PARTIES DISCUSS OPTIONS TO END POLITICAL CRISIS Kathmandu, 25 May: Parties began early morning discussions Friday morning end a loosing crisis created by their failure to draw up a constitution and a supreme court decision constituent assembly(CA) can’t be again extended after 27 May as decided by the government. Maoists, NC , UML and other parties met to discuss ways to end a deadlock. The Big Three and Madesh Morcha meet at 11 in the morning. One option before major parties is to promulgate a preliminary constitution incorporating agreements so far leaving differences to be taken up by a transitional parliament, The constituent assembly (CA) meets at three in the afternoon Friday. nnnn STRIKES CONTINUE OUTSIDE VALLEY Kathmandu, 25 May: Strikes continue outside the Valley pressing federal demands by creating provinces for power-sharing between the center and first provinces by breaking up a unitary state. Some protestors are resisting plans to divide five existing regions created by King Birendra. The strikes have had crippling effect on the national economy creating shortage of essential goods while discomforting people. Reports of early morning vandalism smashing vehicles are pouring in. Life in the capital is normal Friday. Nnnn LOAD-SHEDDING REDUCED BY ONE HOUR Kathmandu, 25 May: Daily load-shedding has been cut by one hour from Friday with increase in the level of water in rivers, Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) said. Weekly power cut has been cut to 56 from 63 hours amid prediction monsoon will break over Nepal on time. There was virtually no load-shedding during a nation-wide three-day national bandh which forced the closure of industries which consume 40 percent power. nnnn.