Ban Ki-moon calls for timely statute

KATHMANDU, MAY 25 -

With just three days remaining for the promulgation of the new constitution, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has urged all the political parties and other concerned authorities to ensure timely statute, noting that the term of the Constituent Assembly could end before the adoption of a new constitution.

“The Secretary-General is concerned about the prospect of the term of the CA expiring without the adoption of a constitution that meets the expectations and aspirations of the people of Nepal,” Ban’s spokesperson said in a statement.

Nepal has been plagued by political disputes since the civil war between Government forces and Maoists, which claimed 13,000 lives, formally ended in 2007, and its monarchy was abolished. Several deadlines to draft a new constitution have been missed. The CA is tasked with drafting a new constitution. Its term was extended by six months in late November last year – that extension is reportedly due to expire on Sunday, 27 May.

Thus, Ban has appealed to all parties to remain within the framework of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement and the CA, his spokesperson said, adding that the Secretary-General also appealed for all concerned to remain calm and exercise restraint.

Source: The Kathmandu Post