US welcomes new interim constitution; public holiday in Nepal

Kathmandu, Jan 16 (UNI) The Government of Nepal has declared a public holiday today to mark the promulgation of the interim statute and the formation of an interim parliament.

All government offices are closed and there are reports of rallies taken out in different parts of the country welcoming the new interim constitution for the first time without any role for the monarchy.

Meanwhile the United States Embassy in Kathmandu today congratulated the people of Nepal on their new Interim Constitution.

In a press statement issued by the American Center here, the US hoped the new interim constitution would lay the groundwork for free and fair elections to a Constituent Assembly and move the country toward full-fledged and lasting democracy.

''The United States supports completion of a credible and transparent process of arms management, supervised by United Nations monitors, before an interim government is formed, the statement added.

The Indian Government also has welcomed the new interim constitution of Nepal.

''The Government of India welcomes the promulgation of the Interim Constitution and the formation of the Interim Legislature in Nepal,'' said a press statement issued by the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu quoting the Indian Ministry of External Affairs.

Meanwhile, the Terrai region remained affected today due to a bandh called by the Madheshi People's Rights Forum to protest the interim constitution promulgated yesterday.

The forum called the general strike saying the interim constitution is full of flaws and did not address the issues of the region.

UNI