He argued that a government led by the Maoist party in its capacity as the largest and main opposition party would only help to ensure successful conclusion of the peace process and promulgation of new constitution on time. Dahal said this while talking to media persons at Biratnagar airport.[break]
Dahal, however, said that the government formed under the leadership of other parties would also be acceptable to the Maoists. "We have already said that we will accept leadership of other parties as well," he said, adding, "But it would not be easy for the government led by other parties to deliver on peace and constitution."
Dahal criticized other parties for putting forth various conditions for a Maoist-led government. "There has not been any agreement who will lead new government. But there will be a new government by February 6," he said. "We will make efforts to form a consensus-based government till the end [February 3]."
Dahal claimed that parties are near agreement on forming a consensus government. "There is not much bitterness among political parties. We are near agreement," he said.
On the occasion, Dahal also argued that it is illogical to put forward the condition that the peace process should be concluded within four-five days before the new government is formed. "Peace process cannot be concluded within four-five days at this time of government formation. It takes time," he said. "This is why we have asked other parties not to put conditions."
Dahal also said that the Maoists have been taking ´bold decisions´ on peace process and constitution drafting process lately. Stating that the decision to bring combatants under the Special Committee was a historic event, he said, "We will hand over command and control of the Maoist combatants to the Special Committee as the process of integration moves forward."
He said that discussions with other political parties are underway on modality of integration of the combatants into various security agencies.
Asked if there will be a new government on time as parties are still in dispute, Chairman Dahal complained that media persons had a tendency to see everything in a negative light. "You keep saying that we have not done anything," he complained. "Journalists friends think negatively."
He said that they have done a lot in constitution drafting and peace process. "You had raised serious doubts about the fate of the peace process after UNMIN´s departure. We have falsified your doubts by taking the process forward," he said.
Chairman Dahal, who arrived in Biratnagar along with his spouse Sita, son Prakash and party leaders Post Bahadur Bogati and C P Gajurel, is scheduled to inaugurate school meant for the children of martyrs at Tarahara, Sunsari, on Sunday.
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