UML for new Constitution

January 11, 2004
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The CPN-UML on Saturday formally agreed to go for a new Constitution, even while adopting a “middle way” for the purpose, a “way” that should be ratified by the parliament, published reports said Sunday.

The party, despite disagreements among committee members on the issue of going for a republican set-up, agreed to go for a new Constitution, which the members argued should be ratified by the parliament, the Himalayan Times said.

“The issue of constituent assembly concerns the King, while the Maoists are not ready to accept the existing constitution,” the daily quoted a UML leader Shankar Pokhrel, as saying.

“Because of this, the party chose to go for the middle way with the hope it will be acceptable to both sides – the King and Maoists,” Pokhrel said. He further said the party will have to “rethink” if the Maoists reject the new constitution, according to the daily.

The central committee meeting also agreed to “keenly observe” the slogans and activities being carried out by the students against the monarch, the daily said.

UML will pave way for a new Constitution through a round table conference and an interim government, other reports added. nepalnews.com mr Jan 11