Kathmandu, March 30:

The 12-point understanding between the seven-partry alliance and Maoists will be deemed mature once top leaders of the alliance and the Maoists hold direct talks, Nepali Congress spokesperson Krishna Prasad Sitaula told journalists in the capital today.

During his recent trip to New Delhi, Sitaula, accompanied by leaders of other parties, is believed to have struck some rapport with the Maoists leaders. Saying that many in the alliance and the Maoist outfit were keen on seeing a joint statement signed by the Maoists and alliance leaders, Sitaula said, “All should work to create a favourable atmosphere to make it happen.”

“The second understanding was signed with the Maoists to guarantee peace, democracy, progressive reforms and prosperous Nepal,” he said. Terming the government attitude towards the alliance ‘unfortunate’, he said the alliance will stage protests as planned. Sitaula billed certain ministers talking against the alliance as “ants on which feathers grow before they cease to exist.”