We know we can do it - Nepali Times

From The Nepali Press
We know we can do it
Pushpa Kamal Dahal's speech at the Shaktikhor handover.

FROM ISSUE #538 (28 JAN 2011 - 03 FEB 2011) | TABLE OF CONTENTS

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DAMBAR KRISHNA SHRESTHA

Today, our country is going through a critical transition. Nepali people, who believe in change, actively participated in a ten-year people's war and a 19-day-long people's movement in the hope of a new Nepal. As a result of their sacrifice and dedication, the republic was declared after 240 years of monarchy. I take this opportunity to remember those who sacrificed their lives and those who disappeared during the movement.

You have made a great contribution towards the liberating the people from an autocratic monarchy. With patience, courage and discipline, you have been carrying out your responsibilities during the revolution and since the peace process began.

Our country is now in the final stage of political transition. There will be two armies until they are integrated as provisioned in the Comprehensive Peace Accord and the Interim Constitution. We want to build a robust national security force through integration and rehabilitation. This is a historical necessity. We wrote a five-point joint letter to the UN requesting for UN mission to facilitate and take the peace process to a meaningful conclusion. A few days ago, the mission returned without completing the task. This definitely created some doubts and problems.

Despite all this, our party is committed to take the peace process to a logical end, and that is why we reached a new agreement with the government.

People are doubtful about whether the peace process, the strengthening of national security and the integration process and the writing of a new constitution will ever be completed. But we have confidence that we can meet these challenges if all Nepali people, true patriots and pro-republican forces come together.

Committed to the Articles 146 and 147 of the Interim Constitution and the CPA and the Agreement on Monitoring of the Management of Arms and Armies, we always wanted to bring the PLA under the Special Committee, which was announced by the first elected government of republican Nepal. In a changed situation, we are gathered here to implement it. There is a lot that remains to be done. I have no doubt that it is possible through consolidated efforts of all Nepali political parties, general public, PLA, Nepal Army and other security organisations.

I would also like to thank political parties, organisation, the UN, UNMIN and friends of Nepal who helped the process of peace and constitution writing process. May our aspirations for peace, constitution and a prosperous new Nepal be fulfilled.