Congress, CPN-UML demand ceremonial president

By Bhola B Rana

Kathmandu, 21 May: Congress and CPN-UML demanded creation of a position of a ceremonial president in an amended constitution before transferring power to Maoists in extensive amendments to the constitution to check Maoists.
Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala is also acting head of state but the two parties are now demanding the creation of a position of president with definite powers after losing elections to Maoists in the 10 April CA election.
Maoists oppose the proposal of power sharing by a prime minister and president and are against what they call parallel power centers.
“We have agreed to a prime minister with executive power along with a ceremonial president,” Congress leader On Prasd Upadhaya told Naya Nepal after aninter-party meeting Tuesday.
The second and third largest parties demanded the position of a president after the CA decides to implement a republic.
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Valley on strike to protest murder


Kathmandu, 21 May: Life came to a halt in the Valley to protest the abduction and murder of businessman Ram Kazi Shrestha by Maoists.
The main political parties supported the protest.
Congress has organized its fraternal organizations to come out on the street against YCL particularly after losing assembly elections.
The Shrestha family said they have been constantly moving residence after receiving threats from Maoists.
Shrestha was killed at a cantonment under UNMIN observation after abduction from the capital.
A doctor at a Chitwan hospital said Shrestha died of renal failure 7 May following his admission with severe injuries at an emergency ward the previous day contradicting a Maoist claim the businessman died 10 May en route to the capital for treatment.
The murder has embarrassed Maoists who have staked a claim to form government.
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Madhav Kumar Nepal leaves for South Korea

Kathmandu, 21 May: Former CPN-UML General Secretary Madhav Kumar Nepal flew for South Korea Wednesday where he will participate in a conference of Asian political parties.
Nepal now looks after the party’s international desk.
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