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CPN MAOIST, NC TALKS

Kathmandu, 9 Aug.: The Nepali Congress (NC) and CPN-Maoist have started talks to make the ongoing political talks between the High Level Political Committee (HLPC) and the poll opposing political parties successful. During the meeting held between the NC Senior leader Sher Bahadur Deuba, NC Vice-president Ram Chandra Paudel, and Chairman of the CPN-Maoist, Mohan Baidya, General Secretary, Netra Bikram Chand held at NC leader Poudel´s residence at Boharatar in the capital, this morning, they held talks on forging consensus over issues regarding the election, constitution, and current political transition. It is learnt that the CPN-Maoist leaders urged the NC leaders to make homework on issues of election, constitution and reach to conclusion rather than conclude the talks in a hasty manner. Similarly, the NC leaders are learnt to have urged the CPN-Maoist to join the second Constituent Assembly (CA) election process and move ahead forging consensus to hold the CA election on November 19. However, both of the parties are learnt to have agreed to make the ongoing talks between the HLPC and poll-opposing parties conclusive. Talking to journalists Chairman of the CPN-Maoist, Baidya, said his party put forth their demands in the meeting, claiming that the CPN-Maoist was not against the election but it was in favour of it, if the major political parties agree to address their demands and are ready to make a framework of the constitution. Baidya said "We are ready to join the election process if the major political parties are ready to address our (poll opposing parties) demands and on the general framework of the constitution. The major political parties just talk for consensus but are not serious". The CPN-Maoist had made it clear that it would not join the election process in status quo.Both of the parties stressed on forging consensus while the CPN-Maoist urged not to make decision in haste, said NC Vice-president Paudel. "We urged the CPN-Maoist leaders to join election process to hold election on November 19, as there is no alternative to election as it is the only medium to give an outlet to current political impasse," said NC leader Paudel. Paudel said some of the demands of the CPN-Maoist were difficult to fulfill and urged them to be flexible for consensus.

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POKHARA-BAGLUNG HIGHWAY OBSTUCTED

Kathmandu,  9 Aug: The Pokhara-Baglung Highway has been obstructed by landslide at Betani of Tilahar VDC in Parbat district, RSS reports from Parbat.. A landslide that fell from above the road has swept away a section of the road and the culvert, halting the vehicular movement. Vehicles headed towards Parbat, Baglung, Myagdi and Mustang districts of the Dhawalagiri Zone have been stranded at Nayapul while those heading towards the capital are stranded at Dimuwa and Beteni. Hundreds of passengers have been stranded due to the blockade of the highway. A dozer has been called in for removing landslide debris and opening a diversion road for vehicles. The road is expected to be cleared by the evening today, according to the District Police Office, Parbat. The landslide has scoured a big gully across the road and it will take time to bring the road into operation, it is stated.

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