8 parties agree to amend constitution; sign common minimum programme

8 parties agree to amend constitution; sign common minimum programme
http://www.nepalnews.com/archive/2007/apr/apr02/news04.php

The top leaders of eight parties, on Sunday, signed a number of pacts including an agreement to introduce second amendment of interim constitution by inserting a provision to depose monarchy if the latter is found conspiring to derail the Constituent Assembly (CA) elections.

The date for CA polls has been fixed for June 20 and the constitution will be amended to incorporate that – since in the current constitution there is a provision which states that CA elections will be held by the end of month Jestha (June 14).

Likewise, the second amendment proposal will include provisions whereby the Prime Minister can be sacked through no-confidence motion approved by two-third members of legislative-parliament. The PM can also seek vote of confidence if he so wishes. One-fourth number of MPs can also move a resolution proposing special session of the parliament. The PM will also be allowed to appoint non-MP as a minister with the consent of political parties, as per the amendment proposal.

The meeting of eight party leaders also approved five different understandings including the one on the Common Minimum Programme (CMP) – which lays down policies, programmes and priorities for the interim cabinet.

The CMP has four broad points - "National Interest, Democracy and Progress"; "Democracy, Durable Peace and Ensuring Security"; "Immediate Relief"; and "Reforms and Change."

The CMP largely focuses on creating conducive environment to conduct CA polls in a free, fair and fearless environment. It stresses on providing immediate relief to the people including conflict victims, backward classes, regions, castes, Janjatis, women, and Dalit.

The CMP also promises to make schools, hospitals and health centres as peace zones. It aims to create environment conducive for industrial peace and investment.

The CMP also aims to carry forward reforms in industries, banks and financial institutions, transport and communication sectors.

Apart from CMP, the meeting of the leaders signed four other pacts including the commitment of eight parties to ease the environment by ensuring implementation of all earlier pacts; formulation of code of conduct for interim cabinet; formulation of working procedure; and formation of United Coordination Committee (UCC) of the eight parties to steer the government.

As per the pact on implementing earlier agreements, the Maoists have agreed to return all seized properties – private or public – within 15 days, help return displaced persons respectfully and stop public display of weapons. If any weapon that is not registered with the UN is found, that will be seized by the government. At district-level all-party units will be formed to monitor the return of seized properties.

The parties have also vowed to refrain from holding programmes like bandhs and strikes that cause inconvenience to the public. Likewise, the government too will withdraw its security forces from public places like schools, factories or private properties. Maoist inmates in government jails would also be released.

In the code of conduct, the parties have agreed not to resort to mud-slinging or heaping blames on each other.

The agreements were signed by PM Koirala, Maoist chairman Prachanda, UML general secretary Madhav Kumar Nepal, NC-D president Sher Bahadur Deuba, People's Front president Amik Sherchan, NSP-Anandidevi president Anandidevi Singh, Leftist Front chairman CP Mainali, and leader of Nepal Workers and Peasants Party (NWPP) Prem Suwal, on behalf of his party president Narayan Man Bijukchhe. nepalnews.com sd Apr 02 07