Koirala holds discussions to diffuse crisis

Kathmandu, Oct 7 (UNI) Nepal Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala is holding consultations with top leaders of all the major political parties to find a way out of the crisis following postponement of the crucial Constituent Assembly polls in the Himalayan nation.

Mr Koirala today held discussions with Maoists leaders Prachanda and Baburam Bhattarai and CPN-UML secretary General Secretary Madhav Kumar Nepal at his official residence at Baluwatar.

During the meeting, the leaders discussed a new date for the elections, originally scheduled for November 22, and the special session of Parliament scheduled for October 11, Kantipur quoted sources as saying.

The Maoists have reiterated their 22-point charter of demands for their participation in the polls, the sources added.

The Prime Minister expressed his displeasure over the statements made by leaders of different parties, even after signing the agreement to formally request the Election Commission to postpone the polls.

The seven-party alliance decided to put off the elections indefinitely on Friday as they failed to reach consensus on proclaiming the nation a republic and adopting a proportional electoral system -- two of the major demands put forth by the Maoists.

UNI