Agreement likely on government formation in Nepal

Kathmandu, Aug 13 : Maoist chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' has claimed that parties will arrive at an agreement on government formation today, a day before nominations for the Prime Ministerial election will be registered at the Constituent Assembly Secretariat.

Talking to reporters after a meeting with CPN (UML) General Secretary Jhal Nath Khanal here, Prachanda said, "Things will be finalised today. It will be a government of national consensus."

"Efforts for a consensus government were still on in spite of the dispute between the Maoists and the Nepali Congress over the defense portfolio," he added.

However Khanal said his party reiterated that the government should be formed on consensus, suggesting that the Maoists and the Nepali Congress should stopped squabbling for the defence ministry.

Conspicuously hinting at a possible Maoist-UML alliance, UML senior leader Ishwar Pokharel said, "The passage to the formation of the next government should not be obstructed even if the Nepali Congress continues with its claim to the defense ministry."

He further said that the UML won't join the next government without the Maoists. Even if the Nepali Congress continues with its stance and decides to stay in opposition.

He said the task of drafting a new constitution won't be successful if the Maoists are excluded from the next government, Nepalnews reported

ANI