MAOIST CHIEF DISCUSSES FEDERALISM WITHOFFICE BEARERS Kathmandu, 19 May: Maoist Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal on Saturday discussed with the partyoffice-bearers to seek suggestions so as to ease the constitution making process, RSS reports. Dahal´s aide Shiva Khakurel said that discussions were focused on state restructuring, the thorniest issue in constitution writing, after the parties sharply divided over the issue though agreement was made to delineate the country in 11 different provinces. Basically, Madhesi lawmakers have been challenging the agreement made by three major political parties to federate the country in 11 different provinces. During the discussions, the Maoist leaders have suggested to move ahead as per the agreement of May 15. The Maoist leaders have emphasized to draft the constitution by May 27 at any expense adding that a friendly-environment should be created so that all could own the new constitution, leaders said. The meeting also decided that the concerns raised by different castes, communities, classes and regions regarding their ownership in the new constitution were positive. Prime Minister and party Vice-chairman Dr Baburam Bhattarai, Deputy Prime Minister and Vice-chairman Narayankaji Shrestha, Secretary Posta Bahadur Bogati, standing committee member Krishna Bahadur Mahara and other leaders were present on the occasion. Nnnn ________________________________________