CPN-MAOIST PREPARATION FOR CONVENTION COMPLETE Kathmandu, 3 Jan. The CPN-Maoist has completed its preparation for the seventh general convention beginning from January 11, RSS reports. According to party Spokesperson Pampha Bhusal, the politburo meeting of the party held on Thursday discussed about the preparations the party made for the convention. According to her, a total of 1,500 persons including representatives and observers will attend the convention. She made it clear that there was no possibility of the party merging with the UCPN-Maoist . Nnnn UML STANDING COMMITTEE MEET UPDATE Kathmandu, 3 Jan.: The CPN (UML) has suggested the President to form a new government under the leadership of an independent figure to hold the elections to the constituent assembly (CA) by mid-May if major political parties failed to form the government based on consensus, RSS reportd.. A meeting of the standing committee (SC) held on Thursday, the opposition UML also concluded that new government was inevitable to end the present political deadlock and the President could pick an apolitical figure to lead the new government. Process for the formation of the new government would reach a logical conclusion through this process, the UML said. However, UML secretary Shankar Pokhrel said the UML has not abandoned the demand for an NC-led government under the leadership of its President Sushil Koirala. The next SC meeting would be held on Friday. nnnn