10 ruling parties back Nepal govt.; other details (DEVELOPING STORY)

By Bhola B Rana

Kathmandu, 3 May: Ten ruling parties again backed the beleaguered government of Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal and asked Maoists to withdraw their strike which has inconvenienced people.
The support came after a five-hour meet at the prime minister’s residence Monday on the second day of a nation-wide strike.
UML Chairman Jhalanath Khanal wasn’t present although General Secretary Ishwor Pokhrel the party supported the 10-party decision.
The parties passed four resolutions and asked Maoists to adopt procedures for government change.
The coalition partners called on Maoists to meet pre-conditions set by Nepali Congress and UML for government change like dissolution of YCL and return of seized assets.
Separate discussions leaders of Maoists with Nepali Congress and were inconclusive.
A scheduled three-party meeting was cancelled.
The cabinet met Monday to review the Maoist strike.
Irate farmers in Chitwan destroyed vegetables without access to markets.
Maoist Chairman Dr Baburam Bhattarai told a rally in the capital the strike will continue until the party demands are met.
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