PM intensifies political parleys; key parties 'agree' on commitment proposal for republic

A day after his party's Mahasamiti formally adopted the policy of federal democratic republic, Prime Minister and president of Nepali Congress (NC) Girija Prasad Koirala held parleys with leaders of other parties Thursday on the 22-point Maoist demands.

Koirala met with Maoist chairman Prachanda and urged him to reconsider the decison to quit the government.

Earlier today, Koirala had held separate meetings with CPN (UML) general secretary Madhav Kumar Nepal and CPN (Unity Centre) general secretary Prakash, who has been mediating between the Maoist leadership and the Prime Minister.

Though there was no formal announcement regarding the latest developments, sources say that Koirala, Prachanda and Nepal have reached an understanding to pass a commitment proposal on republic, from the interim parliament, and endorse it by the constituent assembly to be set up through the November 22 elections.

The leaders, including Prakash, had held a joint meeting at Koirala’s official residence in Baluwatar.

Prachanda, however, remains adamant on his party’s demand for fully proportional election system should his party settle for the commitment proposal instead of direct announcement of republic from the parliament.

The NC has opted for republic agenda, but has rejected the demand to announce republic from the parliament.

The Maoists, on the other hand, have been saying they would rejoin the government only on condition that their demands are met. They have also hinted that they would not enter the interim government under the present leadership.

The top leaders of the seven parties are expected to meet in the evening to hammer out an understanding on the Maoist demands. nepalnews.com ia Sep 27 07