'Nepal parties must put aside interests for new constitution'

The United Nations today asked Nepal's warring political parties to put aside their narrow interests and focus on writing a new constitution that is based on a broad consensus and inclusiveness.
"We encourage political leaders in Nepal to put aside their narrow interests and exercise flexibility in reaching an agreement in the interest of all the Nepali people," said Jeffrey Feltman, UN Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs.
"It is our firm belief that only Nepalese can take the important political decision that are needed for the full implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement of 2006," he said.
The UN official pointed out that this is not a "routine piece of legislation," but is a fundamental document that should "enjoy the widest possible support."

"I strongly encourage the leaders to neither threaten to a walkout nor force a vote, but rather to conclude the process through compromise, flexibility and inclusiveness," he said.
Feltman expressed UN's long-term commitment to Nepal's development and democratic stability.

He said it is essential for political leaders to seize the opportunity and carry out the mandate entrusted to them by the people of their country.
"The UN Secretary-General is personally committed to Nepal's peace and prosperity, including the successful completion of the constitution-making process," he said.
The stability the constitution can provide is the key for prosperity, he observed.
"Adoption of the constitution will be the culmination of Nepal's historic peace process."

The political parties are sharply divided on key issues such as forms of governance, federal structure and electoral system, ahead of the January 22 deadline to promulgate a constitution.
Feltman also called on President Ram Baran Yadav and Prime Minister Sushil Koirala during his two-day official visit to Nepal, according to sources at the UN office in Nepal.
He also held talks with a wide spectrum of political leaders on the current political situation of Nepal, they said.