NEPAL: BAN CALLS FOR FORMATION OF INCLUSIVE GOVERNMENT

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has welcomed the election of a new Prime Minister in Nepal and called on the country's political groups to quickly form an inclusive government and consolidate efforts to build peace in the Asian nation.

Babu Ram Bhattarai, a member of the Unified Communist Party of Nepal – Maoist party, was elected on Sunday after winning a parliamentary vote, according to media reports. He succeeds Jhalanath Khanal.

In a statement issued by his spokesperson yesterday evening, Mr. Ban said he hoped to “see the early establishment of an inclusive government through consensus and compromise.

“While noting the serious discussions and the progress made in the past few months on the integration and rehabilitation of former Maoist army combatants as well as important aspects of the future constitution, the Secretary-General urges the parties to fully resolve these questions within the newly extended period of three months for the Constituent Assembly to complete its work,” the statement noted.

Nepal has been plagued by political disputes since the civil war between Government forces and Maoists formally ended in 2007 and the monarchy was abolished. Several deadlines to draft a new constitution have been missed.

“The Secretary-General once again calls on the parties to regain the spirit of consensus and cooperation that has been the foundation of their collective effort to bring sustainable peace to Nepal and to carry out all outstanding commitments without delay,” the statement added.