Kathmandu: Concerned over the looming political crisis in Nepal, UN chief Ban Ki-moon on Friday appealed to all parties to make serious efforts to expedite the constitution writing process and preserve the gains made in the peace process.
Ban’s appeal came on a day when all political parties in Nepal launched hectic efforts to resolve the deadlock through talks and find a way out of the crisis, with just two days left for the May 27 deadline to promulgate a draft. Ban appealed to Nepalese political leaders and other actors to make urgent efforts to preserve the constitution making process and the gains they have made so far, according to a statement issued by the United Nations.
“The Secretary-General is concerned over the prospect of the term of the Constituent Assembly expiring without the adoption of a constitution that meets the expectations and aspirations of the people of Nepal,” the statement said. Calling for calm and restraint from all, the Secretary General appealed to the parties to remain within the framework of the Comprehensive Peace Accord and the Constitution.
Meanwhile, major political parties including the Maoists, Nepali Congress, CPN-UML and the Joint Madhesi Front intensified consultations in an effort to forge consensus on key issues of constitution drafting. With the Supreme Court staying the government’s move to extend the Constituent Assembly’s term by another three months, the parties have been left with just a couple of days to finish the task, failing which a fresh election will have to be held for the Constituent Assembly. (PTI)
