[JURIST] Work on the new interim constitution of strife-torn Nepal [JURIST news archive] formally began Thursday, the six-person Interim Constitution Drafting Committee (ICDC) announced at a press conference. The ICDC, formed three weeks ago in a historic contract [text; JURIST report] between the interim government and Maoist rebels, expects to publish a final draft within fifteen days. Though informal work on the document began immediately after the deal [JURIST report], the formal start of work was delayed by committee membership squabbles [JURIST report] between the two sides. The interim constitution will delineate the procedure and substance of the upcoming constituent assembly elections. Once a new representative body is in place, the new representatives will draft a permanent constitution.

The landmark deal between Maoist rebels, who supported the pro-democracy rallies [JURIST news archive] of the spring, and the interim government also dissolved the parliament which was reinstated after the rallies against the direct rule of King Gyanendra [official profile] in April. Reuters has more. eKantipur has local coverage.