NC, UML against Maoist conditions

KATHMANDU, May 22: Even as the Constituent Assembly (CA) term approaches its end, neither the ruling parties nor the opposition have shown any signs of a compromise any time soon.



Consensus among the big three parties still appears elusive as the ruling Nepali Congress (NC) and CPN-UML on Saturday decided not to give in to conditions put forth by the main opposition UCPN (Maoist) for CA term extension. The two-year term of the CA expires on May 28. [break]



According to UML General Secretary Ishwar Pokharel, a joint meeting of the NC and UML held at Singha Durbar concluded that the issue of government change as demanded by the Maoists and extension of the CA term should be dealt with separately.



The two ruling parties insisted that the Maoists must agree on a package deal on six-point agenda sorted out earlier to ensure implementation of all past agreements and promulgation of a democratic constitution.



According to NC leader Arjun Narsingh KC, NC leaders had apprised UML leadership about the conditions put forth by the Maoists for CA term extension in their meeting with the Maoists on Saturday morning.



NC Vice President Ram Chandra Poudel argued that the Maoists should either say that CA is not their agenda or unconditionally agree on extending CA term. “There is no point in agreeing with the Maoists,” he said.



Meanwhile, the parties have agreed to continue holding bilateral meetings between top leaders of the big three parties separately. UML and the Maoists are scheduled to hold bilateral meeting on Sunday before sitting for three-party talks.



UML insists on a package deal



A meeting of top CPN-UML leaders on Saturday insisted that solution to the present deadlock be sought in a package. “We decided to resolve the crisis by convincing the Maoists to agree on a package deal. We can´t deal with issues in isolation. Instead, we can be flexible during the talks,” said UML Secretary Yuvraj Gyawali.



Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal, UML Chairman Jhala Nath Khanal, General Secretary Ishwar Pokharel, Standing Committee members KP Oli, Bharat Mohan Adhikari, Amrit Bohara, secretaries Bishnu Poudel and Yuvraj Gyawali and Home Minister Bhim Rawal attended the meeting.

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