KATHMANDU, Nov 17: The main opposition UCPN (Maoist) has rejected the proposal of the ruling parties to hold separate talks over letting the annual budget through. [break]
Leaders of the Nepali Congress (NC) and the UCPN (Maoists) held hours-long meeting at the latter´s parliamentary party office at Singha Durbar on Tuesday, but failed to reach any agreement after the Maoists insisted that the ruling parties address the Maoist demand in its entirety.
The leaders, however, agreed to hold another round of meeting on Wednesday morning in a bid to end the protracted political crisis. “No agreement was reached at the meeting as they (ruling party leaders) were only concerned about endorsing the budget, leaving other issues aside,” said Maoist vice chair Narayankaji Shrestha, who participated in the meeting.
He said that the political parties should intensify dialogues to address his party´s demand concerning “civilian supremacy” as there are two more days left before the Maoist ultimatum expires. Maoists have issued Nov 22 ultimatum for the ruling parties to meet their demand that includes “correction of the president´s move” and formation of a Maoist-led national unity government.
Earlier, Maoists had been saying they were ready to hold separate talks with the ruling parties over the budget. Maoist Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal had also stated that his party would let the budget pass in the parliament.
NC leader Poudel said that his party proposed the Maoists to hold separate talks over the budget, while continuing talks on the Maoist demands, as the country is sliding into financial crisis. “As they (Maoists) are also saying that they don´t intend to obstruct the passage of budget, we proposed to hold separate talks,” said Poudel.
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