Nepal president Yadav calls for national unity

Kathmandu, Jul 27 (UNI) Nepalese President Dr Ram Baran Yadav has called for national unity and solidarity to maintain communal and ethnic harmony.

Addressing the nation for the first time after being elected the first president of Nepal, he said we are first of all Nepalis irrespective of which caste, creed or region we belong to.

The President said he would remain committed to the principles of ethnic/communal harmony and national integrity. All people living in mountaineous, hilly and Terai regions are Nepali, he added.

Dr Yadav stressed on the need to maintain sovereignty and territorial integrity to turn the dream of constructing a new Nepal into reality.

He assured that he would extend complete support and play a coordinating role in the drafting of a new constitution.

Dr Yadav expressed commitment to carry out his duties and responsibilities and maintain the democratic system, rule of law and the internationally recognised human rights in his capacity as the head-of-state.

''Right now we are preparing to sketch the fate of Nepal and Nepali people and we have a big challenge of drafting a new constitution within in the next two years,'' he said.

''It is the need of the hour for all the political parties representing the Constituent Assembly and Nepali people to collectively move forward,'' the President said adding, ''Then only the Constitution written by ourselves will draw an illuminating fortune.'' He added that he would coordinate for strengthening national unity in order to bring the peace process to fruition, and draft the new constitution within the stipulated time.

In his televised address, the President also emphasised the need for scientific restructuring of the state in order to build economically and socially vibrant 'New Nepal', and also expressed confidence that the upcoming government would work towards achieving these goals.

The first president of the Himalayan nation did not say anything directly about the formation of new government. After consulting lawyers and party leaders, the Dr Yadav had urged the Maoists to form a government through consensus last week.

The largest party, Maoists has not been able to get simple majority in the CA.

UNI XC RJ CS1958