Political consultations intensify in Nepal to break deadlock

Hectic consultations were held between top leaders in Nepal today as they discussed a way out to end the political crisis, including a parliamentary resolution, ahead of a three-day general strike called by the Maoists.

Ruling partner CPN-UML president Jhalanath Khanal met Nepali Congress president Girija Prasad Koirala today to find a way out as the political crisis deepened with the Maoists intensifying their agitation.

The meeting held at Koirala's residence at Maharajgunj this morning dwelt on possible ways to resolve the longstanding political crisis through a middle path to address the Maoists' demand for rectifying president Ram Baran Yadav's move to reinstate the then army chief Rukmangad Katawal.

They also discussed finalising a common resolution motion to be presented in the Parliament to address the Maoists' demand of maintaining "civilian supremacy" and rectifying the president's move.

The two leaders agreed to jointly call the Maoists to withdraw their three-day general strike starting tomorrow, and to continue efforts to bring about consensus on key political issues to complete the peace process and draft the constitution on time, Nepali Congress sources said.

After meeting Koirala in the morning, Khanal also held discussion with Maoist chief Prachanda later in the afternoon to hammer out solution to the problem.