My govt ray of hope: PM
SINDHULI, SEP 07 -
Prime Minister and Maoist Vice-chairman Baburam Bhattarai on Tuesday said the formation of the new government under his leadership means a glimmer of hope.
Speaking at a party programme in Sindhuli, Bhattarai said the government has prioritised five tasks--peace process, constitution writing, relief programme, good governance and economic development.
Addressing the programme, UCPN (Maoist) Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal said the path the Maoists have chosen now is quite “risky” and all should help the party cross it.
The Maoist chief urged partymen to exercise restraint for the time being. Dahal said that everyone should unitedly face the challenges and strive to complete the remaining tasks of the peace process in the next three months. Dahal said he will not go against anyone within the three months.
He added that the Maoists will be “very flexible” when it comes to drafting a new constitution and concluding the peace process. He, however, warned that the party will take a “final decision” if anyone stymies the party’s moves.
“There was a rumour that Prachanda would never help Baburam in becoming the prime minister.
But I showed a sacrifice and a miracle at the same time,” the Maoist supremo said. He claimed the present government could not have been possible without his “sacrifice.” Dahal, however, remained tightlipped on the intra-party rift that has escalated after the handover of keys to weapons containers to the Special Committee.
Maoist secretary CP Gajurel said “many elements” wanted to see a split in the Maoist party. He added that the party will remain united.
Releif programme on anvil
To address people’s expectations, Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai is planning to unveil a relief programme within a couple of days. The PM has prioritised five tasks of his government, namely the peace process, constitution writing, relief programme, good governance and economic development.
According to sources, the government will pay special attention to check the black market and artificial price hikes in consumer items. Similarly, it will bring some relief programmes in view of the upcoming festivals of Dashain and Tihar.
Bhattarai has directed all the ministries to submit relief programmes they could provide to the people. Almost all the ministries have submitted their reports to the Prime Minister’s Office.
The government would provide some relief to the victims of the Maoists and Madheis movements. A source at the Prime Minister’s Secretariat said the PM would unveil the programmes though his address to the nation in a couple of days.
Maoists not yet reliable
Sushil Nepali Congress (NC) President Sushil Koirala on Tuesday said that the statute drafting could not be completed unless the peace process was settled first.
During a meeting with the envoys of the European Union at his residence in Maharajgunj, the NC president said it was still difficult for his party to trust the UCPN (Maoist) when it comes to the implementation of commitments on the peace process.
Koirala added that the Maoists were yet to create an environment of trust due to internal bickering.
“We are ready to welcome the Maoist leadership but for that the peace process should achieve irreversible gains,” said NC leader Minendra Rijal, who was also present in the meeting. “It is the responsibility of the Maoists to take the peace process to a point of no return.”
The envoys said they were committed to extending their assistance to the peace process, constitution writing and issues of human rights.
Source: Kantipur
Prime Minister and Maoist Vice-chairman Baburam Bhattarai on Tuesday said the formation of the new government under his leadership means a glimmer of hope.
Speaking at a party programme in Sindhuli, Bhattarai said the government has prioritised five tasks--peace process, constitution writing, relief programme, good governance and economic development.
Addressing the programme, UCPN (Maoist) Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal said the path the Maoists have chosen now is quite “risky” and all should help the party cross it.
The Maoist chief urged partymen to exercise restraint for the time being. Dahal said that everyone should unitedly face the challenges and strive to complete the remaining tasks of the peace process in the next three months. Dahal said he will not go against anyone within the three months.
He added that the Maoists will be “very flexible” when it comes to drafting a new constitution and concluding the peace process. He, however, warned that the party will take a “final decision” if anyone stymies the party’s moves.
“There was a rumour that Prachanda would never help Baburam in becoming the prime minister.
But I showed a sacrifice and a miracle at the same time,” the Maoist supremo said. He claimed the present government could not have been possible without his “sacrifice.” Dahal, however, remained tightlipped on the intra-party rift that has escalated after the handover of keys to weapons containers to the Special Committee.
Maoist secretary CP Gajurel said “many elements” wanted to see a split in the Maoist party. He added that the party will remain united.
Releif programme on anvil
To address people’s expectations, Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai is planning to unveil a relief programme within a couple of days. The PM has prioritised five tasks of his government, namely the peace process, constitution writing, relief programme, good governance and economic development.
According to sources, the government will pay special attention to check the black market and artificial price hikes in consumer items. Similarly, it will bring some relief programmes in view of the upcoming festivals of Dashain and Tihar.
Bhattarai has directed all the ministries to submit relief programmes they could provide to the people. Almost all the ministries have submitted their reports to the Prime Minister’s Office.
The government would provide some relief to the victims of the Maoists and Madheis movements. A source at the Prime Minister’s Secretariat said the PM would unveil the programmes though his address to the nation in a couple of days.
Maoists not yet reliable
Sushil Nepali Congress (NC) President Sushil Koirala on Tuesday said that the statute drafting could not be completed unless the peace process was settled first.
During a meeting with the envoys of the European Union at his residence in Maharajgunj, the NC president said it was still difficult for his party to trust the UCPN (Maoist) when it comes to the implementation of commitments on the peace process.
Koirala added that the Maoists were yet to create an environment of trust due to internal bickering.
“We are ready to welcome the Maoist leadership but for that the peace process should achieve irreversible gains,” said NC leader Minendra Rijal, who was also present in the meeting. “It is the responsibility of the Maoists to take the peace process to a point of no return.”
The envoys said they were committed to extending their assistance to the peace process, constitution writing and issues of human rights.
Source: Kantipur
