Welcoming extension of Nepalese parliament, Ban urges progress on constitution

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Sunday welcomed the agreement reached by the parties in Nepal to extend the Constituent Assembly, which was tasked with adopting a new constitution by 28 May, and the reaffirmation of their commitment to complete the peace process.

The South Asian nation has been trying to work out the remaining aspects of the peace process that ended the civil war between Government forces and Maoists that claimed 13,000 lives.

Nepal's lawmakers reportedly averted a constitutional crisis this morning by voting to amend the interim constitution and extending the Constituent Assembly's tenure by another three months.

“The Secretary-General urges the parties to bring the peace process to an early and successful conclusion on the basis of a clear timetable and plan of action and looks forward to further progress in the drafting of the new constitution,” said a statement issued by his spokesperson.

“The parties must take this opportunity afforded to them to live up to their commitments and responsibilities in the interests of peace and stability in Nepal,” it added.