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UML-Maoist meeting 'positive'

A meeting of the top leaders of the ruling CPN (UML) and the main opposition Unified CPN (Maoist) on the deadlock in the parliamentary ended inconclusively Sunday, but leaders claimed the meeting was positive.

The UML leadership has tentatively agreed to the Maoist demand that the Prime Minister address the parliament expressing clear commitment to 'civilian supremacy', a source said. The Prime Minister's speech in the House would somehow touch upon the government-army relation while expressing commitment to civilian supremacy. However, a concrete agreement can only be reached at the meeting of the main three parties.

Maoist leaders said they needed to discuss things internally before the three-party meeting.

Maoist chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal and UML chairman Jhala Nath Khanal were also present at the meeting held at the UML parliamentary party office, Singha Durbar.

Saturday's UML-Maoist discussion could not move further after the UML leadership flatly rejected the Maoist proposal for an amendment to the interim constitution to define the powers of the President and the Prime Minister.

The Unified-Maoist has agreed to allow the legislature-parliament to resume normal business from today so the government could introduce an 'advance budget'. However, the Maoist party has been insisting not to allow the government to present a full-fledged budget as well as the programmes and policies unless the President's 'unconstitutional' move against the erstwhile government's decision to sack the army chief is rectified.

The Maoists have been blocking parliamentary proceedings ever since the government led by them collapsed in the aftermath of the failed attempt to sack army chief Rookmangud Katawal. nepalnews.com