Kathmandu - Nepalese Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal
Tuesday called on all political parties, including the Maoists, to
support his government, saying the nation faced enormous challenges.
Nepal made the call in a televised message to the nation, a day
after he was sworn in as prime minister by the president.
'I know my government faces many challenges but we can overcome
them if we all cooperate,' Nepal said. 'We must continue on the path
of political consensus for the good of the country.'
Nepal also called on the Maoists to support the new government and
added his main priority would be to draft a new constitution within
the next one and half years.
Nepal succeeded Maoist chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal, who resigned
after a power struggle with the president in early May.
The Maoist-led government lasted just over eight months in office
before losing the support of its coalition partners over the
controversy sparked by the sacking of army chief Rupmangat Katuwal,
allegedly for his reluctance to incorporate Maoist rebels into the
national army.
The president reinstated Katuwal hours after he was sacked by the
government, prompting Dahal to resign.
The Maoists, angry over the collapse of their government, say they
will not cooperate with the new government.
They have also vowed to intensify their protests in parliament as
well as on the streets
Political analysts say that without Maoist support the new
government formed with the support of 22 political parties may not be
able to implement its programme.
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