Secretary-General Ban also urged the political parties to ensure progress in constitution drafting and peace process. [break]
“The Secretary General urges the parties to bring the peace process to an early and successful conclusion on the basis of a clear timetable and plan of action and looks forward to further progress in the drafting of the new constitution,” said a statement issued by his spokesperson on Sunday.
Legislature-Parliament averted a constitutional crisis Sunday morning by voting to amend the interim constitution and extending the Constituent Assembly´s tenure by another three months.
“The parties must take this opportunity afforded to them to live up to their commitments and responsibilities in the interests of peace and stability in Nepal,” Ban further said.
The CA formed in April 28, 2008 is tasked with promulgating a new constitution. The term of CA was last extended for a year after its original two-year term expired on May 28, 2010 without promulgating a new constitution.
Meanwhile, Carter Center has also welcomed the extension of the term of CA for three months. “It now is critical for all parties to begin immediate implementation of these commitments in order to demonstrate to the Nepali public their genuine intentions to conclude the peace and constitutional drafting processes,” a statement from Carter Center quoted former U.S. President and Carter Center Co-Founder Jimmy Carter as saying.
Carter urged Nepal´s political leaders to swiftly reach agreement on the modality, number, standard norms and packages for integration and rehabilitation of former Maoist combatants, address other key peace process commitments, and seek resolution on outstanding constitutional issues to produce a draft constitution by August 28, 2011 to fulfill the promises made to Nepali people.
“Further delays may threaten the historic achievements of Nepal´s peace process,” he said.
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