Resolution for Constituent Assembly introduced in Nepal's Parliament

Kathmandu, Apr 28 (UNI) Nepal's reinstated parliament met today after four years with a call for the formation of a Constituent Assembly and ceasefire with the Maoists.

These resolutions proposed by Prime Minister-designate Girija Prasad Koirala, who was not present in the house due to ill-health, were greeted by members loudly thumping the tables.

''Implementing the seven parties' roadmap and the 12-point understanding (with the Maoists) will be first priority...as per my commitment for a constituent assembly to resolve the problems faced by the country, I have registered a proposal to hold constituent assembly elections and call for ceasefire with the Maoists at Parliament today itself,'' his message, read out by Deputy Speaker Chitralekha Yadav -- who was chairing the meeting -- said.

Mr Koirala's message also regretted his inability to be present at the opening session of the parliament and as well as the gigantic 'victory' rally organised by the seven-party alliance at the Khula manch (Open Air Auditorium) yesterday.

Ms Yadav also read out the three other resolutions including honouring all those who were killed or wounded during the agitation, a call to the members not to take any parliamentary allowance or benefits during the time the parliament was not in existence 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 the Nepali Congress (Democratic), Narayan Man of Nepal Mazdoor Kisan Party, Leelamani Pokhrel of Jana Morcha and Sadhbavna Party's Hridayesh Tripathi.

Parliament, which had been reinstated by the King late last Tuesday night following an intense public agitation, was due to start proceedings at 1300 hours local time but only began activity three and a half hours later. Prominent among those present were mr Deuba, Mr Nepal, Rashtriya Prajatantrik Party chief Pashupati Shamsher Jung Bahadur Rana and former Prime Minister Surya Bahadur Thapa.

Proceedings began with members observing a two-minute silence in memory of those killed during the pro-democracy struggle. In her opening address, Ms Yadav expressed the Houses' gratitude to all those sections of people -- parties, professionals and the common man who ensured success of the people's movement for revival of democracy in the Himalayan Kingdom.

MORE UNI VD AK BD1959