Parties likely to strike deal today

KATHMANDU, DEC 17 -

The five-day deadline given by President Ram Baran Yadav for the parties to pick a common prime ministerial candidate is ending on Monday.

Meanwhile, the parties who have been failing to meet the deadline have claimed that they would forge consensus by this evening.

It has been reported that the big three parties are due to hold bilateral and trilateral talks today to iron our all the differences.

The leaders have said that they would hold joint talks including the Samyukta Loktantrik Madhesi Morcha if bilateral talks conclude with a positive note.

The parties have also been making attempts to request the president to extend the deadline for three more days if consensus among them remains elusive.

The four major forces are trying to seal a package deal which will include an agreement on the date for the elections, amendment to the Interim Constitution, appointment in constitutional bodies and readiness to commit on constitutional issues already agreed upon and the formation of the unity government .

Source: The Kathmandu Post