Quote Unquote (Spotlight Weekly)

"The Nepali Congress should not join hands with the left front at this crucial juncture. I am against the idea of launching a joint agitation with the communists."

Shailaja Acharya, former deputy prime minister and senior Nepali Congress leader, in Bimarsha.

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"We should not create conditions that would allow the Maoists to return to the jungle. Nor should the Maoists overrate their size and influence in making demands."

Senior leader of CPNJ-UML Radha Krishna Mainali in Janaastha.

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"The Maoists still hold the gun, albeit not to kill people but to demand a fair share in the government. There is suspicion nevertheless over whether the Maoists will lay down their weapons."

Minister of Women, Children and Social Welfare Gore Bahadur Khapangi in Deshantar.

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"The talks will not succeed unless both parties are prepared to properly recognize each other."

Minister of Works and Physical Planning and chief government negotiator Narayan Singh Pun in Himalaya Times.

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"If the government wants the participation of major political parties, it should invite them in the proper formal way. No one will attend a party without getting an invitation."

Sindhunath Pyakurel, president of Nepal Bar Association, in Janabhavana weekly.

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"Political parties should apply medicine to heal the wounds of the seven-year Maoist violence. They should not sprinkle salt and pepper on the wounds."

Minister of Transport Labor and Environment and Population Kamal Prasad Chaulagai in Gorkhapatra.

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"The CPN-UML will not take part in the peace talks between the illegitimate Chand government and the Maoists."

CPN-UML general secretary Madhav Kumar Nepal in Kantipur.

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"Directing a film is not a joke. I am mentally not prepared to be a film director right now."

Prominent actress Sushila Rayamajhi in Space Times daily.

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