PM calls for strengthening FDR system

Kathmandu, August 20

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli today urged all parties to defend and strengthen the federal democratic republic system of governance and the constitution, while parties expressed their commitment to support the system and the statute.

In his first meeting with all four parties represented in the Parliament since he assumed office in February last year, Oli said attempts were being made by several quarters to jeopardise the existing system of governance and the constitution.

“All the parties that struggled together to bring this change should move ahead united,” Oli was quoted as saying by Nepal Communist Party (NCP) Spokesperson Narayan Kaji Shrestha after the meeting in Baluwatar this evening.

When asked who all were threatening the system, Shrestha said the government was only being cautious about activities of powers that were displaced after the political transformation in the country.

Oli urged all parties to move head united to ensure perennial peace and not allow violence in the country again. “Nobody should be involved in activities that encourage violence,” Shrestha quoted Oli as saying in

the meeting.

Oli reassured the leaders about his health, stating he did not have any serious health problem. He said he was leaving for Singapore on Thursday for a follow-up as per the advice of doctors.

Today’s meeting that lasted for around three hours concluded that the remaining works related to the peace process, especially the transitional justice process, should be taken to its logical conclusion at the earliest.

The ruling NCP and the main opposition Nepali Congress are scheduled to hold a meeting tomorrow evening regarding appointment of commissioners in two transitional justice mechanisms — Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the Commission on Investigation of Enforced Disappeared Persons.

Leader of Opposition and NC President Sher Bahadur Deuba and other political leaders pledged to back the NCP and the government on federalism, republicanism, democracy and the constitution.

Speaking to journalists after the meeting, NC leader Krishna Prasad Sitaula appreciated the PM for seeking the opposition’s support and cooperation. He said today’s meeting discussed attacks being made on the existing governance system from both sides — extreme left and extreme right. “We suggested that the National Human Rights Commission should remain independent and the press should have absolute freedom as guaranteed by the constitution,” said Sitaula.

RJP-N leader Raj Kishore Yadav said his party suggested that the government should strengthen institutions, control corruption and ensure peace and security to strengthen the existing system.