Prachanda, Chairman of the Communist Party of Nepal ( Maoist) (CPN-M), Sunday commented on the formation of the Interim Government by describing Sunday as a "historical day in the formation of New Nepal."

He made the comment after Nepali Interim Government cabinet ministers, including those from the CPN-M, swore in to complete the formation of the new Nepali government.

After decade-long civil war, five former members of the CPN-M were appointed ministers in the new government to be headed by Girija Prasad Koirala, who was re-elected in the Interim Parliament's Sunday sitting as prime minister of the new government earlier in the day.

When asked about the party's new schedule, Prachanda replied that the first priority of his party was to hold Constituent Assembly (CA) elections successfully in a free and fair manner, " We will also have long-term plans to steer the nation towards a new direction," he said.

When asked if he feels that his party's responsibilities have increased, Prachanda replied, "Once we entered mainstream politics following the ceasefire, we were prepared to form a New Nepal; all our present responsibilities are also a part of it. So, we have come prepared to shoulder responsibilities for the sake of the nation."

While delivering a speech at the Parliament after being re- elected, Koirala said "Post is not important; everybody's cooperation is important. If all eight-parties extend their full support and cooperation, we can easily establish peace in the country."

"Making me the PM is not going to be enough. You need to fully support me. Only then can we achieve our goal," he added.

Koirala said "The country has got a new Prime Minister today ... I would like to assure you all that the peace and securitysituation will improve from today itself."

Nepal's major political parties Friday in Kathmandu reached consensus on the distribution of ministerial portfolios amongparties, while Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala approved the ministers' name list on Sunday morning.

As per the agreement reached between Seven-party Alliance and CPN-M on Nov. 8, 2006, the Interim Constitution should be completed by Nov. 21, 2006 and promulgated by Nov. 26, 2006, and the Interim cabinet should be formed by Dec. 1, 2006.

However, the Interim Constitution was promulgated on Jan. 15, 2007 and the formation of the Interim Government was also delayed.

Source: Xinhua