Prez warns of action if parties fail to reach package deal
REPUBLICA
KATHMANDU, Oct 14: President Ram Baran Yadav has asked political parties to reach a ´package deal´ on all issues including formation of a new all-party government, declaration of election date, modality of election and the appointment of heads in different constitutional bodies to resolve the long-standing political impasse.
Addressing a function organized by Nepal Chamber of Commerce to mark its 60th anniversary, Yadav also warned that he would not confine himself as a mere spectator should the parties failed to reach the deal with urgency.
“The Interim Constitution has stated that there will be a president, whose prime duty would be to safeguard the constitution. Abide by the constitution. What does it mean to safeguard the constitution now? I should burn incense sticks and pray on the book or safeguard the country”" he asked.
Yadav added that his duty was not just to worship the Interim Constitution and remain mute spectator as the country slid down towards disasters. “You have given me a book written with your blood and sweats and I have taken an oath on it," he said referring to the Interim Constitution 2007. “In that book, you have written that there will be a president whose prime duty would be to safeguard the interim constitution."
President Yadav gestures in the program. (Photo: Bijay Gajmer)
In his recent meeting with the top leaders of all parties represented in the erstwhile CA, Yadav had urged them to first decide on the future political course - CA revival or fresh CA election. He had also told the parties that he was ready to do anything to resolve the deadlock based on their suggestions.
President Yadav said his request on political parties had fallen on deaf ears so far. "Political parties have assured me that they would reach in a broader agreement to resolve this situation by coming Tuesday." He further added, "I am hopeful that they would be able to develop a consensus among them."
Yadav, who was very critical of the political parties, demanded the parties form a new all-party government, announce fresh date of CA election and agree on the number of CA members and procedures to hold that poll. "Everything should be done in a package," he said. "Piecemeal deal will just decay the function of the country´s system to move forward."
The president expressed concerns that the achievements of seven-decade long democratic struggles could be in jeopardy if the parties continued locking their horn“.
"Our honorable ministers need laws. Chief Secretary is also here. He is also in need of laws," he said. "Constitutional positions are becoming vacant one after another. I need deserving candidates in those positions. I also need budget. I need national consensus government," he vented his frustration.
President Yadav also said there was no other way except political consensus among parties to bring budget for the fiscal year 2012/13.
"There is no other way to bring budget for the fiscal year 2012/13, either one third or full-fledged, without broader political understanding. The Interim Constitution - 2007 has no provision to bring any kind of budget in the absence of parliament without political consensus," he said.
The government had brought one third budget for this fiscal year 2012/13 through ordinance after the dissolution of Constitution Assembly in May.
PLEASE DESIST FROM ATTACKING THE WRITER PERSONALLY AND BE RESPECTFUL TO OTHER READERS.
Please give your full name while posting your comments. This is not to stifle the free flow of comments but your full name will enable us to print the comments in our newspaper.
Prez Warns Of Action If Parties Fail To Reach Package Deal
![[del.icio.us]](http://images.del.icio.us/static/img/delicious.small.gif){kind=small}
Copyright © Nepal Republic Media Pvt. Ltd. 2008-10.