KATHMANDU: Newly elected Prime Minister Madkav Kumar Nepal on Tuesday asked the UCPN-Maoist to cooperate with his government to achieve the common national goal.

In his first address to the nation after his election to the post, Nepal also lauded President Dr Ram Baran Yadav for his role of a guardian to the nation. He also thanked NC president Girija Prasad Koirala for his creative role in the country's transition.

Nepal also expressed his commitment to follow the path of broader political consensus. He added that the government would make it a priority to bring the ongoing peace process to a logical end and draft the new constitution on time. Nepal said that his government would continue the development programmes formulated by the then government.

Nepal also promised the conflict-hit that his government would come up with a relief package.

Nepal also called upon the armed groups for talks. He also expressed his commitment to implement the past agreements. He claimed that the present government has represented the civilian supremacy in the country.

Nepal said that the government was committed to maintain mutual relationships with the neighbouring countries and international community.

Saying that he was neither a poisonous plant nor an ambrosia, Nepal said that he was just a plant which provides shelter to the people.