Appreciating Koirala´s role in bringing the peace process to the present state, Dahal urged him to take initiatives for formation of a national consensus government.
"I told Girijababu, as the leader who led the peace process from 12-point understanding to the present day, that he should take initiatives for formation of a national consensus government," said Dahal after the meeting at Koirala´s residence.
He said he was surprised by Koirala´s move to project UML leader Madhav Nepal as future prime minister.
"We told Koirala to take initiatives for a national consensus government and that we are also ready for forming such a government," said Dr Babu Ram Bhattarai who accompanied Dahal in the meeting. "But projecting a particular party or a person is merely a way to derail the process of formation of a national consensus government."
The top Maoist leaders also informed Koirala that they were even ready for forming a new government under Madhesi People´s Rights Forum leader Upendra Yadav if a consensus was made.
At the meeting, Dahal tried to convince Koirala to Maoists´ sincerity about the peace process and democracy. Dahal said there were some shortcomings on the Maoists´ part but they were not shying away from their responsibility of taking the peace process to a logical end.
Koirala, however, suggested the Maoist leaders to support UML leader Madhav Nepal to form a new government. "As UML is also a responsible party and Nepal has also played crucial role in the peace process, you (Maoists) should not be hesitant to support him," NC leader Krishna Sitaula quoted Koirala as telling to Dahal.
Koirala outright rejected the Maoist request for exploring alternative of MK Nepal. "As you have already resigned, we all should support Nepal and expedite the constitution-making and peace process," Koirala was reported to have told the Maoist leaders. "Rather, we all senior leaders should form a political body to sort out all the problems and accomplish the task of peace and constitution making on time."
Koirala questioned Maoist sincerity about peace and democracy, giving reference to recently exposed video tape and a recent speech in Basantapur. He also said the Maoists´ slogan of civilian supremacy would be hollow if the major political parties failed to forge consensus. "Civilian supremacy is materialized only if we all go hand in hand to ensure people´s rights," Sitaula quoted Koirala as saying.
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