Senior leaders from the Nepali Congress and the CPN-UML on Friday criticised “foreign interference” in Nepal’s Constitution-drafting process, while praising China for her “neutrality”.
“At present, some of the neighbours are giving us unsolicited advice on Constitution-drafting,” said former Prime Minister Jhala Nath Khanal. “But China has not tried to dictate terms here, so I to want express special thanks to her.”
Speaking at a function in Kathmandu, Mr. Khanal, also ex-chairman of the CPN-UML, urged the international community “not to interfere in Nepal’s internal matters”.
In recent times, a section of national media carried reports of some ambassadors, including India’s, trying to delay the proceedings in the Constituent Assembly (CA), particularly formation of a proposal drafting committee to prepare questionnaire on disputes over the new statute.
Similarly, vice-president of the Nepali Congress, Ram Chandra Paudel, criticised foreign powers’ recommendation on forging consensus on Constitution. “Do the countries, which are advising us, take all their decisions by consensus?” asked the NC leader.
Both Mr. Khanal and Mr. Paudel said their parties would strive for consensus on the statute drafting, but said all-round consensus was not possible. “We will try for maximum consensus but if that is not possible, we will go for acceptable level, which is two-thirds majority”, the ex-PM said.
The ruling parties have more than the required two-thirds majority in the CA to pass the provisions in the new Constitution. The opposition has rejected drafting the Constitution through majority voting provision, demanding “consensus-only” approach.
