Kathmandu, October 28:

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal “Prachanda” today reiterated the commitment to draft a new constitution reflecting the aspirations of the people within the stipulated time.

Constitution-writing, peace process and economic prosperity should be the priority, Dahal said, expressing hope that relations with the main opposition will improve further.

The relations with the Nepali Congress have warmed up in the past couple of weeks, he told reporters at the Reporters’ Club.

The PM handed Krishna Sen Ichchhuk Prize for Courage, set up by the Club and carrying a purse of NRs 25,000, to pro-Maoist journalist Shakti Lamsal.

The statute will be home-grown and tailored to meet the people’s desires and the peace process will move forward free from external pressure, he said.

The Prime Minister said the country stands at a critical juncture and urged all political forces to work hand in hand to take the peace process to its logical end. “Historic changes that have long-term implications are not free from risks of accidents,” Prachanda said. “Constitution-making is closely linked with the future of the nation, which is determined by whether traditional, or status quoist or forward-moving force has the major role,” the prime minister added.

Nepal’s transition has really been fast-paced, said the

prime minister. Relatively in a short time, the armed conflict has transformed into the peace process, which in turn paved

the way for the Constituent

Assembly election, followed by the formation of government,” he explained.