UN chief express concern over Nepal political crisis

New York, May 4 (ANI): UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has expressed serious concern over the current political crisis in Nepal centered on the relationship between the Maoist-led Government and the Chief of Army Staff, General Rookmangad Katawal.

In a statement issued at the UN headquarters in New York, the Secretary-General called upon all concerned to resolve the crisis through dialogue and consensus, with full respect for the Constitution.

Earlier, in his report on Nepal's peace process, Ban Ki-moon cautioned that differences among key political parties continues to impede the consolidation of peace though progress has been made.

General Katawal was sacked by Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda on Sunday for allegedly defying the civilian authority.

President Ram Baran Yadav, however, sent a letter to General Katawal asking him to continue in office. A copy of his letter was also sent to Prachanda who refused to accept it.

Meanwhile, Maoist leaders have decided to launch protests in the streets and in parliament against President Yadav's order to allow General Katawal to remain the Chief of Army Staff despite a cabinet's decision to sack him.

Talking to media persons in Kathmandu, Communication Minister Krishna Bahadur Mahara said his party would resist the President's move in the streets and parliament. He also informed that the party would challenge the President's 'unconstitutional' move in court.

"The President's move is a kind of a coup. We have come to the conclusion that it underlines the people's aspirations and the peace process," Nepalnews quoted Mahara as saying. (ANI)