Amid fears of political showdown after the CPN-Maoist’s departure from the coalition cabinet, the eight parties today reached an understanding to continue with their unity.

A meeting of the top leaders of the parties held at the Prime Minister’s residence in Baluwatar decided to keep intact the alliance of eight parties and resolve the problems through dialogue.

Though there was no consensus on the issues raised by the Maoists, the leaders decided to intensify dialogue to forge consensus on those issues.

“We all have realised the significance of the unity of eight parties and agreed to stay united,” UML general secretary Madhav Kumar Nepal told reporters, “There will be dialogue on other issues.”

Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala, Maoist chairman Prachanda, UML general secretary Nepal, Nepali Congress Democratic president Sher Bahadur Deuba, Janamorcha Nepal chairman Amik Sherchan and other leaders were present at the meeting.

The meeting was shortened in view of ‘bad health’ of the Maoist chairman, it is learnt.

Prior to the eight-party meeting, Prime Minister Koirala had held separate meetings with Prachanda and UML general secretary Nepal. Leaders said high level parleys are likely on Thursday as well.

nepalnews.com mk Sep 19 07

Maoists want special session of parliament; mull ‘no-confidence motion’ against PM

The central committee meeting of the CPN (Maoist) organised to discuss the political scenario after the party’s exit from the government has decided to go for the special session of the parliament.

According to Maoist leader C.P Gajurel, a proposal will soon be registered at the parliament secretariat demanding the special session, apparently to push for republic. He said the party would possibly table ’no-confidence’ motion against Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala.

As per the interim constitution, one fourth of lawmakers can call the special session. The Maoists have 83 MPs in the 330-seat interim parliament.

Gajurel said at a programme in the afternoon that the party would abide by the peace accord despite waging street agitations and that the People’s Liberation Army would not leave the cantonments.

The central committee meeting held at party’s central office in Naya Bazaar endorsed the decision to quit the government and decided to stick to the 22 demands made by the party.

The meeting has appointed Krishna Bahadur Mahara to as the party spokesperson.

The post of spokesperson had been vacant since Mahara, who held the post for a long time, was chosen to lead the Maoist team in the government. nepalnews.com mk Sep 19 07