NEPAL: NEPAL, the Maoist inclusive Interim government has been formed after much bargaining and discussions

After many discussions amongst various parties, the maoist inclusive interim government has been formed today just hours before Prime Minister Girija's departure for SAARC Conference in Delhi. Altogether, the ministries number 26 in total. Nepal's former Maoist guerrillas joined an interim government on Sunday (April 1, 2007) under a peace deal that takes them into the political mainstream after a decade-long conflict. The once-feared Maoists signed a peace deal in November with the multiparty government, ending their revolt against the monarchy that killed more than 13,000 people. Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala named five nominees of the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) to his new 22-member multiparty cabinet following two days of haggling over posts. "We are at present threshold of success and un-success. If we untidily move ahead without any obstacles we can definitely reach our goals," Koirala told the interim parliament which the Maoists joined in January. "Let's all unite and complete this chapter." On Sunday, Koirala, 85, ceremonially stepped down, only to be re-elected by the interim assembly. He then took the oath of office for the sixth time in the cathedral-like parliament. It was the first time King Gyanendra, who ended his absolute rule last year under pressure from Maoist-backed popular protests, had no role in naming the prime minister. Koirala then swore in his interim team, including new Information and Communications Minister Krishna Bahadur Mahara, former spokesman and chief Maoist negotiator in the peace process, at a ceremony attended by Maoist chief Prachanda. Landlocked Nepal's influential neighbour India welcomed the new government.

ITN Source | April 1, 2007

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