“There should a package deal, which is the best solution (to the present political deadlock and problems related to the peace process),” Khanal told journalists who asked him whether his party also supports the UCPN (Maoist) demand for a package deal on the peace process, constitution drafting and formation of the government before starting the proposed integration and rehabilitation of Maoist combatants.[break]
The UCPN (Maoist) had on Tuesday floated their demand at the meeting of the Special Committee, saying that the party wants to see a deal on contentious issues related to constitution writing, government formation and the peace process before starting the much-awaited management of over 19,000 combatants. The move has raised fears that the recent momentum in the peace process is likely not to continue.
“Both the peace process and constitution writing go simultanesously,” Khanal said, replying to questions from journalists at an interaction organized at Reporters´ Club Nepal in Kathmandu.
Khanal added that the peace process would not be completed by the agreed deadline of January 14 if the constitution writing does not make progress.
Asked about progress in negotiations over the package deal, he said, “We have been holding talks among the parties. The talks are close to culminating in success.”
To a question related to the recent shoe-throwing incident in Solukhumbu, Khanal said, “Nationalism is not strengthened by throwing shoes.
UCPN (Maoist) cadres had thrown shoes at Indian ambassador Rakesh Sood during his visit to the district last week to launch development projects funded by the Indian government.
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