Nepal government negotiators and Maoist rebels Saturday reached a somewhat-delayed agreement on the terms of an interim constitution [eKantipur highlights; JURIST news archive] for the country. The interim constitution is notably silent on whether King Gyanendra [official profile] will retain head of state duties; all executive power is vested in the Prime Minister. The issue of the monarchy will not be settled until a new representative body is elected and drafts a permanent constitution. The 168 articles of the interim constitution will replace the current constitution [text] as soon as the arms management process outlined in the peace plan [JURIST report] between the ruling coalition and the Maoist rebels is finished.

Last Updated On 12/16/2006 12:00:00 AM