KATHMANDU, Oct 13: The meeting between the ruling Nepali Congress, the CPN-UNL and the main opposition UCPN (Maoist) failed to strike a deal on the latter´s demand for civilian supremacy on Tuesday as the largest political parties stuck to their respective stances. [break]
The three largest political parties have agreed to end the deadlock through a joint resolution motion at the legislature-parliament, but have so far failed to agree on the content of the motion. The Maoists have demanded that the draft resolution mention president Dr Ram Baran Yadav´s move to reinstate former army chief as unconstitutional, while the NC and the UML don´t want the ceremonial head of state to be dragged into controversy.
A draft of the resolution prepared by the NC and the UML has mentioned the president´s move as background, but the Maoists have demanded that the draft unambiguously mention in the resolution proper and state that the president´s move as unconstitutional.
“The Maoists want the draft resolution to state explicitly that the president´s move was wrong, but we don´t want to blame the president. Nonetheless, we hope to find consensus," said UML leader Ram Chandra Jha, who also attended the meeting.
On Monday, the Maoists proposed amendment to the draft of the resolution prepared by the ruling parties and discussed it with them during the meeting on Tuesday.
As per the agreement reached on Tuesday, the NC and the UML will incorporate the amendment proposals presented by the Maoists and discuss it with them on Thursday.
"We will comment only after they (NC and UML) present the draft again," said Maoist vice chairman Dr Baburam Bhattarai.
After the meeting, NC parliamentary party leader Ram Chandra Poudel, however, accused the Maoists of being more rigid in their stance. "We cannot reach any agreement blaming the president for his actions," said Poudel.
According to a leader involved in the talks, the Maoists have proposed change in the second point of the draft which states: "As the constitutional head of state, we express commitment to keep it more dignified and free from controversy." The Maoists have proposed that they add, "Because the president´s step was wrong" to the point.
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