PRESIDENT, PM CONSULTATIONS Kathmandu, 2 July: Amid presidential concern a caretaker government continues in office more than one month after government announced constituent assembly (CA) election 22 November, Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai and President Dr.Ram Baran Yadav held consultations Monday. The prime minister briefed the president on government efforts for understanding wihthe opposition which has adopted a tough anti-government posture. Effort to settle difference haven’t borne fruit. Premier Bhattarai also briefed the president on government effort to announce a complete budget even as the head of stateurged its announcement through consensus. The president held consultations with Maoists and some opposition parties Sunday. nnnn. . FURTHER DETAILS OF FORMER KING’S MID-TERAI VISIT Kathmandu, 2 June: Amid calls by thousands of supporters who shouted ‘Raja Aau, Desh Bachau [Return and Save the Country], former King Guanendra offered puja and worship at three temples in Kapilvasthu. He returned to base Bhairahawa via Lumbini. The former king offers puja at two temples in Butwal Tuesday.before flying back to the capital. The former king walked to the temples mingling with the crowd. nnnn SUSHIL KOIRALA MEETS SEPARATELY WITH TWO MAOIST FACTIONS Kathmandu, 2 June; Main opposition leader NC President Sushil Koirala held discussions Monday with leaders of both Maoist factions—Chairman Prachanda of UCPN Maoist and CPN Maoist Chairman Mohan Baidhaya at his residence . Baidhaya first held discussions with Koiral assisted byVice Chairman CP Gajurel, General Secretary Ram Bahadur Thapa and Secretary Dev Gurung. Baidhaya has suggested cooperation with CPN Maoist to topple the government. Prachanda said he discussed the budget and other issues with Koirala. “The Big Parties are meeting tomorrow [Tuesday] to find an outlet to the crisis. “The nation is at its weakest in history,” JOiraala said after the meeting. nnnn