UML seeks deferral of House debate by two days

The CPN (UML) has made a formal request to Speaker Subas Nemwang to put off for two days the parliamentary debate on the Maoists’ ‘special political proposal’, which is to begin from Sunday.

Speaker Nemwang said the UML’s parliamentary party today filed an appeal seeking deferral of the debate by two days in order to bring the ongoing discussion with the parties to a consensus.

“At the moment, I am not in a position to say whether the UML petition will be approved. I have called the meeting of the House business advisory committee at 9:00 am Sunday to take a decision on it,” Nemwang told reporters. “Time is not important; political agreement is,” added he.

Asked how hopeful he was about finding a solution from the special session, the Speaker said, “The proposal [of the CPN-Maoist] raises serious political issues and has caught the attention of the entire nation. I’m hopeful that this session will find a solution to the current crisis.”

The UML is said to be preparing to table a proposal at the House seeking a parliamentary proclamation to turn the country a republic and implement the proclamation only through an elected constituent assembly.

UML leaders said they would hold negotiations with the parties to agree on its proposal.

According to Maoist leader Dev Gurung, the Maoists are ready to settle for the option being floated by the UML. “All we are trying to do is to ensure republic. We are ready to go for such an alternative,” he said at a programme yesterday. nepalnews.com mk Oct 13 07

Related news
- UML to table ‘different proposal’ at special House session