Himalayan News Service

Kathmandu, July 20:

A meeting of the CPN-UML’s standing committee, chaired by general secretary Madhav Kumar Nepal, discussed Maoist leader Prachanda’s call for forming an “authentic talks team” in detail and ways to make the seven-party alliance’s joint movement more effective, even as a leader of the alliance, requesting anonymity, said “the alliance may not form any authentic talks team to hold dialogue with the Maoists as it will create many more complications in the days ahead.” He, however, said the alliance will apply other options to hold talks with Maoist leaders.

There is a perception that formation of a talks team would futher widen the gulf between the King and the parties.

The leader’s remark comes at a time when the leaders of the alliance are expected to hold a meeting to discuss Prachanda’s call shortly.

A UML standing committee member, Jhala Nath Khanal, told this daily that his party was “positive” towards holding talks with the Maoists and the alliance should also move ahead by “adopting an appropriate procedure”.