Kathmandu, June 8 :

Stating that the nation is heading towards election to a Constituent Assembly (CA) for drafting a new constitution, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister KP Sharma Oli said today that the CA elections will “bring about lasting peace in the country.”

Addressing a function organised by the Nepal-Russian Federation Association, Mitrakunja, Nepal-Russia Cultural Association and the Russian Centre of Science and Culture to mark the Day of Russia, Oli said, “Nepal expects cooperation from the international community, including the Russian Federation, in her endeavours to find lasting peace through talks.”

The Deputy Prime Minister said the proclamation made by the Parliament to go for the constituent assembly elections was meant for “creating an equitable democratic polity.” Stating that the Government of Nepal has recalled the Nepali ambassador to Russia in the changed political context, Oli said a fresh appointment will be made soon.

Oli told reporters that diplomatic efforts were under way for the release of the Nepali soldiers in the UN peacekeeping mission, who have been held hostage by a group of rebels in Democratic Republic of Congo.