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Tuesday, May 05, 2009
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Prachanda quits as Army chief is asked to stay

Prerana Marasini

Sacking did not meet constitutional requirements: President

KATHMANDU: Nine months after he was elected the first Prime Minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal, Pushpa Kamal Dahal “Prachanda,” announced his resignation on Monday.

Later, President Ram Baran Yadav approved the resignation. He said the current Council of Ministers would continue its work.

In an address to the nation, Mr. Dahal said, “To resolve this difficult situation and to create a positive environment to save democracy, nationalism, and peace process, I announce my resignation.”

The announcement came after the President, who is the Supreme Commander-in-Chief, asked the Chief of the Army Staff, General Rookmangud Katawal, to continue in office. In a statement, the President said the Army Chief’s dismissal by the Cabinet on Sunday did not “meet the constitutional requirements and due process.”

The Cabinet meeting was boycotted by partners of the coalition government. It approved the resignations of the CPN-UML Ministers.

The government on Sunday decided to retire Gen. Katawal as a clarification given by him was not found to be satisfactory.

The Defence Ministry had sought a clarification from him for violating the government orders on three issues – recruitment in the Army, extension of the tenure of eight Brigadiers and the Army’s withdrawal from some of the events at the Fifth National Games.

Mr. Dahal hinted that it was mainly because of the President’s “unconstitutional move” he was resigning.

The Nepali Congress, the CPN-UML and other parties welcomed Mr. Dahal’s resignation. An all-party meeting is scheduled for Tuesday to decide on forming a new government.

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