President expresses apprehension over successful execution of Constitutional roles

Kathmandu, Aug 22: President Ramchandra Paudel has said he is always worried about the successful completion of roles and duties as a patron of the Constitution and the promoter of national unity of the Constitution assigned to the Head of the State.    

During an all-party meeting held at his initiation at the Office of the President, Shital Niwas, today, the President expressed his concerns over 'potential' threats to the Constitution and the political system. "The situation demands us to assess whether we have been able to promote the Constitutional spirit and sentiments for the implementation of the principles of separation of power and the balance of power," the President's press advisor Kiran Pokhrel quoted the President as saying in the meeting.    

"I am not trying to show activism. I, as a political cadre suffered much for democracy," the President was quoted as saying. He said he wished to meet the political parties to share his concerns surrounding the Constitution, the political system and the nation.    

Stating that procrastination in introducing some significant laws required for implementing federalism has received widespread criticism, the President was worried about the delay in finalizing the laws regarding the truth and reconciliation and the enforced disappeared. "People's aspirations for peace will remain unmet if these issues can't be sorted out successfully."  

  
He took time to express concern over the decision of (the Financial Action Task Force) to put Nepal on the 'Pre-Gray List' for a year. He stressed that it was the responsibility of one and all to contribute to endorsing the act to combat money laundering soon, to rescue the country from such a list and promote the image of Nepal internationally.    

 According to him, our further inability to enact laws aiming to combat money laundering when the nation is marred by economic slowdown will hinder the nation's ability to attract foreign investment, further tarnishing Nepal's image internationally. He urged political parties to be serious towards such possibilities and ensure the enactment of laws.    

The President said he is excited about the news that political parties are close to the consensus to end the prolonged deadlock in the parliament, the forum for amplifying the voices of citizens. "I hope the efforts to resume the House will become a success very soon."    

Mentioning that although dispute, conflict and bitterness among political parties surface sometimes, they should be resolved through discussion, dialogue and meetings for national interest and welfare, he shared that this is the beauty of democracy and there are many examples of parties resolving problems through discussion and meeting in a difficult situation in past.   

 
President Paudel further said he always wished that all political parties should be active to find out outlets for problems through mutual discussion, meetings and dialogue, adding that the people have expected the same.    

He urged all to prove that the parliament is the place for making all compel to ensure good government. The President said, "My opinion is that you all should have a common concept in the country's shared responsibilities and duties like national security, unemployment and corruption control, economic development and foreign policy. I want to draw the attention of all to remain aware as people would be disappointed towards the best system we have adopted if we failed to fulfil our responsibilities in a proper way and neglected people's expectations."    

Similarly, Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' said the President's wishes for protection and implementation of the constitution and operation of parliament as per people's aspiration and understanding among political parties for the same were positive.    

Stating that there was no reason for anyone to disagree on it, he mentioned that they have been continuously holding discussions to sort out the problems.   

 
Prime Minister Prachanda shared that they have reached a close consensus for resuming the parliament and thanked President Paudel for his initiation.   

 
Prime Minister and CPN (Maoist Centre) Chairperson, Prachanda, Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba, Chairperson of the CPN (Unified Socialist) Madhav Kumar Nepal, Chairperson of Rastriya Swatantra Party Rabi Lamichhane, Rashtriya Janamorcha Chairperson Chitra Bahadur KC, Chairperson of Nagarik Unmukti Party Ranjita Shrestha, leader of Janata Samajbadi Party Pradeep Yadav and Abdul Khan of Janamat Party, among others, were present in the meeting. (RSS)