President, prime minister hold consultations

Kathmandu, 1 Dec: Following two rounds of discussions with Maoists, including Chairman Prachanda, President Dr Ram Baran Yadan held 45-minute political discussions with Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal Tuesday.
The president asked the premier to seek a consensus between parties to end a six-month political deadlock, Raguhji Pant, the premier’s political advisor said after the meet.
Maoists had sought presidential intervention to end the impasse despite anti-president protests for what the main opposition said was an unconstitutional act by a ceremonial president.
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Congress party statute approved

Kathmandu, 1 Dec: Nepali Congress party statute was approved Tuesday after prolonged debate in the central committee.
Among other provisions, there’s a provision for election of 75 percent central leaders directly doing away with a presidential appointment system by democratic prompting collective leadership.
The amendment was opposed by party president Girija Prasad Koirala who is losing grip over the party.
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Maoists again obstruct parliamentary proceedings

Kathmandu, 1 Dec: Maoists Tuesday again disrupted parliamentary proceedings for the second time.
Proceedings were disrupted after the main opposition facilitated after the passage of the annual budget 2009/10 during a three-day debate after a five-month disruption.
Maoists are on anti-president and anti-government protests.
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Falgunandan declared national hero

Kathmandu, 1 Dec: Kirat religious leader Falgunandan was declared a national hero Tuesday.
The cabinet took the decision.
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Maoist battalion commander sent to jail

Kathmandu, 1 Dec: Maoist battalion commander Dipendra Shah was sent to jail Tuesday in Banke.
He was arrested there Sunday with a pistol verified by UNMIN.
The move reflects worsening of relations between Maoists and government.
UNMIN representatives attempted to negotiate a release between government and Maoists in the far-West.
Armed Maoists move in and out of UNMIN administered camps amid criticism of the world body for its failure to control such rebel activities.
UNMIN says it only has a ‘soft’ presence and relies on goodwill to implement a peace accord between parties and Maoists.
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