Maoist, NC discussions to end political deadlock; other details

By Bhola B Rana

Kathmandu, 15 May: Maoist Chairman Prachanda and NC Acting President Sushil Koirala Saturday held a 3-minute discussion to end a political deadlock as only 13 day remain to promulgate a constitution to institutionalize a republic that has already been declared.
Activities of political parties are only centered on either ousting or retaining the government; no discussions have been held on constitution drafting.
Maoists opposed extending the two-year tenure of the constitutional assembly (CA) at the summit meeting Saturday.
UCPN (Maoist) has demanded an end to the political deadlock through the resignation of the Madhav Kumar Nepal government and formation of a national government.
A nine-member ministerial committee coordinated by Law Minister Prem Bahadur Singh also began work Saturday to find a formula to extend the CA deadline.
The committee was formed by the cabinet Friday.
Meanwhile, NC and the UML standing committee also met Saturday morning to work out a formula to prevent a looming crisis.
One suggestion is to extend the CA tenure by six months or one year to which both ruling parties have agreed.
The tenure can’t be extended without Maoist support by a two-third vote in parliament dominated by Maoists.
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Nepali woman attempts to climb seven summits in seven continents

Kathmandu, 15 May: Junila Sambahanghe left for Russia Saturday to scale Mt. Elberus, Europe’s tallest peak.
The only Limbu woman to scale the 8848 meters high Mount Everest is attempting to scale the seven tallest peaks in seven continents with a campaign to “Save the Himalayas”.

Further details of Nepal. China trade agreement

Kathmandu, 15 May; Altogether 361 Nepali products will gain duty feee access to the Chinese market after the two countries exchanged letters Friday.
Vegetables, coffee, carpet, readymade garments, beer, incense, matches, fruits, mineral water, textile, wool, leather goods, marble, colours, ceramics, jewelry, copper wire, cables are some exportable items.
The letters were signed by Chinese Ambassador Qui Guobong and Commerce, Supply Secretary Purusottam Ojha.
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