Kathmandu, September 26

Prime Minister Sushil Koirala today held an all-party meeting and discussed the agitation launched by protesting Madhesi and Janajati forces and disruption in the supply of goods through border points.

The meeting, however, was not attended by Madhesi and other protesting forces.

A government source said the PM called the meeting of the parties to learn about their views on the current problems. Most of the leaders told the prime minister that a negotiated settlement was the only option available to the major three parties and the government.

Forest Minister Mahesh Acharya said the government was trying its best to hold negotiations with the protesting forces. He also said that the government would talk to the Government of India to end disruption of essential supplies from India.

According to Nepali Janata Dal Chairman Haricharan Sah, the prime minister briefed the leaders on his Tikapur visit today and said that the people liked the new constitution.

According to Sah, the PM also told the gathering that there was no much public support to the ongoing agitation in Tarai/Madhesh.

The PM also told the meeting that the ruling coalition was making serious efforts to hold dialogue with the protesting forces and had written to them twice inviting them for talks.

Sah said he told the prime minister that if everything was fine, he should not have cancelled his visit to United Nations General Assembly.

According to Sah, UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli told the meeting that the constitution could be amended to accommodate the concerns of the agitating forces. Oli further said the rights ensured in the Interim Constitution could be ensured in the new constitution through amendments, according to Sah.

UML Vice ChairBhim Rawal said the ruling coalition was serious about holding talks with the agitating forces.