Congress leaders step up internal deliberations

Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala held a meeting with senior Congress leaders in Baluwatar on Tuesday evening to discuss ways to end the persisting political deadlock.

"Prime Minister sought suggestions (from leaders)," said Dr. Prakash Sharan Mahat, a central leader of Nepali Congress.

Dr. Mahat said that though their meeting has not reached any conclusion, they agreed to initiate talks with Maoists and other parties to resolve the problem through talks.

"We also discussed on how to improve the law and order situation," Dr. Mahat said.

Maoists have stepped up pressure to implement the proposals on republic declaration and proportional representation system passed by special session of the parliament by simple majority. On the other hand, NC leaders have said that they are not bound to implement the proposals since they require amending constitution, which can be done only through two-third majority.

This issue is likely to overshadow the upcoming winter session of the parliament, which is set to start from November 19. nepalnews.com sd Nov 13 07