The Maoist chairman, accompanied by senior party leaders, held an hour-long meeting with Prime Minister Khanal at the latter´s official residence in Baluwatar Tuesday morning and issued the joint statement, which amounts to amendment to the deal.[break]
“The talks have been fruitful. Now we will soon join the government and it will gain full shape,” said Maoist Vice-chairman Narayankaji Shrestha.
The statement has amended the language of the deal that was objectionable to not only the other political parties, but also Khanal´s rival factions within the UML.
In the place of “people´s inclusive democracy”, the statement uses the terms “republic, federalism, democracy, secularism, proportional representation, inclusion and social justice.”
Another “objectionable” provision in the deal was the formation of a separate security force of the Maoist combatants as one of the options for the integration modality.
Clarifying this provision, the leaders argued in the statement meant the integration of PLA combatants would be done in accordance with the Comprehensive Peace Agreement and as per the recommendations of the Special Committee.
Likewise, another provision in the deal was on the polarization among the left parties. The statement clarifies that the Maoists and the UML would move ahead on the basis consensus among the major parties on important issues including government formation. The seven-point deal had the provision of allowing the UML and the Maoists to lead the government by turns.
UML Secretary Shankar Pokharel, who is from the faction led by KP Sharma Oli, stated that the statement itself is not objectionable, but it has failed to properly address controversial issues. He said that the statement doesn´t make commitment to the “federal democratic republic”, which is the party´s official line.
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