Parties working behind scenes on broad deal
The major political parties are engaged in behind-the-scenes negotiations for a broader agreement on peace, constitution-writing and power-sharing that will be valid until the next general elections, sources said.
Multiple sources in all the three major parties told the Post that they have prepared a draft agreement and that serious behind-the-scenes negotiations are taking place to address all outstanding issues and power-sharing arrangements until the general elections are held.
The draft agreement and negotiations are aimed at resuming the House, settling the dispute over ranks to be given to the PLA commanders, forms of governance, modality of federalism and formation of a unity government. A leader privy to the dialogue among parties said that Nepali Congress and CPN-UML were positive about granting some “honorary” positions to some former combatants as demanded the Maoist party. NC and UML leaders have told Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai that they are ready for concessions on ranks if the Maoists agree to implement the seven-point agreement.
The Maoist party has demanded the second senior-most rank and some top positions in the Nepal Army’s proposed directorate for its former combatants who will be integrated into the national army.
According to leaders, the integration process will move ahead only after a broader agreement among the parties is reached. UML leader Pradeep Gyawali confirmed that an informal discussion among parties is under way for a deal to break the political deadlock at the earliest. “There is a need for a broader agreement for things to move forward smoothly until the election,” he said.
Parties are also looking for a meeting point on the forms of governance and federalism, the two most contentious issues of the constitution-drafting process. Constitution-writing has been stalled after the NC stuck to the parliamentary system and the Maoists to a directly elected president.
The thorniest issue that parties are struggling to settle is power-sharing. The Maoists have proposed continuation of the Bhattarai-led government until May 27—the deadline for the promulgation of a new constitution. The Maoists have offered the NC leadership of the government to hold general elections but Congress leaders are insisting that they should get to lead the coalition after the Bhattarai-led government completes the peace process. In informal talks, NC leaders have hinted that they could join the Bhattarai-led government once combatants opting for integration are under the control of Nepal Army.
Posted on: 2012-02-04 09:07
Post Your Comment
Today's Paper
The Kantipur in Print
FROM THE PAST 7 DAYS
ENTER KEYWORD OR DATE
FROM THE PAST 7 DAYS
ENTER KEYWORD OR DATE
Abin
All of them discussed the issue. The result was the same...and we have committed to continue discussions on the issue till midnight.
ADVERTISEMENTS
OUR PUBLICATION :
