POKHARA: Unified CPN-Maoist vice-chairman Dr Baburam Bhattarai today said that the statute drafting and the peace processes would not come to a conclusion if a national government under their leadership was not formed.

Speaking at a press conference organised by Revolutionary Journalists Organisation-Tamuwan State Committee in Pokhara, Bhattarai said: "Without the involvement of the Maoists, that garnered 40 per cent votes, the constitution making and peace processes will not be completed."

Bhattarai said that the High-Level Political Mechanism would be a fiasco if it did not address various issues. "The HLPM has a big role to play in ending the political deadlock," he added.

Bhattarai opined that the Maoist-led government and inclusion of Madhes-based parties in the mechanism was a must for the promulgation of the constitution and logical conclusion to the peace process.

Bhattarai claimed that it was a mistake to exclude the biggest party from the government in the name of majority. The Maoists withdrew the general strike scheduled from January 24 after the parties agreed to discuss various issues raised by them, he said.

However, Bhattarai warned that they would continue their programmes if the mechanism did not address their issues. "Further, our campaign for civilian supremacy and national independence would continue," he added.

Bhattarai also emphasised on democratization of the Nepali Army and integration of Maoist combatants into the national army. He condemned the Defence Minister's recent remark against integration. "Her remark has created a doubt among the Maoists. The government cannot fend off saying that it was her idiosyncratic statement. Such ministers should be expelled from the post," he said.

Stating that constitution making was making headway, he said that debate on state restructuring has concluded and the constitution could be promulgated if agreement on the state's administrative structure was reached. Asked why the party did not accept him as the prime minister, he said, "This is the decision of the party. I can be the Prime Minister if the party needs me for the same."