 "Implementation of Constitution top priority for govt: Prachanda")
Nepal Prime Minister Prachanda on Thursday said that the implementation of the new Constitution is the top priority of the new coalition government and claimed that the differences with the disgruntled parties, including Madhesis, over the statute have narrowed down.
Addressing the Legislature-Parliament, Prachanda claimed the disagreements over the federal boundaries in the new Constitution would be sorted out by mid-October.
He said the implementation of the new Constitution and distribution of relief package to the earthquake-hit people were the government's top priority.
He stressed on the need of holding talks with all the parties without any further delay and reach an agreement to resolve the political crisis facing the country.
He said government was in discussion with the Election Commission over holding polls by November 23 next year and urged every sector to create an environment conducive for holding election.
The Prime Minister has claimed that he has succeeded in reducing distance and bitterness with the disgruntled Madhesi parties and an environment conducive for talks with Madhesis has been created as soon as he assumed the top executive post.
He said his government has succeeded in regaining confidence of both the neighbouring countries, India and China, by sending special envoys to these countries.
"My attempt was to make our relations with the neighbours need oriented and guided by national interest, instead of being guided by personal ego and whim," said the Prime Minister ahead of his trip to India next week.
Nepal's relationship with India had soured after a months-long border blockade last year by ethnic minority protesters over the new Constitution which they claimed marginalised them.
Kathmandu accused India of imposing an "unofficial blockade" on the landlocked nation in support of the Madhesis, who share close cultural, linguistic and family links with Indians across the border.
Prachanda also said the earthquake victims will be provided up to Rs 800,000 in grants and soft loans to help them rebuild their houses.
His remarks came at a time when the earthquake victims complained Rs 200,000 announced by the previous government was insufficient to build homes.
