crucial in transforming conditions throughout the districts and which the UN is committed to assist.

“Effective law enforcement that respects international standards, accountability for violations of citizens’ rights, and ending breaches of the commitments under the Comprehensive Peace Agreement will be critical elements for success in the coming months,” Martin added.

The EU also welcomed the interim government. In a statement, the EU said it considered the promulgation of the interim constitution and the formation of the interim parliament and government as important milestones in the peace process.

The statement added that EU encouraged the interim government and the parliament to take the peace process forward by preparing for timely CA polls.

RPP, RJP congratulate PM

Kathmandu: Chairman of the RPP, Pashupati Shumsher Rana, and RJP president Surya Bahadur Thapa on Sunday congratulated PM Girija Prasad Koirala for being chosen to head the interim government. On the matter raised by Rana that his party would play the role of an opposition as the parliament did not have one, Koirala said: “The Interim Constitution has a provision whereby the interim government can pick a PM by a two-third majority, I think the role of the opposition begins from there.”

Thapa said it was not the time to dig up issues. Janamorcha Nepal urged the PM to see to it that law and order situation is improved. NWPP chairman, Narayan Man Bijukchee, said the constitution needs to be amended as it has a provision for holding elections by mid-June (end of Jestha), while the parties today announced that the same would be held on June 20. — HNS