"The meeting ended on a positive note. The meeting was a step closer toward resolving the problem," said Maoist leader Dev Gurung, who is a member of the taskforce.[break]
The taskforce, comprising Maoist leader Gurung, NC leader Arjun Narsingh KC and UML leader Yubraj Gyanwali, is working on a joint resolution motion to be discussed in the legislature-parliament to address the Maoist demand.
However, the meeting failed to finalize the draft resolution as the parties differed over the language and words to be used in it. The Maoists have demanded that the draft unambiguously state that President Dr Ram Baran Yadav´s move to reinstate then army chief Rookmangud Katawal was unconstitutional, while the ruling parties are against it.
"The draft resolution proposed by the NC and the UML is abstract. We want to render it concrete and specific," said Gurung.
According to sources, the resolution draft proposed by the ruling parties state: "The interim constitution of Nepal 2063 BS has recognized the president as the constitutional head of the state. The legislature-parliament makes a commitment to make the institution more dignified and keep it free from controversy and clarify the ambiguities seen here and there."
But the Maoists insisted that the language be made more specific, something unacceptable to the ruling parties. "We are clear that we are absolutely against censuring the president through the resolution motion," said NC leader Arjun Narsingh KC after the meeting.
NC leader KC, however, said he is optimistic that the parties would find a midpoint for consensus despite top party leaders expressing pessimistic view in
the public.
The talks team of the three largest political parties are scheduled to hold a meeting on Sunday for consensus. "If the talks teams fail to reach a consensus, the issue will be settled by the top party leaderships," said KC.
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