Valley
Form a panel to iron out differences: Gathabandan
Expressing satisfaction at the progress made in identifying the key issues of contention through informal talks, the Sanghiya Gathabandan has asked the government to form a panel to iron out differences.Expressing satisfaction at the progress made in identifying the key issues of contention through informal talks, the Sanghiya Gathabandan has asked the government to form a panel to iron out differences.
The government and the agitating parties have agreed to resolve four contentious issues pertaining to language, representation in the Upper House, boundaries and citizenship.
Stressing on the need to form a panel, Co-chair of the Sanghiya Samajwadi Forum Nepal Rajendra Shrestha said: “There is a need of additional homework to iron out differences on the identified issues. We hope that the government will soon form a panel as agreed in the informal discussion,” said Shrestha.
During a meeting with Madhesi leaders last week, Deputy Prime Minister Bimalendra Nidhi had agreed to start formal talks with the agitating parties. But Madhesi leaders are increasingly concerned about the delay in starting the formal negotiation.
The Sanghiya Gathabandan has already announced a joint negotiation panel comprising representatives of Madhesi and Janajati parties under Sadbhawana Party Co-chairman Laxman Lal Karna. But some Madhesi parties have objection to the panel arguing that it was formed unilaterally by Sanghiya Gathabandan Coordinator Upendra Yadav. Shrestha said that the remaining issues would be discussed along with the progress made in the informal talks with government in Gathabandan’s next meeting slated to take place later this week.
Madhesi leaders engaged in negotiations with the CPN (Maoist Centre) and the Nepali Congress said that the government has put forward a number of alternatives to resolve the four issues, but has not yet forwarded a concrete proposal. In a proposal pertaining to revision of federal boundaries, PM Dahal has offered to carve out another province by taking out the plains from Nawalparasi to Bardiya. “We want to see a concrete proposal before making our views public. The options discussed in informal meeting hold no meaning unless they come up with their official position on the four issues,” TMLP Chairman Mahantha Thakur told the Post last week.
Dialogue on to find acceptable solution: Mahat
Foreign Minister Prakash Sharan Mahat has said that promulgation of the constitution represents a turning point in Nepal’s political history.
The constitution aims to institutionalise inclusive and democratic polity, pluralism, the rule of law, representative and accountable government, social and economic justice and universally accepted human rights, among others, he said while addressing the 71th General Assembly of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
Equality is at the core of the constitution, he said, adding that equal opportunity and protection is guaranteed to every citizen.
“Discrimination on any ground is prohibited. The state is obliged to take special measures to protect the most marginalized and under-represented sections of society and look after their well-being.”
Our constitution is not a rigid document rather it is a living and dynamic document and is capable of addressing any remaining or new issues within its framework, said Mahat.
The two amendments that were made within months of its promulgation amply proves this, he said. “Currently, we are engaged in dialogue with concerned political parties in the county to find out an acceptable solution to some of the issues where differences persist.”He claimed that constitution guarantees equal participation and incorporates principle of proportional representation of the women, indigenous nationalities, Madheshis, Dalits and other marginalized groups in elected and other organs of the state structure.
The leader of the Nepali delegation also reiterated Nepal’s unflinching commitment towards UN principle and other international human rights provisions in the session.
Speaking on Nepal-UN relations, Minister Mahat said that Nepal has “significantly contributed to the UN in fulfilling its responsibility of maintaining international peace and security” as much as the UN has contributed to Nepal’s development endeavors and lately to the peace process.
He also shared with the General Assembly that Nepal had started integrating development agendas into national mainstream plans and policies in a bid to implement Istanbul Programme of Action for Least Developed Countries and the Vienna Programme of Action for the Landlocked Developing Countries.