Dialogue to continue: First quartet meeting adjourns

KATHMANDU, Aug 20: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli chaired the meeting which included members of 4 major ruling parties. The meeting took place at the PM’s official residence in Baluwatar. A lot of important issues facing the current scenario of the nation were brought to the table.

The main agenda of the quartet meeting discussed matters of national importance mainly national security, and past peace accords with reference to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. The meeting laid stress on implementing and protecting the constitution, protecting the Republic, and to seek common ground in matters of foreign policy.

The PM also informed the members of his health and that he would be leaving for Singapore soon for another follow-up. The four parties that were present on the occasion were the ruling party Communist Party of Nepal, represented by Former Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, Former Prime Minister Jhalanath Khanal, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Ishwor Pokharel, Home Minister Ram Bahadur Thapa, Former Deputy Prime Minister Narayan Kaji Shrestha, Former Deputy Prime Minister Bamdev Gautam, Former Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Paudel, Former Speaker of the Constituent Assembly Subhas Nembang.

Similarly, the Nepali Congress Party was represented by Former Prime Minister and Party President Sher Bahadur Deuba, Former Deputy Prime Minister Krishna Prasad Sitaula, Former Deputy Prime Minister Bijaya Kumar Gacchadar, Former Home Minister Purna Bahadur Khadka, Former Minister for Information and Communications Dr. Minendra Rijal.

The Samajwadi Party was represented by Former Prime Minister Dr. Baburam Bhattarai and Deputy Prime Minister Upendra Yadav. Rashtriya Janata Party Nepal was represented by Former Minister of Science and Technology Mahanta Thakur and Member of Parliament Raj Kishore Yadav. However the ruling party leader Former Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal was absent during the meeting.

The following were said by these leaders after the meeting concluded,
Krishna Sitaula: “Constitutional implementation should focus on the development of the people. Discussions will continue regarding the issue of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, it is time for seriousness, but the meeting was positive and we are looking to move forward with unity”

Raj Kishore Yadav: “The constitution has come through after a lot of struggle, we have to work together mainly on the issues of national importance. We have to leave aside rumors as we all are committed towards the republic. Have faith in the system and trust the institution. We also have to be worthy of the people’s trust bestowed upon us, or else the public will lose faith”

Narayan Kaji Shrestha: “All parties will move forward with unity to protect the country from sliding toward violence. We have to support the peace mechanism, also protect the constitution and republic. These were the core issues raised by the Prime Minister. We will resolve all outstanding issues through mutual dialogue.”

The meeting will resume tomorrow at 5 pm.