Prachanda meets Martin, CC to finalise PR list

With CPN-Maoist preparing to lead the next government, United Nation Mission in Nepal (UNMIN) chief Ian Martin met the party's chairman Prachanda at the latter's residence in Nayabazaar Wednesday morning.

The ongoing peace process, army integration, the future government and its composition is learnt to have featured highly during the meeting that took place at 7 am in the morning.

Martin is also learnt to have discussed the model of integrating Maoist guerilla fighters into the Nepali Army and the future role of UNMIN.

The meeting between Prachanda and Martin comes at a time when some quarters are calling for UNMIN's "downsizing" and discussing its "exit strategy".

Prachanda has, time and again, said that UN's services in army integration are no longer required and reiterated this in his recent interview to an Indian newspaper. "I feel there is no role for the UN in integration. Now that we have a CA, and a basis has come into being for political stability, and the basis for integration is there, too, I do not see such an important role for the UN," he told The Hindu newspaper.

Meanwhile, the party is also submitting the name of 100 candidates who will represent the party under the proportional representation to the Election Commission, Wednesday.

The party's Central Committee meeting being held in the capital city is expected to finalise the names of 100 candidates and also endorse the political proposal put forward by chairman Prachanda on Wednesday. nepalnews.com ag Apr 30 08