Chinese team meets Maoists leaders in Nepal

Kathmandu, Dec 3: A seven-member Chinese delegation led by Chinese Foreign Department Minister and central politbureau member of the Chinese Communist Party Wang Ziarui met the Maoist leaders in Nepal today.

Maoist Chairman Prachanda and second-in command Dr Baburam Bhattari, among others, were present during the two-hour long meeting during which the two sides discussed the current political situation and peace process, local media quoted the Maoist leader as saying.

The Maoist Chairman expressed commitment that the party would not walk out of the Seven-Party Alliance putting the peace process at stake, Kantipur reported.

Mr Wang is reported to have said the peace process in Nepal was ''moving in a positive direction.'' He also urged the Maoists to abide by the parliamentary procedures.

The Chinese delegation, which is on a five-day visit to Nepal, also met leaders of Nepali Congress and CPN(UML).

UNI