UML, taking strong exception to the ´unilateral´ reconstitution of some of the ministries and allocation of ministerial portfolios, maintained that it would not participate in the government, during its meeting with UCPN (Maoist) and Nepali Congress (NC) held at the UML parliamentary party office in Singha Dubar this morning. [break]
The party has also made it clear that it would prefer staying out of the Baburam Bhattarai-led government unless the decision regarding the restructuring and allocation of ministries be immediately ´corrected´.
Speaking to the media after the meeting, UML chairman Jhalanath Khanal, after being asked whether his party would join the government, said, "The door is closed now. We will join the government once the door is open."
According to Maoist Vice-chairman and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Narayankaji Shrestha, Maoist Chairman and Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai conceded that there had been some mistake on their parts and pledged to correct it.
Shrestha also added PM Bhattarai, during the meeting, urged the UML leadership to join the new government, formed as part of Thursday´s five-point deal of which UML Chairman khanal is one of the signatories.
NC Vice-president Ram Chandra Paudel told the media that both the NC and UML expressed their concerns over the issue of bifurcation of ministries to accommodate ministers from Madhes-based parties.
Emerging from the meeting, PM Bhattarai through the media made a public appeal to call off the protracted banda in the far-west region and asked agitating groups to come forward to get their concerns addressed through dialogue.
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