Pokhara, November 25:

Vice-president of the Nepali Congress (NC), Sushil Koirala, today said the understanding between the seven-party alliance and the Maoists will not terminate even if the latter breached the unilateral ceasefire. Addressing a press meet in Pokhara, Koirala said, “There is only an understanding between the parties and the Maoists; not an alliance. Alliance with them is only possible after they join the mainstream politics by giving up arms.” Stating that the understanding has been taken positively, Koirala said, “This is an important achievement.” The government has to take this matter positively to bring back the Maoists in the democratic mainstream.

Further stating that India and the US are showing keen interest in the restoration of peace in Nepal, Koirala said the United Nations Secretary-General, Kofi Annan, has welcomed the understanding reached between the alliance and the Maoists. “The seven political parties are against autocratic monarchy. If the King does not want to accept the achievements of 1990, the movement of the seven parties will be more powerful now, Koirala said. “If the reinstatement of the parliament and the restoration of peace are possible through talks, we are ready for it.”

“The goal of the party alliance is to bring together all political parties so that we can have an understanding on an all-party government,” he said. He insisted that the government has to respect the aspirations of the people. As such, the government has to take the unilateral ceasefire announced by the Maoists positively. Stating that the understanding between the alliance and the Maoists is only the start, NC General secretary, KB Gurung said, “The second phase of the understanding is also possible.”