Addressing a special function organized at the army pavilion at Tundikhel to mark the first Republic Day, Nepal said, "Given that the country is in a political transition and the country´s unique geopolitical location, we need to move ahead by maintaining a higher level of political unity and understanding."[break]
He called on the political parties to join hands with the government to accomplish the tasks of writing the new constitution, taking the ongoing peace process to a logical conclusion and bringing about economic as well as social progress in the country. "We cannot complete the objectives if we fail to clear misunderstandings among the political parties," he said.
Nepal, who was elected Prime Minister last Saturday, also expressed commitment to introduce forward-looking social, economic and cultural transformations and ensure good governance in the country.
Top UCPN (Maoist) leaders were conspicuously absent from the function. The Maoists organized a separate rally at Basantapur to mark the Republic Day.
The function was attended by President Dr Ram Baran Yadav, Vice President Paramananda Jha, ministers, CA members, high-level government officials and heads of various constitutional organs, among others.
Earlier in the morning, Prime Minister Nepal laid the foundation stone for the construction of a Republic Tower at Ratnapark to mark the first anniversary of the establishment of Republic in Nepal.
The structure being built to commemorate the announcement of republic will be the tallest structure in Kathmandu Valley. According to government official, the structure will also be attractive and distinct in terms of its design.
Secretary at the Ministry of Physical Planning and Works Uma Kanta Jha said the monument that the Maoist-led government planned to set up inside the Narayanhiti Palace and the Republic Tower for which the foundation was laid on Friday were different.
Senior leaders of Unified Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) had termed the move of new government to build the Republic Tower at Ratnapark as an attempt to revive monarchy through ´baby king.´ The Maoist-led government had even allocated Rs 50 million for the construction of the monument.
Secretary Jha said they have not yet finalized the design of the Republic Tower. They will invite designs from individuals and institutions and determine the cost of its construction.
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