Work for Consensus, Yechury to Maoists

Kathmandu, May 2 (UNI) Leader of Communist Party of India Marxist CPI (M) Sita Ram Yechury today expressed confidence that the CPN-Maoist will join hands with other parties and work for consensus in the formation of Republic of Nepal.

Emerging from a meeting this morning with Maoist Chairman Prachanda, Mr Yechury told the mediapersons, ''The elections have made the Maoist the biggest party, and I hope that they will move ahead working together with the Maoists.'' Before meeting Mr Prachanda and his colleagues, Mr Yechury held an hour long meeting with Nepal Prime Minister G P Koirala. Other senior leaders of Nepali Congress Party also attended the meeting, INN reported.

Mr Yechury met Maoist leaders in his next meeting, which was held at Mr Prachand's Nayabazaar residence. Dr Baburam Bhattarai and CP Gajurel were also present.

He also met the representatives of Madhesi lead by Upendra Yadav.

Mr Yechury congratulated the Maoist leaders for securing the major position in the April 10 polls.

When asked if he came to Nepal to create an understanding among the parties, Mr Yechury claimed that the next government would be formed on the mutual agreement of the parties and stated that his country would only extend best wishes and support in the process.

He also informed the press that Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) assured him that they would work for consensus.

The politburo member hailed the successful completion of elections to the Constituent Assembly as a historic episode in the establishment of Republic of Nepal.

He claimed that he stressed the need for consensus during the negotiations.

In the wake of threats issued by Indian Hindu extremists to start armed struggle to protect monarchy in Nepal, Mr Yechury stated that few groups tried such attempts which became sad as the monarchy is on the verge of collapse and made it clear that such remarks did not represent the Indian people's opinion.

The CPI-M leader was busy holding meetings since early morning today, the second day of his two-day visit.

Mr Yechury also held separate consultations with Prime Minister and Nepali Congress President Girija Prasad Koirala, Krishna Sitaula and Shekhar Koirala among others.

Mr Yechury termed the comments that he came to Nepal on Indian government's insistence as baseless.

The CPI (M) leader had played an important role in signing 12-point pact between the former rebel Maoists and the then Seven-Party alliance and in dealing with other complex political challenges in Nepal.

While addressing a separate question on the issue of Indo Nepal Treaty he informed the gathering that way back in 1989-90, the Communist Party of India (Marxist) demanded a review of the agreement as by that time four decades had lapsed and the situation had changed a lot.

He added that the party's argument was still valid. From the agreement to till now lot of water have flown in Ganges and there were major changes in both country.' Also he said the mandate of the present government was to prepare the constitution for Nepal Republic and made it clear that the new government which would come up after the adoption of new constitution, would be having the locus standing to review the treaty.

West Bengal Chief Minister Budhadeb Bhattacharjee has invited Chief of Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) to visit Kolkata. This invitation has also been conveyed to Mr Prachand by Sitaram Yechury in today's meeting.

UNI XC RJ KN1805