Nepal's CPN-UML, UCPN decide to continue current alliance

The CPN-UML and the UCPN (Maoist), the two major allies of the K.P Sharma Oli-led government in Nepal, have decided to keep intact their current coalition, party leaders said.

After a meeting on Thursday night, the two parties forged a nine-point deal to give continuity to the current coalition government after Prime Minister Oli made commitment to address major concerns raised by the UCPN (Maoist).

Earlier on Wednesday, the UCPN (Maoist), the second largest party in the Oli-led government, had decided to form a new government under its leadership after getting assurance from the country's largest party Nepali Congress to support its move.

However, the UCPN (Maoist) backtracked from its decision on Thursday and decided to keep the current government alliance with the CPN-UML intact.

"We will be continuing this alliance with the CPN-UML as the prime minister has agreed to address our major concerns," Haribol Gajurel, key leader of the ruling UCPN (Maoist), told Xinhua.

The nine-point deal reached between the two parties stresses negotiations among the parties to form a new government. The two parties also agreed to address demands raised by the agitating Madhesi parties through political negotiations.

The CPN-UML and UCPN (Maoist) have agreed to revoke alleged conflict-era cases against the party leaders and cadres of the UCPN (Maoist).

The two parties also agreed to forge consensus while making crucial government appointments in state bodies in near future.

The Oli-led government came to power with the support of the UCPN (Maoist) and other fringe parties in October last year after the country promulgated new constitution in September.

Source: XINHUA