KATHMANDU: A meeting of seven political parties held upon the call of Speaker Onsari Gharti failed to forge consensus on the measures to clear the political deadlock after the parties did not budge from their respective positions.

The meeting held at the Legislature-Parliament Building in New Baneshwor saw diverse priorities of the political parties.

Despite the differences, all parties attending the meeting, however, agreed to continue formal and informal talks to seek a solution.

Nepali Congress General Secretary Shashanka Koirala said they decided to continue with the dialogue and discussions to seek solutions to the problems.

Prime Minister and CPN Maoist Centre Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal underscored the need of passing the Constitution amendment bill and proposed solving the entire pressing issues through a package deal.

But the major opposition, CPN-UML, argued that the Constitution amendment proposal was the bone of contention.

"The UML urged the ruling parties to put the bill on hold and focus on Constitution implementation," UML Vice-Chairman Bhim Rawal said, adding that the country was facing a threat to nationality, independence and national integrity.

The amendment bill would further foment the conflict, he claimed.

Spokesperson of the CPN MC Pampha Bhusal said the parties discussed announcing the elections dates after the consensus was formed on resolving problems relating to the Constitution amendment bill.

She added that the idea of package deal was mooted for seeking a political way out.

In the beginning of the meeting, Speaker Gharti had urged the top political leaders to end bitterness and take initiatives to forge consensus and ensure the resumption of the Parliament business.

The meeting was attended by Prime Minister Dahal, leaders Narayan Kaji Shrestha, Ram Bahadur Thapa, Tek Bahadur Basnet, Bhusal and Ajay Shankar Nayak from the Maoist-Centre, while NC President Sher Bahadur Deuba, Home Minister Bimalendra Nidhi, leaders Prakash Man Singh and Krishna Prasad Sitaula and Chief Whip Chin Kaji Shrestha were present from the Nepali Congress.

Similarly, UML's Vice-Chairman Rawal, leader Subas Chandra Nembang and Chief Whip Bhanu Bhakta Dhakal were present from the UML. Chirman Kamal Thapa, leader Deepak Bohara and Chief Whip Dilnath Giri were present from the Rastriya Prajatantra Party.

Also attending the meeting were Tarai Madhes Democratic Party Chairman Mahantha Thakur and Federal Socialist Forum-Nepal Co-Chairman Rajendra Shrestha among others.