Rana meets PM Koirala; 'RPP has no view on monarchy'
Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) chairman Pashupati Shumsher Rana met with Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala at the latter’s residence Saturday and informed about the RPP’s position that the Maoists should not be brought in an interim government before arms management.
Talking to Nepalnews after his meeting with Koirala, Rana said he had gone to Baluwatar “mainly to convey Diwapali greetings to the Prime Minister and wish him success in the peace talks”, but also clarified his party’s position regarding the peace process.
“RPP is positive about the ongoing dialogue. I told the Prime Minister that there should be an atmosphere whereby people can go to vote in the constituent assembly (CA) elections without fear,” he said, “To create a fearless environment the arms of the rebels should be separated from them before they join the interim government.”
Asked about recent statements of RPP leaders complaining that the party was being totally isolated from the peace process, Rana said the party had no grievances as such. “Our position in the parliament and outside is that of an opposition. The eight parties [including Maoists] are doing generally well at the table. But, since we also have strong presence at local level we are opposed to the way we are being cornered from all-party decision-making process and budget allocation in the local bodies,” he further explained.
He said he also remained Prime Minister Koirala about the “growing insecurity” in the country. “Conversation [with Koirala] went in a cordial manner,” said he.
On monarchy, Rana said the RPP had not yet decided anything on this issue. “Our party has not decided anything on monarchy, so I’m not in a position to give views unless the party makes a formal decision,” he said.
The RPP chief also preferred silence on ‘democratic republic’, a key demand of the Maoists on which six of the ruling seven parties - except for the Nepali Congress which maintains that it should be decided by the CA- have officially vouched for.
The Koirala-Rana meeting came at a time when the SPA-Maoist talks remain stalled following differences on the issue of monarchy and the management of arms. The RPP, which is considered a pro-monarchist party, has been outside the political debate on major political after the April Movement. nepalnews.com mk Oct 21 06
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