Interim statute, govt after arms management: PM Koirala

Kantipur Report
KATHMANDU, Dec 10 - Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala on Sunday said that the interim statute would not be issued and the Maoists would not be allowed to join the interim government until the rebel arms are locked up.

The Prime Minister made the comments during a tea reception to mark the 58th International Human Rights Day at Sital Niwas today.

"After the arms management, the interim constitution will be issued and the interim government (containing Maoists) will be formed," said PM Koirala talking to media persons. The prime minister also made it clear that the constituent assembly elections would be held by mid-June next year as per the agreement between the government and the Maoists. "The constituent assembly elections will be completed by the month of Jestha next year (mid-June)," Koirala said.

PM Koirala's commitment comes at a time when the delay in the interim constitution and the formation of a new government, which could eventually affect the deadline set to hold the CA elections, have been drawing grave concern.

PM's remarks upsetting: Dr. Bhattarai

Maoist second-in-command Dr Baburam Bhattarai today said that the prime minister's remarks could create a serious problem in the ongoing peace process.

Talking to Kantipur Television, Dr Bhattarai said, "The Prime Minister's comment today has somewhat terrified us (the Maoists)."

He added, "When it is clear that the political issue is more important than arms management, this attempt to entangle the peace process with arms management, has created a serious problem. However, we have tried to resolve all issues through dialogue."

The rebel leader said that if the interim constitution is not finalized and the interim government containing the Maoists is not formed within this week, the constituent assembly elections will be in danger, adding, "The whole peace process could be derailed if the poll is not held within the said time."

He said, "Girija Prasad Koirala's statement has upset the people and made them tenser. We want to request him not to say such things."

Meanwhile, CPN-UML General Secretary Madhav Kumar Nepal, at the tea reception hosted by the PM today, said lack of mutual trust between the government and the Maoists has effectively delayed the interim constitution.

Nepali Congress-Democratic President Sher Bahadur Deuba, however, said as "the Maoists' weapon threat still prevails in village areas, the management of arms is necessary first."
Deuba, who recently arrived in the capital after visiting the far western region, expressed his dissatisfaction over "the Maoists' continuation of intimidation and violence in the villages."