Nepal recalls envoy to India, 11 others

Nepal is recalling its ambassadors to 12 countries, including India and the United States, as political appointments made during King Gyanendra’s autocratic rule are invalidated, a top official said.

Nepal is recalling its ambassadors to 12 countries, including India and the United States, as political appointments made during King Gyanendra’s autocratic rule are invalidated, a top official said today.

The decision was made by the new Cabinet installed last week after the King yielded power on April 24 and restored democracy in the face of mass protests.

Envoys to US, India, Japan, Britain and France will be among those brought home, said Home Minister Krishna Sitaula.

The government has said it will dismantle legislation, appointments, decrees and other actions taken after the King grabbed power in February 2005. It earlier scrapped municipal elections held three months ago.

Parliament also has committed to elections for an assembly to rewrite the constitution—a key demand by Maoist rebels who joined forces with a seven-party alliance in three weeks of often-bloody demonstrations.

But while the rebels appear to be headed for a role in the political mainstream and have agreed to hold peace talks with the government, their impatience for quick action mirrored the general public’s sentiments.

A news report today quoted the Maoists’ leader, Prachanda, as saying an interim constitution should be enacted immediately, even before the special assembly is elected.

Story continues below this ad

“There should be an interim constitution and an interim government,” Prachanda was quoted as saying by Nepal magazine.

Also, the government and rebels appear to differ over the process of drafting a new constitution.

The rebels, who have waged a decade-long insurgency, want an interim constitution immediately. But the alliance is happy to make just minor changes in the existing charter until the constituent assembly can write a new one.

“We have not made any official decision on the issue, but we are in agreement that it would be fine just to remove some clauses from the existing constitution,” said Gopal Man Singh, Minister for Physical Planning and Works.

BINAJ GURUBACHARYA