Itahari, September 15 :

CPN (UML) general secretary Madhav Kumar Nepal today said the Maoist army should not be deprived of its weapons. Speaking to journalists in Inaruwa, Nepal said the Maoists believed in keeping their weapons. In case of any deception by the future government, some counter force has to be there to tackle it, he said. “If the Maoists want to launch Jana Andolan–III in a peaceful manner, the CPN (UML) will accept and support it. But, it would not be acceptable to us if chaos is created among people and in society in the name of the movement,” said Nepal.

He suggested the government appoint Chief Election Commissioner at the earliest for preparations for the election to a constituent assembly.

He urged the government to finalise the issues related to the management of Maoists’ weapons, formation of an interim government and ascertaining the national and foreign observers by mid-October. He said differences among the parties in the government were widening as the prime minister had ignored the decisions of the seven parties. “The CPN (UML) won’t leave the government. If we do, we will be called irresponsible,” said Nepal, adding that he had not said anything about the UML leaving the government. Nepal said it was only media propaganda.

Nepal also expressed his dissatisfaction over the visit of US envoy James F Moriarty to the country’s Midwest and Far West.