“What has been reported in the media is a partial fact; it is not true that the integration process for ex-combatants has been stalled for a particular post in the army,” Bhattarai, who is also coordinator of the Special Committee, told media persons at his residence at Baluwatar, Saturday afternoon. [break]
He also dismissed media reports that the UCPN (Maoist) has stuck to brigadier general.
“Integration of Maoist ex-combatants will be concluded as per the spirit of the Comprehensive Peace Accord (CPA), the Interim Constitution and the seven-point agreement,” he stated, adding, “It will not happened going beyond those agreements.”
The prime minister maintained that the integration process would begin within a couple of days, saying that the major political parties were busy with serious talks and the peace and constitution drafting process.
“The political parties will come to a positive conclusion on the issues (of peace and constitution) very soon,” Bhattarai stated.
He claimed that integration of the ex-combatants could be concluded within 10 days if the political parties presented themselves responsibly.
Bhattarai stated that the purpose of the present government was to conclude the twin tasks of peace and constitution drafting.
He argued that a government of national consensus was a must to ensure peace and a new constitution.
In a separate context, the prime minister said that anti-democratic elements including former king Gyanendra were trying to disrupt peace and the statute-writing process.
“The former king seems to be very active at a time when the peace process is in its last phase; this will not be acceptable,” the prime minister stated.
He stressed the need for awareness about conspiracy by such elements.
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