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Maoist, NC bosses close to pact
KATHMANDU, NOV 17 - Nepali Congress President Girija Prasad Koirala and Chairman of Unified CPN (Maoist) Puspha Kamal Dahal are close to agreeing on forming the much-talked about High Level Political Mechanism, which will include party chiefs from major parties, according to Maoist and NC leaders.
This is an attempt to find middle ground to overcome the current
stalemate between the Maoists and the ruling coalition. This could,
among other things, lead to reopening of the House and passage of the
budget that has been on hold for months.
Koirala and Dahal have also agreed to find common ground to address the contentious issue of “civilian supremacy”. According to this “win-win deal,” Maoists will allow passage of the budget and other parties will address the Maoist demand on “civilian supremacy” through a joint resolution.
An ailing Koirala is undergoing treatment in Singapore since Saturday. Dahal flew to the city-state on Monday.
“Girijababu told the Maoist chairman that the country is heading towards a very critical point and one way to arrest the slide was to form the High Level Political Mechanism (HLPM), which will take the peace process to its logical end and enable writing of the new statute on time,” Dr. Shekhar Koirala, Girija’s nephew, told the Post over phone from Singapore. “Prachanda said okay to the proposal.”
The HLPM will represent party chiefs from UCPN (Maoist), NC and CPN-UML but it is not clear whether any of the MJF factions and other parties will also be included.
“If such a mechanism is established, it will be fine as Koirala has wanted the mechanism set up since several months,” said Energy Minister Prakash Saran Mahat to the Post.
Endorsement of the budget could however take some time as Dahal will seek firm assurance from Koirala on addressing the issue of “civilian supremacy.” The deal will be pursued after Koirala’s return from Singapore.
Shekhar quoted Dahal as asking the bed-ridden NC boss, “What could be the middle ground that would lead to the passage of the budget? We have no intent to harm or disrespect the president, but you have to also appreciate our concerns on the issue of civilian supremacy.”
Dahal is expected to return to Kathmandu on Wednesday. Koirala’s health is improving and he is expected home by Sunday.
Noted Indian academic S. D. Muni, who is currently professor at National University of Singapore, hosted a dinner for Maoist leaders Dahal, Krishna Bahadur Mahara and NC leader Dr. Shekhar Koirala on Tuesday.
Opinions are divided here among the political circle whether this initiative has the backing of India.
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