Alliance picks Koirala - Maoist blockade to continue.
The seven-party alliance today chose Nepali Congress president Girija Prasad Koirala to head the all-party government. The proposal to this effect was moved by CPN-UML general secretary Madhav Kumar Nepal and backed by NC (D) president and former PM Sher Bahadur Deuba. Koirala will take over as prime minster after the House of Representatives convenes on Friday.
The alliance, which welco-med the royal announcement of reviving the HoR, chose Koirala as the next prime minister at the end of a crucial all-party meeting at his residence today. A source claimed Koirala was reluctant to take charge but gave in to “the alliance partners who insisted that he should accept the challenge.”
The alliance has also decided to publicise its greater political agenda in a mass rally at Open Air Theatre on Thursday. The alliance leaders said they were committed to their road map that includes election to a constituent assembly. They also withdrew the general strike today, expressing commitment to bring to book all those who played active role in suppressing the mass uprising and contributed to the death of the demonstrators or caused injuries.
The alliance has also decided to annul all the administrative and political decisions effected by the outgoing regime led by King Gyanendra. The alliance will also urge the Maoists to adhere to the 12-point understanding until their demands are addressed.
NC leader Narahari Acharya, who was freed from custody today, told journalists at his residence, “The new parliament must announce election to an unconditional constituent assembly.” Acharya termed constituent assembly as the only way towards inclusive democracy.
Meanwhile, a joint statement by Prachanda and Baburam Bhattarai said Maoist blockade of districts will continue until constituent assembly election is announced.
Tasks ahead
• Resolve Maoist problem and demand for a new statute
• Bringing the army under parliament
• Taming the monarch
• Coping with coalition partners
• Paving way for inclusive democracy
• Meeting aspirations for unbridled freedom
• Dealing deftly with reactionary forces
