"The deal simply meant the leader of the main opposition, Puspa Kamal Dahal, will withdraw from the prime ministerial race and the UML will not take part in the election process," said Nepal talking to media persons here.[break]
Stating that Nepali Congress was well informed before inking the Maoist-UML deal, the prime minister clarified that it was not a secret agreement.
He said although the country has not been able to pick a new prime minister even after seven rounds of voting in parliament, the deal has raised hopes toward ending the "deadlock".
Nepal also expressed hopes that integration and rehabilitation of Maoist combatants will be accomplished by mid-January, when UNMIN´s extended term will expire. "I had telephone conversation with Maoist Chairman Prachanda and found that he is serious about the integration issue," Nepal said.
The prime minister also said if former king Gyanendra is aspiring to reinstate monarchy, the latter´s efforts are sure to turn out futile.
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