Nepal PM to quit after constitution promulgation

Nepal's Prime Minister Sushil Koirala said Wednesday that he will step down immediately after the promulgation of a new constitution within the next 10 months.

Speaking at a public programme, Koirala, who became the country's prime minister Feb 10, said that his main priority was to get the Constituent Assembly to draft a new democratic constitution, Xinhua reported.

"After the promulgation of the new constitution, I will give up my post as I have no interest in remaining in power," Koirala said.

He added that all the political parties were serious and responsible for the promulgation of a new constitution as soon as possible.

Despite the prime minister's statement, Nepal's Constituent Assembly has not yet begun the task of drafting the new constitution.

Four months have elapsed since the Nov 19 elections but the Constituent Assembly rules of procedures have not been finalised yet due to the dispute among the parties.

Nepali Congress's Koirala became the prime minister Feb 10 with the strong backing of the Communist Party of Nepal-Unified Marxist-Leninist.