The Nepalese Americas Council (NAC), a coordinating body for over 23 North American Nepalese-American member organizations, has hailed the promulgation of the Interim Constitution of Nepal 2007.

A press statement issued by the NAC described the step as a major milestone towards resolving the decade long conflict and restoring people’s sovereign power that would lead to a peaceful, democratic and prosperous Nepal.

Stating that Nepal’s road ahead is challenging, but the country also enjoys an unprecedented opportunity to shape the nation’s destiny, the NAC said, “Nepali people at home and abroad expect all the parties involved, particularly all the members of the new Interim Parliament and those who are poised to lead the next Nepal government to honor the trust put on them by the people to take Nepal into an era of peace, democracy and prosperity.”

The NAC also urged the lawmakers and the members of the new government to rise above party lines, and truly work for the betterment of Nepali people by enacting laws and devising programs to establish peace, consolidate democracy, respect human rights and pursue economic development.

The statement also urged the government to address the issues raised by the people of Madhes through negotiated settlement and granting of a fair deal to the under-represented groups.

The statement further said that the Interim Parliament and the government must also recognize the wishes of the Nepalis living abroad to contribute to their motherland.

The NAC demanded that all Nepali citizens living abroad should be allowed to vote in Nepali elections. “NAC urges all the members of the new parliament and government to introduce new amendments to the Interim Constitution to ensure that all Nepali citizens living abroad have the opportunity to exercise their voting rights,” the statement added.

Through information and awareness creation, NAC is willing to support the Nepali Government to allow all Nepali citizens living in North America to vote in the elections for the Constituent Assembly and beyond, the statement further said.