Ruling parties agree to expedite integration, rehab of Maoist combatants

The ruling parties, UCPN (Maoist) and CPN (UML), have agreed to expedite the integration of the Maoist combatants by exercising all possibilities.

Leaders of both parties appeared unanimous on the issue of integration and rehabilitation of the combatants during a meeting convened at the UML parliamentary party office at Singha Durbar on Sunday.

Senior UML leader and former Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal informed reporters after the meeting that leaders of both the parties decided to accelerate the works of integration, accepting the fact the adjustment and rehabilitation of Maoist PLAs is a major part of the ongoing peace process.

"We held discussion on integration, peace process and drafting of new statute on time," Nepal told reporters,"Leaders have agreed that the prime agenda of the government should be integration of the Maoist combatants."

According to Nepal, the meeting also discussed how to give full shape to the cabinet at the earliest possible, but failed to reach any definite conclusion on the matter today.

Meanwhile, UCPN (Maoist) vice-chairman Narayan Kaji Shrestha said that UML leaders also briefed the Maoist leaders about the request of the Nepali Congress to scrap the 7-point deal signed by two left forces while installing Prime Minister Jhala Nath Khanal's government.

Maoist leader Shrestha said, "The issue with Nepali Congress on the 7-point deal is not serious. We can go for fresh negotiation with the Nepali Congress if it accepts to join the government." nepalnews.com