Govt, FRNF to sign accord today

Kathmandu, Mar 1 (UNI) The agreement reached between the government and the agitating Federal Republic National Front (FRNF) could not be signed yesterday as the latter insisted the signing takes place in the presence of Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala to ensure its implementation.

Emerging from the talks yesterday, Bishwendra Paswan, president of the Dalit Janajati Party, an FRNF constituent, said they have agreed to sign the deal in the presence of the Prime Minister at his official residence at Baluwatar at 1500 hrs today.

"Top leaders of all parties in the ruling alliance will also be present," he told mediapersons.

Pasawan also said they have reached an agreement on eight points.

"We have withdrawn our demand for a fully proportional electoral system for the Constituent Assembly poll as the government assured us of proportionate representation for all groups within the existing mixed electoral system," he added.

Chief government negotiator Ram Chandra Poudel told mediapersons that they have reached an agreement over all FRNF demands.

"Signing of the deal will be held today in the presence of top leaders from all ruling parties," he informed.

UNI XC AKJ KN1440