Rupandehi, January 15:

Speaker Subhas Nembang today urged all concerned not to make integration of Maoist People’s Liberation Army (PLA) soldiers into Nepal Army an issue of debate.

He said this while addressing a press meet organised by the Press Chautari Nepal (Rupandehi) in Butwal today.

When asked about his views on the statements by the Prime Minister, the Chief of Army Staff and CPN-Maoist chairman Prachanda regarding integration of PLA soldiers into the national army, Nembang said: “This should not be made an issue of public debate.”

Saying that no decision on integration of the PLA soldiers has been taken yet, Nembang said, “We should work in a responsible manner on the basis of the agreements we have reached earlier.”

He said the interim parliament would not be dissolved before the constituent assembly polls.

In view of the deferral of CA polls twice, the last sitting of the interim parliament will be held within 21 days after the CA poll result is out, he said.

“The House will remain functional until there is another legitimate body for legislation,” he said.

No questions should be raised regarding the continuity of privileges to the king because it is just a temporary arrangement until the CA poll results are out, he said.

He further informed that the Constituent Assembly can last up to two years.

Nembang said the number of seats in the Constituent Assembly was made 601 keeping in view the mixed and proportionate representation election system but the Constituent Assembly will determine the formation and capacity of the new Parliament.

He also said that the government was concerned about the security during the CA polls and that it would come up with a plan.

The government will a hold meeting with the Election Commission on January 20 and then with the Tarai Madhes Democratic Party to discuss the issue of CA election, he said.