Poll deferral disappoints intl community

 -  Southasian Media

Oct 06 2007 - The international community today expressed ‘deep disappointment’ over the suspension of the constituent assembly polls.
India has described the postponement of polls as a setback to the democratic process in Nepal and a “loss of political credibility.” The Indian Foreign Ministry today issued a press release to this effect.

“India is dismayed at the postponement of the CA polls,” said the ministry release, adding repeated postponement of the CA polls would jeopardise the legitimacy and credibility of the government of Nepal.

The release, however, expressed the hope that the coming special session of Nepal’s interim parliament would tackle the issues confronting the country in a democratic spirit.

The European Union Presidency urged for a ‘renewed focus on the peace process.’ In a press release issued today by the British Embassy, it said: “We urge the government, the political parties, civil society and others to work together in support of the peace process and to honour the agreements and commitments they have already made”.

However, the EU said that “this is a new phase and a critical opportunity in Nepal’s peace process.” The Union has expressed its continuing support to the peace process.

The US Embassy here said it is important that all parties firmly commit themselves to quickly establish a new election date. “The people of Nepal have been denied a timely opportunity to elect representatives to decide the framework for the future government of Nepal,” a press release said.

It further said: “We urge the government of Nepal, with the full support of all parties, to immediately address the key elements of the Comprehensive Peace Accord which remains unfulfilled and implement its agreements with various ethnic groups.”

The Spokesperson and the Chief of Political Section of the Embassy of People’s Republic of China, Shan Xiaotong, said the Chinese government would continue to support the peace process.

RSS adds: In response to the cancellation of the polls, Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General and Chief of the United Nations Mission in Nepal, Ian Martin, today urged political parties to maintain their alliance. “Although there will be great disappointment among many people in Nepal and on the part of the international community, what is important now is that the political parties maintain their alliance and go forward to agree on how to create the conditions for the Constituent Assembly election,” he said.

Source : Southasian Media

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