KATHMANDU, Aug 29: Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai has appealed to all political parties to come into consensus at the earliest to seek a solution to the present political deadlock but also indicated he would continue in office until a new government was formed legitimately.
The prime minister´s appeal to the opposition came Tuesday in an address to the nation on the occasion of the first anniversary of his assumption of office as prime minister.
"We have only one appeal to the opposition parties -- Differences and misunderstandings in a democratic, changing and open society should be resolved through mutual consultations and negotiations," the prime minister said. "Let us not create inappropriate hurdles on an improper basis."
The prime minister further said, "We appeal to all the political parties to come into consensus at the earliest to find a political solution."
PM addressing the nation. (Photo: Dipesh Shrestha)
The prime minister, in his hour-long address, said that there was significant progress in the peace process after he assumed the top executive post and that his party alone should be given credit for it.
"This success became possible only due to the flexibility of the UCPN (Maoist) and the sacrifice of the People´s Liberation Army," the prime minister said adding, "The People´s Liberation Army should be commended and I believe history will appreciate it highly."
The prime minister said he would not want to stick to his post if a new government was formed in a legitimate manner. "I did not come into politics to become prime minister and to continue in office is not my goal."
But he was quick to add that stepping down in the current constitutional void would further complicate the political situation.
In his 11-page address, the prime minister highlighted the success of his government on different fronts and blamed the Nepali Congress and CPN-UML and the traditional state mechanisms for his failure to live up to people´s expectations.
Success claims
Bringing the Maoist army and arms under the control of the Special Committee
Handover of the keys of the arms containers to the Special Committee
Brining the Maoist army and the cantonments under the control of the government
Progress in resolving many outstanding issues of constitution making
Launching sanitation campaign in Kathmandu
Immediate relief to poor, conflict-affected people
Widening of capital roads. Road expansion to be completed by Dashain
Establishing Urban Development Ministry
Night bus service in Kathmandu
Establishing Hello Sarkar to receive people complaints round the clock
Efforts to check irregularities in foreign employment
Establishment of Nepal Investment Board
Economic Advisory Council
Awarding construction contract for the West Seti Hydropower to a Chinese company
Beginning construction of the Hetauda-Kathmandu fast-track road
Highest economic growth in past three years
Limiting power cuts to 12 hours
Signing BIPPA with India
Works in progress toward democratizing the Nepal Army
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