BIRATNAGAR: CPN-UML chairman Jhalanath Khanal today said his party had not even thought of a national government under the leadership of UCPN-Maoist.

Talking to journalists in Biratnagar, Khanal, however, said that the Maoists were welcome to join the present coalition to make it the national unity government.

“UML agrees for the formation of a national government but does not agree for the formation of government under the Maoist leadership,” he said.

Khanal, however, emphasised on the need of cooperation and harmony among all political parties. He said that the UML was ready to kick start the constitution drafting and the bringing of peace process to a logical end if a national unity government was established. "For this all should be ready to sacrifice their petty interests.” The UML chief also said that all Maoist combatants could not be integrated into Nepali Army.

He, however, said the fighters would be integrated as per the past agreements. "For where and how to integrate the PLA fighters, a re-discussion should be held now." In another context, he said that Vice President Paramananda Jha should retake his oath in Nepali language.