Prime Minister Surya Bahadur Thapa — even after failing to give his Cabinet an all-party shape in the last eight months of his Premiership — has once again called upon all parties to join his government.

“I once again urge all political parties to help build a national consensus,” PM Thapa, who is heading a Cabinet totally filled with colleagues from his own party RPP, said in a press statement Monday.

“His Majesty the King, people and international community are of the view that all parties should work together,” PM Thapa said, adding, “I urge all parties to reach an understanding and consent.”

Moving a step forward, PM Thapa further advised parties “to quit their ‘struggle’ for the time being, forgetting minor differences with the government.”

On elections, the PM said it can be held within a few months, provided, parties extend cooperation.

In the statement, PM Thapa has termed the recent royal audiences to political leaders “a crucial opportunity to build national consensus.”

“Audiences by His Majesty the King to party leaders has created a conducive environment for reaching a common understanding,” he said.

On Maoist problem, PM Thapa said the government has kept the door “open” for finding a long-term solution to the rebellion. At the same time, he said the government is committed to protect multi-party democracy and constitutional monarchy. nepalnews.com mr Jan 12