The Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) has welcomed the promulgation of the interim constitution and formation of the interim parliament.

“NRNA welcomes the promulgation of the Interim Constitution and congratulates members of the Interim Parliament. We thank all who have contributed to bring the country to this historic moment,” a statement issued Saturday by NARA president Dr Upendra Mahato said.

The NRNA said it believed that the recently signed peace agreement between the government and the CPN (Maoist) and the unity of different political forces for the purpose of establishing a stable pluralist society demonstrates a shared commitment to an era of peace, prosperity, and democracy for the Nepali people.

“The challenges ahead of us all, but particularly for the Nepali political and civil leaders, are to renew and sustain the confidence of the people in the fundamental tenets of democracy, such as, good governance, respect for and tolerance of divergent views; the rule of law; guarantees of the rights of individuals; and the rejection of violence in all forms, including its use in the promotion of any political agendas,” the statement said.

The NRNA, the umbrella organisation non-resident Nepalis around the world, further said peace dividends could be delivered only through socio-economic transformation of the nation and expressed commitment to the progress of Nepal through transfer of remittances and direct financial investment.

“We are committed to our mother country and her present and future democratic governments and processes,”

The association also strongly urged the interim parliament to amend the bill passed recently by the outgoing parliament and confirm the fundamental democratic right of NRNs to cast their votes in the election to the constituent assembly, irrespective of their country of domicile.