NO BREAKTHROUGH IN PARTY TALKS Kathmandu, 24 Feb.: There was no breakthrough Sunday at a meeting of the Big Three and five Madeshbadi parties in government to appoint n election government headed by Chief Justice Khil Raj Regmi. who didn’t meet party leaders. Leaders of the major parties Sunday met to discuss suggestions of a 8-member task force with party representatives to address concerns of the chief justce who has been dragged into a controversy even before taking up his assignment. Regmi has neither accepted nor rejected the party request. The major parties are meeting Monday without a breakthrough Sunday. Prime Minister Baburam Bhattaraai was empowered Sunday by [arties to negotiate with the chief justice. Foreign forces are directly pressing parties for an election government and a constituent assembly vote in June, according to statements of party leaders. Nnnn DIRECT ELECTION IN UML YOUTH ASSOCIATION Kathmandu, 24 Feb.: A direct contest is being held for leadership of the UML Youth Association between Mahesh Basnet and Niraj Acharya in Butwal Sunday—the last day of a three-day eighth National convention. Basnet is supported by KP Oli and Acharya by Chairman Jhalanath Khanal for a three-year term. Nnnn MACHINDRA LIFTS SAPTARI GOLD CUP Kathmandu, 24 Feb.: Machindra Sunday lifted the Saptari Gold Cup in Rajbiraj. Himalayan Sherpa Club was beaten 3-1, The winner bagged a purse of Rs,200,000 and runner-up Rs. 100,000. Machindra lifted a third major title. nnnn