BANKE: President Dr Ram Baran Yadav today said the press has been contributing a lot to the development of the country.

Speaking at an inaugural function of the central convention of the Federation of Nepalese Journalists in Nepalgunj, Yadav also said that the media always have a role to play in directing the political parties.

He also said that national consensus was necessary for drafting the new constitution.

Dr Yadav, however, emphasised on timely drafting of the statute to free the country from the present crises.

"Democracy can only be institutionalised after the drafting of the statute," the president said.

President Yadav also made public a magazine "Nepalgunj" published by the FNJ.

Saying that unity among political parties is a must for peace, political stability and protection of human rights he added that the political parties can play a decisive role.

Yadav further said, "It is the responsibility of the political parties to institutionalise the present change."

Urging all to develop a thought that we are Nepalis first, President Yadav said, "We should search for other identities after that."

"Independent media is the oxygen for Democracy," he said.

He added that the responsibility of mediapersons is more important in this transitional phase. "I urge mediapersons to work without fear," he added.

Meanwhile, Constituent Assembly Chairman Subas Chandra Nembang said that high-level understanding among the political parties was needed at present.

He claimed that the statute could be drafted within the stipulated time if the parties could build such understanding.

Claiming that the statute will be drafted as per the aspirations of the people, he said the political parties should dedicated themselves to that.

Acknowledging the role played by the media in decisive moments of Nepali history, he said, "I am always for press freedom.''

Minister for Information and Communication Shankar Pokharel, Nepali Congress acting president Sushil Koirala, Madhesi Janadhikar Forum chairman Upendra Yadav also attended the programme.