A joint meeting of NC and UML held at the prime minister´s official residence in Baluwatar on Tuesday also decided to ask Constituent Assembly (CA) Chairman Subas Nembang to resume CA proceedings.
According to NC Joint General Secretary Purna Bahadur Khadka, the meeting decided to intensify formal talks with the agitating 30-party opposition alliance from Wednesday. "We have decided to ask CA chairman to resume the stalled CA meetings at the earliest. We will hold formal talks with the opposition parties prior to holding the CA proceedings if they are willing to sit for negotiations," he said.
UCPN (Maoist) led 30-party opposition alliance has been declining talks, seeking assurance from the ruling parties of a consensus-based constitution. CA meeting has been put on hold after the UCPN (Maoist)-led alliance boycotted the CA meetings demanding withdrawal of ruling parties´ move to bring a constitution through voting in CA.
Sources said Prime Minister Sushil Koirala has invited UCPN (Maoist) Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal for talks on Wednesday. "Although we stalled the CA meeting on their request, the opposition alliance has not shown any interest in holding talks," said UML Vice chairman Bhim Rawal. "We will invite the opposition for result-oriented talks one last time. But if they decline the offer, we will request the CA chairman to resume CA meetings and expedite the constitution-making process."
According to leaders participating in the meeting, both the parties concluded that the CA should not be held hostage indefinitely in the name of consensus.
UML to continue support to NC-led govt
The UML, which is the main coalition partner in the government, has refuted media reports that it has decided to withdraw support the NC-led government. UML leaders during the meeting reiterated that the party will not quit the government until a new constitution is promulgated through the CA.
"We will not withdraw support to NC-led government until a new constitution is promulgated," said Rawal.
NC leader Khadka said UML leaders asked NC not to be misled by media reports.
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