Nepal's parliament condemns emergency in Pakistan

Kathmandu, Nov 4 (UNI) Nepalese parliamentarians have condemned the declaration of emergency by President Pervez Musharraf in Pakistan.

MP Pradip Gyawali said, ''On behalf of the CPN-UML, we condemn this despotic move.'' ''The dictatorial move in the name of terrorism will not overcome terrorism. Actually, it was design of the Pakistani President to hold democracy a hostage,'' he said.

Another MP Romi Gauchan Thakali said,''The dictators always come up with one or the other excuse to impose dictatorship.'' Mr Gyawali and Mr Thakali added that the parties would do well to learn a lesson from what transpired in Pakistan, and stand united for democracy so that any authoritarianism could not raise its ugly head in Nepal.

Special session of Nepal's parliament is holding debate on declaration of republic and introduction of proportionate election system proposed by Maoists.

The parties are divided over the issue and voting will take place today.

UNI