Kathmandu, September 14:

The CPN-Maoist today decided to hold its central-level mass meeting in the capital on Septmerber 18 to announce its nationwide protest programme.

According to a source, the public meeting will be addressed by party chairman Prachanda, Dr Baburam Bhattarai and other Maoist leaders.

A source told this daily that in the meeting, Prachanda will also make public his party’s decision on whether to remain in the government.

Whether or not the Maoist will pull out of the government will largely depend on the outcome of a curcial meeting between Prachanda and Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala expected for tomorrow.

The source added that the much-hyped round table conference will be held on September 17.

A senior Maoist leader, CP Gajurel, however had told this daily on Thursday that the conference will take place on Saturday.

The decision to hold the conference was taken by the party headquarters today evening.