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Nepal talks inconclusive

KATHMANDU: The meeting of top leaders of the three major parties ended inconclusively after they failed to agree on a power sharing formula.

The parties still disagree on, among other things, who should become the first president of this new republic.

The Nepali Congress and the Communist Party of Nepal (UML) have staked claim for the post.

But the Maoists have argued that the post should go to a non-political figure or a leader of a fringe party “to avoid creation of a parallel power centre.”

Despite the persistent disagreement, the parties have agreed to meet again on Wednesday. “We will meet tomorrow morning and try to hammer out an agreement,” said Babu Ram Bhattarai, senior Maoist leader.

The parties have, however, made some significant progress on two other major issues —amendment to the interim Constitution and integration of the Maoist combatants.

“There is a near consensus on these issues and the three-party task force will try to finalise a deal and present it before the top leaders tomorrow,” said Minendra Rijal, leader of the Nepali Congress.

The Maoists had earlier said that they would pull out of the government if there was no consensus by Tuesday evening.

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