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I am willing to be president of Nepal: Prachanda

By Onkar Singh in New Delhi
November 18, 2006 14:26 IST

Prachanda, the man who revolutionised Nepal politics in last one decade, said though he is not interested in any post, if the people of Nepal want him to become the president of the new republic, he would accept that responsibility.

Prachanda was addessing a press conference in New Delhi on Saturday.

"I am not interested in any post, but it is for the people of Nepal to decide whether or not I should become the president of the new republic. If they want me to, I will not disappoint them and accept the job offered to me for a temporary period," Prachanda said.

He made it clear that there was no role for the monarchy. "Gyanendra cannot live like Pashupati. People hate the family as they think that it was this family which was responsible for the killing of the entire royal family. We are in the process of debating the new democratic form of government with the executive president as its head," he said in response to a question whether he is contemplating to bring about major changes in the system of governance or whether he would let the present system to continue.

Prachanda made it clear that he is in India not at the invitation of the government of India, but to attend the Leadership Summit of the Hindustan Times. "I had a minor technical problem with the Customs last night, but nothing major," he explained when asked why he was held up for over half an hour at the Indira Gandhi International Airport by the Customs department.

Prachanda said that the time has come to change the treaty signed between India and Nepal keeping in mind new ground realities. "The people of Nepal feel that we should have another treaty," he said.

He refused to give any advice to the Communist Party-Marxist and Left parties as to how to conduct themselves.

"We did what we felt like and we would not like to advice CP-M and other Left parties. As far as their role is concerned, it is as positive as played by other political parties of India. But our struggle would go a long way if we have an impact on other places as well," Prachanda said.

He denied that there were any minors in his organisation as that would amount to violation of the UN charter where no minor can be exploited.

"There may have been cases where we may have inducted sons of soldiers who laid down their lives during the armed struggle. They just look too young, but actually they are not," he said.

He clarified that some of his colleagues will participate in the government formation, but he would stay out of it. "We are also thinking of giving voting rights to Nepalese staying outside," he said.

Prachanda denied any linkage between his Maoist movement and the present Chinese government. "After the death of Chairman Mao, the Chinese have been changing colours," he said.

Onkar Singh in New Delhi

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