Nepal's new President within 24 hours

Kathmandu, Jul 15: The two major left parties CPN Maoist and CPN-UML have reached an understanding to name the first president and vice-president of the country and forming a new government within a few days time.

The two parties have concluded that the new government should be formed as early as possible, UML general secretary Jhalanath Khanal said after the meeting between the two parties at the residence of Maoists chairman Pushpa Kama Dahal. Maoists leaders said the new president will be named within the next 24 hours and then the process of forming new government will be initiated.

Maoists have proposed the name of Ram Raja Prasad Singh, an elderly leader of the Madhes to appease the Madhesi parties, who are demanding autonomy of the Terai, southern plain belt bordering with India.

They agreed to support UML for the post of president but opposed the candidature of former general secretary of the UML Madhav Kumar Nepal, saying he was defeated from both the constitencies in Kathmandu and Rautahat in the CA polls held on April 10.

Maoists also rejected the name of Girija Prasad Koirala for the post of first president of republic Nepal saying that his appointment will divide power.

Koirala had resigned from the post some two weeks ago but the process of foming new government has not been materialised as his resignation has not been officially accepted.

Maoists' second preference is UML leader Sahana Pradhan, foreign minister of the present cabinet, however, the UML party wants some active persons for the post from its party.

UNI