Prachanda meets Koirala to discuss political scenario in Nepal

Kathmandu, May 8 (ANI): Nepal caretaker Prime Minister and Maoist party chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda met Nepali Congress president Girija Prasad Koirala to discuss the political scenario in the aftermath of his resignation.

According to Nepali Congress vice president Ram Chandra Poudel who was present during hour-long meeting, Koirala asked Prachanda to cooperate in forming a government of national consensus.

Prachanda on his part said he would consider the proposal.

Prachanda also tried to allay fears of Nepali Congress leadership regarding the controversial videotape containing his speech during a close-door training of PLA commanders one and half years ago.

Talking to reporters after the meeting, Prachanda said the discussion with Nepali Congress president was about forging a consensus and cooperation among the parties.

Meanwhile, Indian Ambassador to Nepal Rakesh Sood and UNMIN chief Karin Landgren separately met Prachanda.

Meanwhile, Nepali Congress leader Krishna Prasad Situala has claimed that an understanding has already been reached among parties to form a unity government under the leadership of CPN (UML).

Situala said it's certain that the next government would be led by UML and what is being awaited now is a formal decision of the UML and the nomination of its leader, who will become the Prime Minister.

He further claimed that "other parties" are also convinced that the UML should lead the "government of national consensus".

He said that the Maoists should be part of the new coalition, but they cannot take the leadership. (ANI)