Kathmandu, September 22

Three major political parties — Nepali Congress, CPN-UML and Unified CPN-Maoist – today dwelt on two issues — how to address the concerns of agitating Madhes-based parties and neighbouring India regarding security related issues in areas bordering India.

The four-and-a-half-hour long talks held at Prime Minister Sushil Koirala’s residence decided to continue talks with Madhes-based parties until the solutions are found, said PM’s Personal Secretary Atul Koirala.

Meanwhile, PM Koirala will leave for New York tomorrow for his scheduled visit only if he was certain to meet Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi there, said sources on condition to anonymity. Leaders of UML and UCPN-M had suggested that the PM should cancel his visit if it could not meet Modi, said sources, adding, “The leaders mandated PM Koirala to take decision about it.”

“PM Koirala will decide whether to go to New York or not after ascertaining from the Indian side tomorrow morning about his meeting with Modi in the US. The PM will leave for New York only if the meeting with the Indian counterpart could be confirmed. Otherwise, he is unlikely to go,” said the sources.

The three-party meeting also decided to mobilise their leaders and workers to Tarai areas to make people aware about the achievements ensured by the new constitution, said sources. The meeting concluded to resolve the

crisis in the Tarai through talks and the government will fix time-bound schedule for talks with the agitating parties tomorrow, said UCPN-M Chairman’s Personal Secretary Chudamani Khadka.