NC and UDMF, an alliance of Madhesi parties, held a top level meeting at Singh Durbar Monday. [break]
"Both NC and UDMF have come to realize that the country´s democratic achievements are at risk. So, we decided to work together," MPRF-R Chairman Jaya Prakash Prasad Gupta said after the meeting.
NC Vice-president Ram Chandra Paudel said the meeting between NC and UDMF has formed the basis for national consensus. "Though we still have some differences, we will move ahead by resolving the differences," Paudel added.
Earlier, leaders of Madhesi parties had said they would not hold talks with NC until the latter recognized UDMF as the fourth political force. They accused NC of duplicity after the signing of the May 28 five-point agreement.
"The meeting has created environment for further talks between two sides as NC finally recognized UDMF as the fourth political force," Rajkishor Yadav, co-chair of Madhesi People´s Right Forum-Republican (MPRF-R) told Republica.
According to Yadav, NC agreed to include UDMF in all future talks aimed at forging national consensus.
Madhesi leaders reiterated that their presence was necessary in talks on constitution writing, peace process and development issues.
Asked if the talks were a part of strategy to form new a coalition for forming a new government under NC´s leadership as Prime Minister Jhalanath Khanal is preparing step down, Yadav said, "We did not discuss those issues. We will discuss other issues in the coming meetings."
NC and UDMF have differences regarding state restructuring as the former stresses the need for forming state restructuring commission and rejects Madhes as one state.
UDMF has been advocating for formation of an expert panel to resolve contentious issues of state restructuring.
NC top leaders including President Sushil Koirala, senior leader Sher Bahadur Deuba were present at the meeting.
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