NEW PM: Maoist leader Prachanda is elected Nepal's prime minister on August 15

Political parties have been widely engaged in consultations focusing on the formation of a new government. Their constructive consultations are a precursor to the formation of a representative and balanced government reflecting the coalition structure of the Constituent Assembly.

The major political parties have a united voice on the main political courses of action, and have shown enough maturity throughout the peace process. They have a common commitment to broader national interests. It is the beauty of democracy that consensus is sought amidst differences.

Many media reports have mentioned foreign intervention in Nepal's presidential election. What's your comment?

Nepal has welcomed constructive suggestions from friendly countries. This does not mean that foreign intervention has ever been accepted. We are a member of the comity of sovereign nation-states, and our foreign relations are based on established norms and practices including the principles of the UN, international laws, non-alignment, the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence and the value of world peace. No matter which political party or system is in power, the issues of sovereignty, territorial integrity and national independence have been unquestionable in the known history of Nepal, and will remain so in the future, too.

Maoist leader Prachanda was elected Nepal's new prime minister on August 15. What implications will his election have for Nepal's ongoing political transition?

Pushpa Kamal Daha-Prachanda-was elected Prime Minister of Nepal by a vote of 464 members of the Constituent Assembly, with 113 members against. He will lead a coalition government. The new government has been formed with enough strength to create an environment conducive to the timely formulation of a constitution. In this process, the prime minister will bring into play all the forces in the original spirit, so that their unity remains vibrant and intact. Similarly, the new government has to engage those political parties remaining in opposition. These are important tasks for managing the transition and subsequent broader socioeconomic transformation. The new government with the wider consensus will act as a catalyst for successfully formulating the constitution.

The present formation of the government has helped bring the peace process to a logical conclusion, while maintaining the Communist Party of