Narayangarh, September 18:

CPN-UML general secretary Madhav Kumar Nepal today said that he was confident of the formation of an interim government, including the Maoists, by November 16.

Speaking at the inauguration of the CPN-UML affiliated ANNFSU’s 18th national convention, Nepal expressed confidence that the summit meeting of the eight parties before Dashain would help realise the formation of an interim government and parliament before November 16. He added, “We are for the formation of interim parliament and government after a meeting of top leaders of the eight parties that will be held before Dashain. We also expect the announcement of a constituent assembly.”

Nepal said that when he met Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala two days ago, he made it clear to the PM that the government’s working pace was slower than that of a snail. He said he was positive that the meeting between Koirala and Maoist supremo Prachanda would contribute to the formation of an interim government that would include the Maoists.

Stating that the constituent assembly poll should be held by mid-June 2007 and that the election commission should start preparations for it now, Nepal warned that any conspiracy against democracy would spark another people’s movement.

Since the monarchy has always betrayed the people and deprived them of their rights, it has become irrelevant in the present context, Nepal said. “The monarchy that began in Nepal from Kulmandan Shah will end after king Gyanendra,” Nepal said. “The monarchy is now on the verge of collapse. Whoever supports it will also collapse.” He said that the monarchy should be done away with and replaced by a democratic republic. “For this, the CPN-UML has raised the issue of referendum,” Nepal said. “The king should accept the people’s verdict and be ready to live as an honourable private citizen of this country.”

Stating that the seven-party alliance and the Maoists should move ahead unitedly to solve the problems faced by the country, Nepal said, “Nobody can hurt us if there is unity.” Nepal said that some foreign powers had put pressure on the political parties to end the stir during the people’s movement but were not successful due to the people’s wishes. He said, “The foreign powers can overcome us only when we fail to be firm about our goals.”

Coordinator of the ANNFSU’s 18th national convention organising committee, Khim Lal Bhattarai said democracy and monarchy were incompatible. Saying that the youth, children and elderly all are for a Nepal without monarchy, Bhattarai urged the PM not to take the monarchy’s side. On the occasion, the ANNFSU valley cultural committee presented a colourful pageant of songs and dances.

The rally with cultural bands went around the Narayangarh bazaar prior to the inauguration ceremony. General secretary Nepal also participated in the rally, which chanted slogans in favour of a republican set up.