Major parties agree on all contentious issues except ex-combatants rank

KATHMANDU: finally, the four major political forces have reached an agreement on all contentious issues to form an election government except the rank to be given to the former Maoist combatants.

A meeting of the top leaders of the major political foces—UCPN (Maoist), Nepali Congress, CPN (UML) and Madhesi Morcha—held this evening almost wrapped all the contentious issues including the formation of the truth and reconciliation commission and clearing legal hindrances to pave a way for the CJ-led government.

The next meeting scheduled for tomorrow would give a final touch to all the issues, leaders said after the meeting.

Nepali Congress senior leader Sher Bahadur Deuba said all the issues have been agreed except that of the ranks of the former Maoist combatants. “Today’s agreement will be given final shape considering the legal procedures and the decision of the Court”, he said.

Likewise, UCPN (Maoist) Vice-chairman said the taskforce comprising senior leaders of the major parties would meet with legal practitioners tomorrow and give final shape to the language and content of the agreement.

“We have been successful in taking the deliberations to a decisive state and an agreement will now be reached among the parties to hold elections within June”, he said. The process of handing over the government leadership would also be agreed within a few days, Shrestha added.