Eight-party meeting begins; CPN-M presents 18-point proposal

Top leaders of the ruling eight-party alliance have gathered at the Prime Minister's residence in Baluwatar in order to sort out their differences and discuss ways to create favourable atmosphere for constituent assembly polls.

The meeting was to start at 4:00 pm, but it started only at 6:00 pm as the Inter-party Coordination Committee was still discussing the agendas of the meeting until 5:00 pm.

Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala, Maoist chairman Prachanda, UML's Amrit Bohara and Jhal Nath Khanal, Nepali Congress (Democratic) president Sher Bahadur Deuba, Janamorcha Nepal chairman Amik Sherchan, Nepal Workers and Peasant Party chairman Narayanman Bijukchhe and Nepal Sadbhawana Party (Anandi Devi) leader Bharat Bimal Yadav are participating in the meeting.

The meeting is expected to come up with a common view on the November 22 polls.

Meanwhile, the CPN (Maoist) has presented an 18-point proposal at the eight-party meeting, reiterating its demands for announcement of republic before the polls, formation of inquiry commission on involuntary disappearances, roundtable conference of all sections of the society including Janajatis and Madhesis, release of political detainees, start of the process for 'merger' between the Maoist army and the Nepal Army, among others.

In its proposal, the Maoist side has also criticised the functioning of the coalition government demanding that the cabinet function by consensus. nepalnews.com mk Aug 18 07