Talks on left unity continue with no progress

Published On: April 22, 2018 05:30 AM NPT By: Republica | @RepublicaNepal

KATHMANDU, April 22: The third day of talks between top guns of the CPN-UML and CPN (Maoist Center) ended inconclusively on Saturday as differences over power sharing and rotation of premiership continue to hinder unification efforts between the two ruling parties.

Despite signing a seven-point framework agreement to unite in February, the two parties have not been able to finalize the merger mainly due to lack of consensus on the modality of power sharing.

Leaders from two parties have been making continuous efforts to sort out the differences. After two days of indecisive talks, Prime Minister and UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli and CPN (Maoist Center) Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal on Saturday held extensive discussions on the disputed issues during a meeting held at the former's residence in Baluwatar.

Leaders briefed about the meeting said that the talks have proved fruitful in decreasing distrusts between the two parties but claimed that the two parties are still poles apart on the major bone of contention.

Maoist Center spokesperson Pampha Bhusal told Republica that the talks have been moving in positive direction.

"As far as I know, there are still some differences. But we are hopeful of positive outcome in the wake of continuous engagement between the two leaders," said Bhusal.

A UML leader said that the two leaders have reached an understanding to make renewed commitment for the unification during a program organized to commemorate Lenin's birth anniversary on Sunday. Earlier, leaders from the two parties had announced to unite the party on Lenin's birth anniversary of April 22 but it could not materialize due to lack of homework.

Maoist leaders have been demanding what they call dignified representation in the new party. A few party leaders are even calling for equal representation, meaning that both parties should have equal number of members in all party executive committees including the central committees. Dahal for his part has also been seeking assurance that he would get a chance to lead the government as per the gentlemen's understanding reached between the two parties before forging their electoral alliance.