Though the Maoists side did not specifically demand the post of Brigadier General of the proposed Directorate under the Nepal Army, they maintained that some leadership position to the Maoist combatants would help drive the peace process forward. [break]
As in previous meeting, both Nepali Congress and CPN-UML leaders maintained that the integration process should be concluded in line with the seven-point agreement reached on November 1, 2011.
The Maoists have been demanding at least Brigadier General-- the second-in-command in the proposed Directorate that will have a total 6,500 personnel and argue Maoist combatants should also get some leadership positions after the integration.
Talking to media after the meeting UML Chairman Jhala Nath Khanal said NC and UML had rejected Maoist demand on leadership positions in the Directorate. He said that they will continue discussion on the issue during the next meeting on Sunday.
While Chairman Dahal and Vice-chairman and Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai represented the Maoist party, President Koirala, Vice-President Paudel and party leaders Krishna Prasad Sitaula and Dr Minendra Rijal participated in the meeting from the NC. UML Chairman Khanal was accompanied by senior party leader Madhav Kumar Nepal and Bhim Rawal.
According to Rawal, the Maoists wanted some senior positions to help settle internal problem within their party. NC and UML said senior position in the army through political decision was not possible.
NC Vice President Ram Chandra Paudel said they remained firm on the stance that there cannot be any agreement beyond the seven-point agreement in regard to the army integration.
Though Saturday´s meeting discussed the formation of Truth and Reconciliation Commission and Disappearance Commission, there was no agreement. Rawal said meeting on Sunday would try to arrive at a consensus on the formation of TRC and Disappearance Commission.
Related story
Shree Airlines flight bound for Dhangadhi returns to Kathmandu...
