Parties-Maoist pact not possible, says Khanal

Nepalgunj, November 11:

A leader of the CPN-UML has reiterated that parties will not forge an alliance with the Maoists unless they fufil a number of terms and conditions, including the cessation of hostilities against the parties not just in principle, but in practice, too.

Speaking at an interaction on Present Conflict and its Solution in Nepalgunj today, Jhala Nath Khanal, a standing committee member of the CPN-UML, said informal talks with the Maoists are on, but alliance with them is not on the cards.

He added that an alliance with the Maoists will be possible once they put an end to their enmity against the political parties in practice, end violence, take the seven-party movement for the restoration of democracy positively, express commitment to multiparty democracy and show readiness to resolve the present crisis through talks.

Stating that the Nepali Congress and CPN-UML have been holding informal talks with them, he said a Maoist-party alliance will add fuel to the ongoing movement for democracy.

Responding to queries, Khanal said the CPN-UML general secretary, Madhav Nepal, had gone to India on the invitation of the Indian government and not to meet the Maoists.

He said there is no point in holding talks with the King who believes that weapons can solve problems.

Commenting on recent comments made by the American Ambassador, James F Moriarty, about an alliance between the King and the parties, Khanal said: “America is against autocracy, but is equally fearful of the Maoists.”

Stating that the constituent assembly is not only the demand of the Maoists, but the need of the nation, he said the parties have agreed to draft a new constitution after the formation of a constituent assembly.

Khanal added that the new constitution should pave the way for an inclusive democracy.

Commenting on the King’s participation in the SAARC Summit, he said: “Since the delegation represents those who oppose the constitution and democracy, we don’t hope the deliberation will bring about anything good.”

Khanal said the ID system was enforced along the border to regulate the border area, adding that the Indo-Nepal Friendship Treaty of 1950 must be reviewed.

Terming the support lent by communist countries like China and Cuba for the King’s takeover unfortunate, he spoke of the need to strengthen ties with the two emerging powers - India and China.