NUWAKOT: Minister for Foreign Affairs Mahendra Bahadur Pandey has accused the UCPN-Maoist Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal of bypassing the diplomatic channel during his recent India visit.

Speaking at a press meet organised by Press Chautari in Bidur of Nuwakot today, Minister Pandey said, "The high-profile personality of the country who can influence upon the country's policy should always follow the diplomatic norms and values."

He went on to say that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was not aware of Dahal's India visit. As per the diplomatic norms, foreign visits by high-profile political leaders shall be arranged by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

On a different note, the CPN-UML leader expressed his hope that the new constitution would be promulgated within a month. The constitution drafting would not be hindered just due to petty interests of those wanting to make the 16-point agreement defunct and to take the country hostage to indecision.

The constitution would address sentiments of all people of mountainous, hills and Tarai, he added.