PARTIES ASK FOR EXTENSION TO FORM NATIONAL CONSENSUS GOVT.

Kathmandu, 21 Jan.: Parties in parliament without unanimity Friday decided to ask President Dr. Ram Baran Yadav for an extension of a seven-day deadline to form a national consensus government.
The deadline ended Friday and the parties agreed to seek an extension by five days on the initiative of the Big Three.
Maoists, NC and UML agreed earlier Friday to try to assemble a consensus government and arrive at an agreement to amend parliamentary procedures to elect a government chief to replace Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal who continues as a caretaker even after resigning 30 June 2010 under Maoist pressure.
The president is expected to accede to request of the parties.
All three major parties have stakes to lead a government of consensus.
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SUSHIL KOIRALA CALLS FO INVESTIGATION

Kathmandu, 21 Jan.: NC President Sushil Koirala, in a statement
Friday, asked the government to probe an assault of UML
Chairman Jhalanath Khanal in Inarwa, Sunsari, Thursday.
Khanal was slapped on the face at the public function with the attacker charging UML chairman for being an obstacle to smooth political process.
Koirala said the attack was would be an obstacle to institutionalize a republic.
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