Many Maoist proposals unacceptable to CPN-UML, other details
Kathmandu, 27 Sept: Seven parties have started internal discussions of proposals [nine points] forwarded by Maoists for decision at a summit tomorrow (Thursday), Jana Aastha reports. Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala’s views aren’t known; but it’s learnt CPN-UML has told Maoists many proposals are unacceptable.
CPN-UML has told the Maoist dialogue team it objects to the Maoist proposal to amalgamate Maoist militia with Nepal Police. Meanwhile, visiting British Foreign Office Minister Dr Kim Howells Tuesday told reporters Great Britain there was only be one army. "We need to look for ways to manage illegal arms and armies [Maoist] so that there is one government and one army. Everyone must agree to strike a compromise on this issue," he said in published reports Wednesday. Howells will hold a news conference Wednesday before returning. Howells is the senior-most British official to visit Nepal after the April changes.
CPN-UML General Secretary Madhav Kumar Nepal Wednesday admitted the proposed summit Thursday could encounter difficulties. "Homework is being done broadly [for talks]. But, some are changing their positions in the midst of the effort. That’s why problem can erupt," Nepal told party mouthpiece Budhabar. ‘But our stand is there should be an agreement of some specified agenda items." Maoists said they may not attend the summit because the seven parties have not done any homework on nine points they proposed for agreement, including monarchy.