Talks in peril as no side gives in

18 Feb 2015, Kathmandu - Chances of negotiation appear slim in the immediate future as ruling party leaders say they cannot fully assure that the disputed issues of the constitution writing process will be resolved in consensus, a precondition set by the opposition for meaningful talks.

Leaders from the Nepali Congress and the CPN-UML said they will make utmost effort but there is

no guarantee of settling the disputed issues in consensus with the UCPN (Maoist) and the Madhes-based parties.

The agitating parties consider talks futile if there is no assurance that federalism, forms of government, electoral system and judiciary are resolved through dialogue, rather than a vote in the Constituent Assembly.

The ruling alliance wants to resume the majority process if there is no agreement within a given time. Coalition leaders believe there will neither be consensus nor will the CA promulgate a new constitution if Prime Minister Sushil Koirala assures the disgruntled parties of “absolute consensus”.

The ruling parties are miffed at the opposition’s refusal for talks even when the CA proceedings have been halted indefinitely. Ruling party leaders cite past experiences to conclude that it will be suicidal to commit a constitution in consensus.

Leaders in the 30-party alliance say talks will begin immediately if the PM assures that the fundamental issues of the new constitution are decided in consensus. They say that the demand for scrapping the Questionnaire Committee has turned irrelevant and another public statement from Koirala could bring the parties to the negotiating table.

The opposition front is preparing to demonstrate in Kathmandu on February 28. Leaders dismissed reports that the agitating parties hesitate to begin talks before the scheduled mass meeting. “It’s not a decisive movement. We are ready for talks anytime if the PM takes initiatives,” said Maoist leader Haribol Gajurel. Many believe the opposition is trying to use the protest as its bargaining chip. The agitating bloc has said the protest will continue even if talks begin after the PM fulfils the precondition.

Informal talks are ongoing at different levels but no substantive result has come out yet. The PM is reaching out to the top leaders of Madhes-based parties as well to create an atmosphere for dialogue.

On Monday, Koirala met Tarai Madhes Loktantrik Party Chairman Mahantha Thakur and urged him to pave the way for talks. TMLP leader Sarvendra Nath Shukla advised the PM to issue another appeal for negotiations.

Opposition leaders say they are ready for the CA process if a tentative agreement is reached on the fundamental issues of the new constitution among the NC, the UML, the UCPN (Maoist) and the Tarai parties.