CPN-UML central committee meeting begins

Kathmandu, May 8 (ANI): The central committee meeting of the CPN-UML began here today to name the leader of proposed ruling coalition.

The meeting has been called at a time when the Nepali Congress and a few fringe parties have said that they are ready to back the UML to form a new government. However, UML has not been able to name its leader.

A faction of the party prefers UML chairman Jhala Nath Khanal to be the leader of the coalition, which is unlikely to shape up any time soon, while the KP Oli faction stands behind senior leader Madhav Kumar Nepal. Party sources said Khanal wants Maoists to be part of the upcoming coalition while Oli is firm in his anti-Maoist stance.

UML leaders have said that the next government should be a 'government of national consensus', which should be led by their party.

Apart from deciding the party's position on the formation of a new government, UML central committee meeting will also form the politburo, the second highest body after the standing committee.

Meanwhile, the United Nations Mission in Nepal (UNMIN) Chief Karin Landgren met caretaker Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' and discussed the video tape scandal.

In the nearly one and half year old video that came to the limelight a few days back, Prachanda has given controversial remarks on army integration and the Maoist People's liberation army.

Prachanda also separately met Indian Ambassador to Nepal Rakesh Sood and US envoy Nancy J Powell.

According to Nepalnews, Sood said that the new government should be formed by forging consensus among the political parties. Prachanda in response said some processes can not move forward unless the Army Chief controversy is solved. (ANI)