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Where does your talks with Prime Minister Khanal and Maoist Chairman Dahal stand as of today?
It is necessary to give final shape to the present government for political stability in the country. Discussions are going on to resolve the stalemate because all of us agree that this situation should end.
Why has the cabinet remained incomplete for over 45 days?
First, it is due to internal feud in the UML. Second, there is lack of understanding inside the Maoist party. Lastly, the talks between the prime minister and other parties (with regard to joining the government) has failed to make much progress.
You party is seen as one of the “other parties” in talks with those leading the government. What is the current status of the negotiation?
Mainly, we have sought three things from the government. First, there should be a guarantee of drafting a federal democratic republic constitution within the stipulated timeframe. Second, the peace process should be concluded before the constitution is written. Finally, Madhes agendas should be addressed. We have sought clear views from the government and the Maoist party on these three issues.
But the seven-point deal, on which the present coalition stands, stresses on drafting a people´s constitution. Isn´t your demand in direct conflict with the seven-point deal?
People´s constitution is not possible. Such a constitution is not feasible even in countries with people´s republic. The seven-point deal, on the one hand, ignores the aspirations of Madhesi, indigenous and other marginalized people. On the other, it contains controversial issues like the CPN-UML and UCPN-M leading the government on rotational basis and an unacceptable modality for integration of Maoist combatants.
What is your take on these controversial issues?
These issues require further clarification. We have also sought their stance on Madhesi issues and how they will be addressed in the new constitution.
You have already held a few rounds of talks with the prime minister and Maoist Chairman. What do they say on these issues?
They are in confusion.
Haven´t they come out clear on the issues you have raised?
Not yet. They are not sure when the peace process will be concluded. Neither have they been able to make their position clear on Madhesh issues. They are also unsure when the new constitution will be in place and what such a constitution would look like.
What sort of clarity are you seeking from them in regard to the peace process?
There should be clarity about enforcing a complete command and control of the government over the Maoist combatants. Similarly, the confusion over modality of integration of Maoist combatants, standard norms [for integration] and number of the combatants to be integrated should be cleared before we join the government. Our consensus must be sought in settling these issues.
Has there been an agreement on the number of combatants to be integrated?
No. But we are not rigid on the issue. However, a number must be determined as soon as possible. It has been an obstacle in the peace process.
What do they say about concluding the peace process?
They are not clear. They have no idea when the peace process will conclude. The Prachanda [Maoist Chairman] says “peace process should be concluded soon” but there is no concrete basis [to believe his words]. The prime minister too is unclear.
You have raised Madhesi issues this time around as well. But haven´t most of the Madhesi issues already been addressed?
No, only minor issues have been addressed. Madhesi people mainly want an autonomous Madhesh state.
How do you define an autonomous state?
One that has regional autonomy.
But it is learnt that the prime minister and Dahal are not ready to accept your demand for an autonomous Madhesh state.
If they are not ready to address this issue, we will not join the coalition.
They want the Constituent Assembly to decide the kind of states the country will be divided into, instead of committing to an idea of autonomous states to any one party.
No doubt, the Constituent Assembly will have the final authority on the matter. But we want a clear position of the ruling parties on Madhes issues.
Is it the bone of contention in your talks with the prime minister and the Maoist Chairman?
It is the main thing that is yet to be addressed. Second is the peace process.
In that case, when will your talks with the prime minister and the Maoist Chairman bear fruit?
You better ask to the prime minister.
But it is said that talks have failed to bear fruits because you have been demanding more ministries than the prime minister is willing to accede to your party.
Honestly speaking, I haven´t yet put forward any demand for ministries. I´ll take up the issue of the number of ministries only after agreements on policy issues are made. If we are assured of a satisfactory solution on the issues related to peace process, drafting of the new constitution and Madhesi aspiration, we will not crave for a particular ministry. In that case we would be ready to extend support to the government even from outside.
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