International   

Talks begin over Nepal government formation

KATHMANDU: The Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) has initiated talks with CPN (UML) and Nepali Congress (NC) to form a new government. On Monday, Maoists’ chairman Prachanda met CPN (UML) leaders to discuss the issue. CPN (UML) leader Jhalanatha Khanal said: “In two to three days time, we’ll have presidential election, and in a week or 10 days, a new government.”

On Sunday, the Constituent Assembly passed the fifth Constitution Amendment Bill, which stipulates that if not a simple majority, consensus among the parties is enough to elect the President. And the President can be impeached by a two-thirds majority.

NC spokesperson Arjun Narsingh K.C. told The Hindu that the party’s meeting with the Maoists was inconclusive. “The Maoists proposed us to join the government,” he said, adding: “So far, we’ve thought of standing in the opposition as a responsible party, but we could join the government when they fulfil our seven conditions.”

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Stories in this Section

Ex-rebels’ party to support Rajapaksa
Ahmadinejad sees a new era in the Gulf
Riots a setback to Tibet’s social, economic uplift
Talks begin over Nepal government formation
3 admit plot to blow up planes
Clinton: India, China can burn up planet
UAE finalising response towards detained workers

Copyright © 2008, The Hindu. Republication or redissemination of the contents of this screen are expressly prohibited without the written consent of The Hindu