Firm Conviction

Minister for Peace and Reconstruction Ram Chandra Poudel, talking to media persons at a reception organised by the Nepal Press Union on Wednesday, said with firm conviction that the eight party unity would not and should not break. However, in recent times there have been hints from the eight party leaders as to a lull in the relationship among the eight party members. Despite the events going their own way, Minister Poudel stressed that there was a need to build an "atmosphere of trust" so that the envisaged change in the country could be brought about by the eight political parties. This is also an indication that the Nepali Congress believes that unity among the eight parties is crucial to charting the path ahead, though statements are coming forth from some quarters that the unity may break down. But, considering the situation that the country is in, the need to maintain unity and trust among the parties is crucial.

In fact, it was because of the unity among the concerned parties that the country has come this far. A united stand would only give passage to the country from the pressing challenges. It is true that the constituent assembly poll date has not been announced so far. This is of concern to all as the goal at present is holding the CA polls as soon as possible. For this, mutual trust among the eight parties must be strengthened. The recent weeks have not proved fruitful in this direction. The top leadership of the eight parties knows that their silence on the matter is prolonging the declaration of the poll date. They must urgently meet and sort out the issues that have been hampering the fixing of the date for the polls. In the meantime, the government, too, must focus on the demands made by the various agitating groups so that the maintenance of law and order can be done. Grievances will be there, the concerned parties know it well, but the need is to address them in the best possible manner. At the same time, it is essential that the legislature-parliament proceedings, too, must go smoothly so that the statute amendment and the much needed election laws can be passed to facilitate the CA poll to be held efficiently and effectively.

Source: The Rising Nepal, May 4, 2007