Ruling major parties reach nine-point agreement to bolster alliance

Kathmandu, May 06: The ruling major parties–CPN-UML and UCPN (Maoist) have signed a nine-point agreement late Thursday night aimed at consolidating the mutual trust and understanding between the coalition partners.

The agreement was signed by UML Chair and Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and UCPN-Maoist Chair Pushpa Kamal Dahal to effectively implement the agreements reached prior to formation of the present government, and thereby resolve the overall problems facing the nation.

As per the agreement signed following a meeting between the two parties at the Prime Minister’s official residence in Baluwatar, the parties would make efforts to form the national consensus government so that environment would be built for the implementation of constitution and socioeconomic transformation. For the implementation of the constitution policy-level and structural set ups would be made more effective.

Discussion would be held on the issues of federalism raised by the political parties including the agitating Madhesi parties, and the political consensus sought accordingly.

Another point mentions that efforts would be made within 15 days with concrete action plan to deal with the issues of transitional justice as per the spirit of the comprehensive peace accord.

The two ruling parties have also agreed to provide relief to the families of the martyrs and disappeared as per the decision taken by the previous cabinets and register the ownership of land sold and purchased on the basis of domestic documents during the conflict period based on the presented evidence.

Likewise, proper arrangement shall be made for treatment, protection and livelihoods of those who were injured in course of the armed conflict and the people’s movements. Necessary upgrade shall be done in the provision made for treatment of the injured who have already been categorized.

The agreement also includes forwarding process for withdrawal, exemption of the cases filed relating to political reasons during the armed conflict period and other different periods, holding continuous talks among top leaders of political parties regarding important issues related to political appointment and running the government, and maintaining consensus as well as immediately implementing the past agreements.

Similarly, the two parties also agreed to accelerate the post-quake reconstruction task and to launch national campaign for the same.

Talking to reporters following the signing of the agreement, UCPN (Maoist) Vice-chair Narayan Kaji Shrestha said the government will now move ahead as per the nine-point agreement, which also includes addressing the grievances of the Madhesh-centric political forces through dialogue.

No agreement was reached however about the change in government but a government of national consensus could be formed based on mutual understanding and consensus, he added.

CPN (UML) Chairman and Prime Minister Oli, senior leader Jhalanath Khanal, leader Madhav Kumar Nepal, Vice-Chairman Bamdev Gautam and General Secretary Ishwor Pokharel and UCPN (Maoist) Chairman Dahal, Vice-chair Narayan Kaji Shrestha, General Secretary Krishna Bahadur Mahara, Secretary Barshaman Pun had taken part in the talks that led to the signing of the agreement. RSS (photo available)