NC AND UNNAMED PARTIES CHARGED FOR POWER GRAAB INSTEAD OF COMPLETING PEACE PROCESS AND CONSTITUTION DRAFTING IN KHANAL'S FAREWELL ADDRESS

NC AND OTHER PARTIES BLAMED FOR POWER GRAB OVER PEACE AND CONSTITUTION DRAFTING; PM KHANAL

By Bhola B Rana

Kathmandu, 15 Aug.: Caretaker Prime Minister Jhalanath Khanal blamed main Nepali Congress specifically and other unnamed parties for his declared goal to complete a peace process and draft a constitution in a frank 25-minute address to parliament Monday.
“It was natural to expect support to expect support from NC and other parties,” he told parliament in an address that started at 4.40 in the afternoon.
He was scheduled time of address the legislature at three in the afternoon.
But in a scathing criticism, Khanal blamed parties for concentrating attention and time in trying to from a successor government under their leadership.
Khanal asked parties to ‘be responsible’ and said he would continue for completing the peace process and constitution drafting
“There is no alternative to a government of national understanding,” he said.
‘This is a successful government,’ Khanal said. “I am happy with my effort.”
Without remorse, Khanal added: “I was elected with two responsibilities. I resign with the same objectives.”
Th premier, who is also chairman of UML said he brought Maoists into government by signing a 7-point agreement with then and awarding the largest party the home ministry.
He charged the Maoists were ‘being isolated” and he attempted to bring the UCPN (Maoist) ,into government because such effort would not succeed.
“There is no alternative to national understanding,” he said and called his government ‘a government of understanding through majority.’
Khanal said the national economic indicators are strong as he leaves.
For the first time in several years the annual national budget was presented on time and the convertible currency reserve is comfortable.
The national economy has revived, he said.
‘The economic performance is good.:
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