Uncertainty in Nepal as PM set to quit

Kathmandu, Aug 13: Political parties stepped up consultations for a national unity government on Friday amid uncertainty in Nepal, as embattled Prime Minister Jhala Nath Khanal was set to quit for failing to push forward the 2006 peace process.

Sushil Koirala, the president of Nepali Congress, held talks with Khanal today to seek support for a new national government led by the main oppposition party.

Koirala was quoted as saying by Kantipur online that Nepali Congress should lead a national consensus government since both the UCPN-Maoist and CPN-UML have failed to push forward the peace process, including the drafting of a new constitution for the country.

Amid the claim by the Maoist party, the single largest group in parliament, to head a new coalition, Koirals said the Maoist can only lead a consensus government if it can ensure the conclusion of the peace process.

CPN-UML leader Khanal, who was elected prime minster on February 3 after 17 rounds of polls in Parliament, had said earlier this month that he would quit if the major works related to the peace process were not completed by August 13.

Prime Minister's chief political advisor Prakash Jwala today said Khanal would resign tomorrow as committed earlier.

"PM Khanal would resign if there is no agreement. If there is, then he would act according to the agreement. He stands on his stance," Jwala was quoted as saying in the report.

Nepal Maoists have claimed the right to lead a coalition, projecting Vice Chairman Baburam Bhattarai as the next prime ministerial candidate.

Koirala had met Maoist Chairman Prachanda to seek support for his party''s effort to form a consensus government.

The parliament, formed in 2008 after a popular polls, has failed to fulfill its main function to draft a new constitution though its term was extended twice, the latest on May 29 which is set expire in end of August.

PTI