| LDN Welcomes SPA CPN(M) agreeement |
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Press Release On behalf of LDN Liberal Democracy Nepal (LDN) welcomes the agreement between the Seven Party Alliance (SPA) and the Communist Party of Nepal [Maoist] -CPN(M)- to end the decade-long conflict in the country, and their commitment to peaceful solutions through dialogues, negotiations, and the electoral process. We congratulate both the SPA and the CPN(M) for signing the accord that underscores the importance of multiparty democracy and fundamental human rights. LDN further believes that a Constituent Assembly, scheduled to be held by June 2007, will provide the necessary direction to a full-fledged liberal democracy in Nepal. LDN strongly believes that the CPN(M) and the parliamentary parties are earnest in their commitments to implement the agreement and create conducive environment for the Nepali people to live in peace and work towards prosperity. We are happy to note that the comprehensive agreement between the SPA and the CPN(M) includes points that were the focus of deliberation at the LDN workshop in Washington D.C. with seven political parties in October 2005. For example, electoral and military reforms, administrative restructuring, monarchy, and internal democracy in party polity were the subjects of the workshop. We believe that these institutional reforms are essential requirements for laying the foundation for a strong and prosperous democratic state. But, it is also equally important to follow due process, create transparency, generate constructive discussions, and allow broad participation in such deliberations. Importantly, LDN believes that our social and cultural mosaic should be the source of unity, harmony, and our national strength with a long-term view, and should not be used for division, chaos, and the advancement of personal or small group’s political gains. Thus, holding an election to Constituent Assembly in a free and fair manner, without the fear of intimidation and violence, is critical to give voice to everyone. We applaud the UN and the international community for their role in nurturing the necessary conditions for negotiations, and for enabling Nepalis to come together as the rightful stakeholders in the peace process. However, we also recognize that entering into peace agreement alone is not sufficient for creating lasting peace. Implementation and compliance to the terms of the agreement by all signatories is an essential prerequisite for the success of this historic accord. Therefore, we would like to urge the UN to be vigilant and play a constructive role during this critical hour.
Liberal Democracy Nepal (LDN) is dedicated to disseminating and discussing the full range of issues and ideas germane to the ideal of creating liberal democracy in Nepal. LDN is an affiliate of Nepal Study Center at the University of New Mexico, USA. http://www.liberaldemocracynepal.org
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