'Economic progress must for institutionalizing outcomes of peace process'
KATHMANDU, Sept 22:
Leaders of major political parties have said economic progress is vital for institutionalizing the achievements of the peace process.
Speaking at a program entitled ´´Nepal´s peace process: Eight years on….´ organized by the Society of Economic Journalists Nepal (SEJON) and United Nations Development Program (UNDP) on Monday, architects of peace process -- Krishna Prasad Sitaula of Nepali Congress (NC), Pradeep Gyawali of CPN-UML and Krishna Bahadur Mahara of UCPN (Maoist) -- said political parties have common vision for economic development despite differences in political ideology.
“The recent signing of Power Trade Agreement (PTA) with India shows how serious political parties are regarding economic development,” Krishna Bahadur Mahara, general secretary of UCPN (Maoist), said.
Similarly, NC General Secretary Krishna Prasad Sitaula, said political parties had failed to complete the task of writing a new constitution and constituting the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), which are the integral parts of the peace process, within the required timeframe. “Major components of the 12-point agreement were constitution writing, providing justice to conflict victims and integration of Maoist combatants with security agencies,” Sitaula said, and added: “We have completed the task of management of arms and the armies.
The process to write new constitution and form TRC is also on the track.”
Sitaula said the promulgation of new constitution will boost the confidence of investors and drive the country on the path of economic prosperity. He also expressed commitment to promulgate the new constitution on January 22 as political parties are engaged in intense discussion to settle dispute issues. Sitaula also said the country´s economy has suffered due to long transitional phase.
Speaking at the program, Pradeep Gyawali, secretary of CPN-UML, emphasized the need to create economic opportunities for youth by encouraging them for self-employment and entrepreneurship. “Large numbers of youth are flying abroad seeking employment opportunity,” Gyawali said, adding that the political parties should form common economic agendas.
Gyawali also said the Indian government´s commitment for regional development has opened the door for economic development. Indian Premier Narendra Modi´s recent visit to Nepal and Chinese President Xi Jingping´s India visit can foster consensus on trilateral cooperation among India, Nepal and China, he added.
Saying that social justice is a vital component of peace process, Gyawali said complaints of conflict victims will be addressed through the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. As the TRC Act has already been approved by the parliament, the TRC will be set up within two months, he added.
“We should promulgate new constitution by January 22, 2015. It will pave the way for economic prosperity by attracting foreign investment in the country,” he added.
Source: Republica
