Prachanda to meet Manmohan Singh

Kathmandu, Nov 8 (UNI) CPI (Maoists) Chairman Prachanda today said that he may meet Indian Prime Minister ManMohan Singh during his India Visit from the second week of November.

''The Hindustan Times had called me to attend a seminar and Manmohan Singh and Congress present Sonia Gandhi will also be attending and I may meet them,'' the Maoists Supremo said at a press conference organised by his party in Kathmandu this afternoon.

Prachanda appreciated Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala's role in the peace process. He said that his party would not seek leadership change in the interim government and Mr Koirala would lead the nation till the CA polls.

''After the CA Poll we are ready to obey the people's verdict'' Prachanda said adding that he will not join the government.

Prachanda also said that after yesterday's agreement, the Prime minister is the head of state and the King's future will be decided by the constituent assembly.

Labelling the agreement as 'historic', Prachanda warned all to remain alert against any conspiracy that might be hatched against the agreement. He criticised the US, saying that the latest remarks from US ambassador to Nepal were a part of attempts from elements, which do not want peace and development in Nepal.

Meanwhile, the people of the Kathmandu valley today staged protests against the Maoists' demand that the residents of Kathmandu, Lalitpur and Bhakthapur house and feed Maoist supporters and cadres who have gathered in Kathmandu to take part in a convention of Maoists affilated organisation.

People of Lalitpur staged protest in front of Maoists office in Kupondole bringing about a complete halt in the valley's traffic.

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