Top leaders of the seven parties are set to meet at Baluwatar Friday afternoon in a final bid to end the current political deadlock.
They are holding bilateral and multilateral talks to chalk out the points of consensus prior to the seven-party meeting.
Senior leaders remained busy with discussions throughout the day Thursday, agreeing to hold a “decisive” meeting tomorrow. Nepali Congress and CPN-UML leaders discussed some political options like increasing the constituent assembly seats elected under proportional voting system, and the Maoist demand for a cabinet reshuffle with senior deputy prime minister’s post to their candidate.
UML leader Jhal Nath Khanal said that after today’s meeting both the UML and NC are confident of agreeing on a draft of the political consensus in Friday’s seven-party meeting. He said the NC is positive about the Maoists claiming senior deputy minister along with one of the three powerful portfolios - home, finance or defence.
Based on the consensus, Khanal said, a motion would be tabled at the parliament Saturday for third amendment in the constitution, which will be passed on the same day.
He said the seven-party meeting is also expected to reach an agreement on the issue of integration between the Nepal Army and the Maoist People’s Liberation Army (PLA), as well as on division of cabinet seats.
Meanwhile, four left parties – CPN (UML), CPN (Maoist), Janamorcha Nepal and CPN (Unity Centre-Masal) leaders also held a meeting, trying to build a common position on key agendas.
UML general secretary Madhav Kumar Nepal, Maoist chairman Prachanda, Janamorcha chairman Amik Sherchan, general secretary of Unity Centre Narayankaji Shrestha ‘Prakash’ and other central leaders were present at the meeting. nepalnews.com mk Dec 14 07
