“Nepali Congress wants the constitution formulated within this outline,” Koirala said while addressing an interaction program organized by party’s panel for recommending draft of a new constitution.[break]
Referring to his past announcement that NC would formulate a new constitution and send it to people for their endorsement, Koirala said, “when I realized the Maoists were not ready to draft a new constitution, I floated the concept but now all are focused on making of a new constitution.”
Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal’s latest remarks made in Khullamanch (Open Air Theatre), however, has created suspicion over what sort of constitution Nepal will have in the future, Koirala said. “I called him (PM Dahal) and asked him to announce his commitment for democratic constitution at the same venue.”
Koirala said the internaitonal community has started doubting whether the Maoists genuinly want a democratic constitution. He claimed the international community supported the peace process only after the parties adopted the policy of consensus, collaboration and unity.
“I have told the PM that whatever dignity he had gained in international spectrum has now gone with the remarks made in Tundikhel,” Koirala said.
Koirala said Nepali Congress wanted a constitution of its unique character. “We have already set two unique examples by taking the peace process to this stage and abolishing the monarchy without any bloodshed,” said Koirala. “Now we have to set another example by making a constitution suitable for our country.”
He said the new constitution must ensure devolution of power to local level to ensure participation of all the groups and communities in governance.
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