The small parties took such a decision after agreeing with the NC and the UML that the ongoing peace process had hit a roadblock due to the Maoist failure to implement the seven-point and the subsequent six-point agreement.[break]
At a meeting held with the NC and the UML at Singha Durbar, small parties agreed to raise the issue of the peace process in parliament. “The issue of peace and constitution is not being raised by the big parties alone but the entire nation. We have agreed to exert pressure on those flouting past agreements to conclude the peace process and constitution writing,” said Rastriya Jana Morcha Chairman Chitra Bahadur KC.
A meeting of NC and UML held at the latter´s parliamentary party office in Singha Durbar on Saturday evening had decided to hold separate talks with UDMF and other small parties to forge a common stance on the issues of peace and constitution.
“Nepali Congress and UML are ready to move ahead with the small parties on major issues of peace and constitution,” NC Vice President Ram Chandra Paudel told media persons.
“The country is now in need of peace and democracy. And we need to draft a new constitution. We will hold talks even with the Maoists on the issues. We will also hold talks with Madhes-based parties,” he said.
CPN-UML Chairman Jhalanath Khanal said they will also hold talks with Madhes-based parties on Monday. “Though categorization of the Maoist combatants has almost concluded, there is still confusion as to when the combatants opting for voluntary retirement will vacate the cantonments. Likewise, there is confusion as to when the combatants would be sent for reintegration. These issues have not moved ahead in the Special Committee,” he said.
Chairman Khanal said the discussion with other political parties was initiated to forge consensus with a view to finding an outlet to the current stalemate. “Some challenges have surfaced in the peace process. All political parties need to stand united to face these challenges,” he added.
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