New Nepalese premier calls for support from the Maoists

May 26, 2009, 12:02 GMT

   Kathmandu - Nepalese Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal Tuesday called on all political parties, including the Maoists, to support his government, saying the nation faced enormous challenges.

   Nepal made the call in a televised message to the nation, a day after he was sworn in as prime minister by the president.

   'I know my government faces many challenges but we can overcome them if we all cooperate,' Nepal said. 'We must continue on the path of political consensus for the good of the country.'

   Nepal also called on the Maoists to support the new government and added his main priority would be to draft a new constitution within the next one and half years.

   Nepal succeeded Maoist chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal, who resigned after a power struggle with the president in early May.

   The Maoist-led government lasted just over eight months in office before losing the support of its coalition partners over the controversy sparked by the sacking of army chief Rupmangat Katuwal, allegedly for his reluctance to incorporate Maoist rebels into the national army.

   The president reinstated Katuwal hours after he was sacked by the government, prompting Dahal to resign.

   The Maoists, angry over the collapse of their government, say they will not cooperate with the new government.

   They have also vowed to intensify their protests in parliament as well as on the streets

   Political analysts say that without Maoist support the new government formed with the support of 22 political parties may not be able to implement its programme.