IN BRIEF

NC to blame: Deuba

KATHMANDU: President of the Nepali Congress (Democratic) Sher Bahadur Deuba today said the unification of the two parties was being delayed due to the “attitude” demonstrated by the Nepali Congress. Deuba was speaking at a function organised by Nepal Tarun Dal (D) in the capital on Tuesday. “We are serious on the unification. But the delay is due to the attitude demonstrated by the NC leadership,” Deuba said. — HNS

COAS to visit Australia

KATHMANDU: After the visit to the United Kingdom, the Chief of Army Staff, General Rookmangud Katawal, is now scheduled to visit Australia through August 4-11, according to an army official here. The official, however, did not say why Katawal will be visiting Australia. Katawal returned home from a week-long UK visit on Monday. He briefed PM Girija Prasad Koirala on his visit at the latter’s residence at Baluwatar on Tuesday. — HNS