Kapilbastu, October 23:

The vice president of the Nepali Congress (NC), Sushil Koirala, has said elections to a Constituent Assembly is the best political option to determine the fate of monarchy and holding referendum on the issue might be a fatal step in itself.

Speaking at an interaction programme organised by the Nepal Press Union in Taulihawa today, he said the on-going peace talks are facing hitches because of rigid stances of both the sides with the Maoists sticking to a political resolution and the parties giving priority to the issue of arms management. Koirala also pointed out that the Maoists need to abide by the spirit of the 12-point understanding between the seven party alliance and them by putting an end to their excesses at a time while the talks are underway.

Expressing dissatisfaction over the performance of the current government, Koirala expressed his concern over possible loss of its popularity among the people.

Then NC vice president also hoped that a lasting solution to the decade-old conflict will be found under the leadership of Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala, who, he said, will be successful in handing over leadership to leaders of the second generation.

Initiatives are underway for the unification of the two Nepali Congress parties, he said, adding that the announcement of unification will be made public very soon.

The programme was presided over by chairman of the union, Manoj Poudyal.