MCC House prepares for conclusion: Communications Minister Karki

Talks between Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba and Chairman of the main opposition Communist Party of Nepal (UML) KP Sharma Oli to seek consensus on the Millennium Challenge Corporation Compact (MCC) have just ended.

Minister for Communications and Information Technology Gyanendra Bahadur Karki informed that the meeting was attended by other top leaders of Nepali Congress and CPN (UML) at the Federal Parliament Building, Naya Baneswor.

Minister Karki, who was also the spokesperson of the government while participating in the discussion, said that the environment was ready to reach the conclusion of the MCC agreement tabled in the House of Representatives. He said, "In order to keep the parliament running smoothly, the Prime Minister has started discussions with all to reach maximum consensus with flexibility and this discussion is confident that the parliament will run smoothly. The MCC will come to a conclusion after in-depth discussions in the House."

According to Minister Karki, the MCC will be discussed with the consent of the political parties represented in the parliament. He expressed confidence that the MCC would be passed within the stipulated time. He said that the MCC required for the benefit of the country would be decided by the sovereign parliament.

During the meeting with UML Chairman Oli, Prime Minister Deuba said that the MCC was a matter of international concern and they were ready to have an open discussion on the MCC and other issues.

Quoting the Prime Minister, he said, "The Prime Minister has also linked the MCC to the international level. He said that it should be settled, adding that he was ready to discuss the issue with the people.

Leader Thapa informed that a discussion will be held between Prime Minister Deuba and the main opposition party UML Chairman Oli this evening on behalf of the ruling coalition for a party consensus. Despite the adjournment of the parliament sitting convened at 1 pm today, Prime Minister Deuba, who is also the chairperson of the ruling party Congress, held discussions with the main opposition party.