Respected Position for G.P. Koirala

‘Respectable’ role for Koirala: Maoists

Kantipur Report

KATHMANDU, May 5 - CPN-Maoist is ready to provide Prime Minister and President of Nepali Congress Girija Prasad Koirala the role of 'guardian'.

Maoist Chairman Prachanda, accompanied by another senior leader Dr Baburam Bhattarai, during a meeting with PM Koirala on Sunday, expressed commitment to provide the latter a 'respectable' role in future.

"We honor Koirala for his role in the past and we feel that his role will not be complete until the drafting of a new constitution," Dr Bhattarai told the Post.

NC leaders, during the meeting proposed that Koirala be given a respectful position in future.

"The NC leaders didn't formally propose any position for Koirala," Dr Bhattarai said.

Asked if the Maoists are ready to recognize Koirala as the next president, he said, "We are much concerned that two power centers will exist with the appointment of Koirala as president. It will further create confusion as we will be going through a critical period while drafting a new constitution."

He however said Koirala can exercise political and moral authority.

"We are still consulting with other political parties on the type of respectful position through which he (Koirala) can exercise political and moral authority," he said, adding, "But the executive authority must stay with the Maoists according to people's verdict."

He said all political parties can form a high-level mechanism to guide the government and Koirala can work as its head. "It is just an alternative but we are open to more discussion and are not rigid. But there should not two power centers in future," he said.

During the meeting, Prachanda urged Koirala to call a meeting of seven political parties soon. The PM responded saying he would soon call the meeting after consultations with other political parties.

Prachanda also said the first meeting of the Constituent Assembly should implement the federal republic in the country besides the formation of a new government.

"A meeting of all political parties following the seven-party meeting will discuss the formation of a new government and a position for Koirala," said Dr Bhattarai. Maoists will soon hold separate meetings with UML and other political parties on issues pertaining to the formation of a new government and implementation of the republic agenda.

Posted on: 2008-05-04 19:47:36 (Server Time)

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