Parliament proceedings begin in Nepal after 4 yrs

Kathmandu, Apr 28: After a gap of four years, the Nepalese Parliament resumed its proceedings today with members observing a two-minute silence in memory of those killed during the pro-democracy struggle which culminated in King Gyanendra relinquishing his absolute power.

Presiding over the proceedings, Deputy Speaker Chitralekha Yadav in her opening address expressed the Houses'gratitude to all those who ensured success of the people's movement for revival and democracy in the Himalayan Kingdom.

Ms Yadav called on the members of the House to rise above party considerations and fulfill people's aspirations and not get sidetracked by mere politicking.

She read three notices to the House that included an announcement from the Palace appointing Mr Girija Prasad Koirala as the Prime Minister, speaker Taranath Ranabhat's resignation and a statement from Mr Koirala expressing his inability to attend the proceedings of the House today due to ill health.

She also read out four resolutions including commitment of members to a Constituent Assembly, honouring all those who were killed or wounded during the agitation and action against officials who resorted to repressive measures during the 19-day stir.

The resolutions were tabled on behalf of Mr Koirala and supported by CPN-UML general secretary Madhav Kumar Nepal, Sher Bahadur Deuba of Nepali Congress (Democratic), Narayan Man of Nepal Mazdoor Kisan Party, Leelamani Pokhrel of Jana Morcha and Sadhbavna Party's Hridayesh Tripathi.

The House was adjourned till April 30, 1600 hrs, local time.

Discussion on these resolutions will be held on April 30.

Before concluding, Ms Yadav drew the members attention to CPI (M) Polit Bureau member Sitaram Yechury presence in the House which was greeted with loud thumping of desks.

NCP general secretary D P Tripathi, accompanying Mr Yechury, was also present in the House.

UNI