Addressing a condolence meet organized by the Nepali Congress (NC) at Khulla Manch to mark the 15th day of the death of NC President Girija Prasad Koirala, the leaders said promulgation of new constitution and logical end to peace process would be a true tribute to Koirala. [break]
The leaders also stressed on the need to adhere to the principles of cooperation, consensus and unity as advocated by Koirala to accomplish both the tasks.
Addressing the function, Maoist Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal lauded Koirala as a courageous person with strong political determination. “It would be a tribute to him in truest sense of the word if we succeeded in concluding the peace process and drafting new constitution within the stipulated date,” said Dahal.
Dahal said big responsibilities had fallen on his shoulders after the demise of Koirala as he was one of the two signatories of the Comprehensive Peace Accord.
CPN-UML Chairman Jhala Nath Khanal said late Koirala was not only an asset of the party but the country as a whole. Khanal said there is a need on the part of major political parties to work on the basis of cooperation, consensus and unity to accomplish the tasks of constitution drafting and establishing sustainable peace in the country.
NC Acting President Sushil Koirala said maintaining peace and stability and drafting the new constitution on time were the issues that always concerned Koirala. He said the Maoists should implement all past agreements to make the peace process successful.
Addressing the function, Prime Minister Madhav Nepal said Koirala´s death marked the end of an era in Nepal. He said all parties should move ahead through mutual trust, understanding and consensus to help materialize the dreams of Koirala.
CA Chairman Subash Chandra Nembang said there is no alternative to consensus and urged parties to continue dialogue, cooperation and consensus till the new constitution is implemented.
Rastriya Janashakti Party Chairman Surya Bahadur Thapa, Tarai Madhes Democratic Party Chairman Mahantha Thakur, Chairman of Rastriya Janamorcha Chitra Bahadur KC, CPN-ML Chairman CP Mainali and Rastriya Prajatantra Party-Nepal Chairman Kamal Thapa, among others, said the parties should work together to materialize Koirala´s dreams.
NC leaders Ram Chandra Poudel, Gopal Man Shrestha, KB Gurung, Bimalendra Nidhi, Arjun Narsingh KC also addressed the function.
Condolence messages sent by various world leaders were read out.
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