Differences delay interim statute in Nepal

The issues of head of state in the interim period, the army8217;s status and the electoral system were the major points on which no consensus could be reached as yet, negotiators said. 8220;We reached consensus on a number of issues proposed by the Constitution Drafting Committee but we could not agree upon several other issues,8221; senior Maoist leader Baburam Bhattarai was quoted as saying by The Kathmandu Post.

The Maoists have opposed the idea of retaining King Gyanendra as head of the state and insisted on suspending the monarchy till the Constituent Assembly polls.

The delay in announcing the interim constitution is preventing the implementation of the other important aspects of the Comprehensive Ceasefire and Peace Agreement, signed by the two sides on November 21. It is only after announcing the interim statute and setting up an interim Parliament that the Maoists can join the government.