Nepal all-party meeting discusses COAS issue

Kathmandu, Apr 23 (ANI): All-party meeting held here last evening to discuss the issue of sacking of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Rookmangud Katawal.

Called by the Unified CPN (Maoist), the meeting was attended by representatives of all 24 political parties.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, who was also present, said that the government was trying to relieve General Katawal from his position. He also said that the decision in this regard would be taken with a political consensus.

Most of the parties want the Prime Minister to arrive at a a consensus of all parties while 17 different political parties asked the PM not to take any action against Katawal.

Now, whether or not the COAS will be sacked depends on the position the second largest coalition partner the UML takes. UML leaders are divided over the issue.

Earlier at the meeting of Council of Ministers, no decision was taken regarding sacking of General Katawal.

The fate of General Katawal would be decided after the government ministers study the clarification in detail, Nepalnews quoted Government spokesperson Krishna Bahadur Mahara as saying.

The Central Secretariat meeting of the United CPN (Maoist) had advised Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal not to take a decision in haste. (ANI)