Differences on announcing republic

By Bhola B Rana

Kathmandu, 15 May: Dr Baburam Bhattarai said Thursday political understanding is required between 16 parties on formation of a post-election government, declaration of a republic by the first CA meeting and the appointment of CA speaker.
Seven ruling parties tried to forge an understanding with six other parties in the CA although 25 parties were elected in the 10 April vote.
Further inter and intra-party discussions are needed for an agreement as Congress and CPN-UML decided to stay out of any Maoist-led government without Maoist acceptance of seven pre-conditions, including dissolution of the PLA and YCL and constitution amendment to incorporate a provision to throw out a government by simple majority.
Peace Minister Ram Chandra Paudel Thursday presented the Congress conditions to the parties and said an agreement was needed for progress.
“Political understanding is necessary,” Dr Baburam Bhattarai also said.
CA members will take their oaths of office 27 May or one day before the assembly formally convenes.
There was an agreement for the oldest CA member to chair the first meeting but not Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala.
Congress General Secretary KB Gurung reportedly is the next oldest member after Koirala.
“Two decisions were taken on the oath of office and the formal formation of the CA,” Dr Baburam Bhattarai said.
Meanwhile, Indian Ambassador Rakesh Sood Thursday denied Dr Karan Singh, envoy of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, brokered an agreement in April 2006 between palace and agitating present eight ruling five parties to end a movement while retaining some form of monarchy.
Leaders of Nepal’s major political parties have confirmed such an agreement exists ending the 2006 movement with the restoration of a dissolved parliament.
Sood Thursday lent direct support for the declaration of a republic by CA later this month.
nnnn