While NC and UML leaders insisted that the government revoke the recent cabinet decision to legalize land transactions carried out by the “people´s government” during the Maoist insurgency, Maoist leaders insisted on finding an alternative solution prior to the withdrawal of the decision. [break]
The meeting was expected to work a way out of the deadlock in parliament as opposition parties continue to obstruct parliament proceedings. Political parties are currently walking a tightrope as the May 28 deadline for constitution writing and concluding the peace process is approaching fast.
“We discussed various issues ranging from the row over the cabinet decision, peace process and the obstruction in parliament but we couldn´t reach an agreement,” UML Chairman Jhalanath Khanal told reporters after the meeting held at Singha Durbar. “The government should revoke the decision on land transactions to end the House obstruction that would create a favorable environment for settlement of various issues.”
He argued that once the government revokes the decision, political parties would sit for talks and find a solution to the problem.
However, Senior Vice-chairman of the ruling UCPN (Maoist) Mohan Baidya ruled out the possibility of government revoking its decision on legalizing war-time land deals. “The decision will not be withdrawn,” he said.
Asked about the obstruction in parliament, Baidya said the opposition parties were free to oppose government decisions in a democracy.
Ram Sharan Mahat of NC accused the government and the ruling Maoists of not working sincerely to expedite the peace process and end obstruction in parliament.
He accused the government of not taking any initiative toward solving the issues raised by the opposition parties. “The government and the UCPN (Maoist) are squarely to be blamed for no progress in the peace process and House obstruction,” said Mahat.
Leaders said they are planning to hold a marathon meeting at a quiet place within couple of days.
“We agreed to hold intra-party meetings in our respective parties and then to hold a day-long meeting on February 9,” said Baidya.
Maoist Chairman Dahal at the meeting floated the idea of holding a marathon meeting to discuss all major thorny issues.
According to a participant, no sooner had Dahal tabled the proposal, UML´s General Secretary Ishwar Pokharel seconded the idea and proposed that such a meeting be held without any delay. “Then, why not to convene such a meeting tomorrow (Monday)?” a leader quoted Pokharel as saying. But Dahal proposed to hold such a meeting on Wednesday or Thursday as the UCPN (Maoist) was planning to hold the party´s meeting on Tuesday.
Related story
PM-MPRF talks yield no result
