More time needed to decide all issues in a package form: Negotiators
Even as they stated that they are narrowing down their differences on all contentious issues, the government as well as Maoist talks coordinators have said they need more time and more homework to resolve all thorny issues in a single package.
In a hastily arranged press conference at the Peace Secretariat, both government talks coordinator Krishna Sitaula and Maoist talks coordinator Krishna Mahara said the top leaders wanted to resolve all issues in a package and not individually. The major contentious issues continue to remain the management of arms, interim arrangement and status of monarchy.
"We need a few more days and so the next summit meeting will be held on Sunday, October 15," said Sitaula.
Mahara added that the top leaders were discussing issues in a "more serious" manner. "We have taken the new spirit of the government side (in seriously discussing political issues) as another step forward. Our differences are decreasing," said Mahara.
The Maoist leader added that the leaders did not want to "decide in haste and repent in leisure." Therefore, he added, they decided to give it some more time for internal discussions and homework. "We are constantly moving closer to the conclusion. As and when we reach to the conclusion, that would be the historic moment for Nepal," Mahara said. He also said that they wanted to build a new Nepal with lasting peace and, therefore, were being careful not to 'repeat mistakes of history.'
The press conference was attended by government talks team members Pradeep Gyawali and Ramesh Lekhak. Likewise, Maoist talks team members Dinanath Sharma and Dev Gurung were also present on the occasion. The next summit meeting is scheduled to be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday. nepalnews.com sd Oct 12 06
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