Maoists ready to pass MCC agreement with explanatory remarks

The CPN (Maoist Center) is ready to pass the US aid project MCC with explanatory remarks with the aim of resolving the national problem by preserving the alliance formed for the defence of the constitution, democracy and nationality.

 The meeting of the members of the available pre-existing committee of the Maoists had been holding regular discussions since Thursday with the aim of maintaining the alliance and also giving a way out to the MCC agreement. On Saturday alone, Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' had said that discussions were being held from the angle of concluding the MCC agreement and maintaining the alliance.

 According to UCPN-M sources, the decision was taken at a meeting of the UCPN-M's standing committee members held this morning. The Maoist leaders have not formally commented on the decision.

 The ruling party Nepali Congress is also ready to conclude the MCC agreement with explanatory remarks. Experts in international law made efforts for that on Friday and Saturday. The parties were divided on the same issue for a long time, saying that it had created an unnecessary controversy.

 According to Maoist leader Barshaman Pun, the party has made a decision regarding MCC. He informed that he has decided to ratify the MCC agreement with explanatory remarks. The main opposition CPN (UML) has been obstructing the federal parliament for the past six months. Parliament has not been able to enter the regular agenda due to obstructions. Leaders claim that the Maoists have made the right decision in the face of widespread fears that the alliance will break down if the ruling parties do not reach a consensus on the MCC agreement.

 The ruling party, the Congress, held several rounds of talks to persuade the main opposition but failed to reach a conclusion. While the UML has remained in its previous position, it has not been able to move ahead even with the activities of the parliament. The meeting of the House of Representatives has been called for 1 pm today. The meeting has an agenda to discuss the MCC agreement in principle.

 Donor countries urged the government to pass the MCC agreement in parliament by Monday. An estimate of Rs. 55 billion will be received to be spent on Nepal's transmission system and road infrastructure. Out of that, a total of 312 km long 400 kV transmission line will be constructed. Similarly, about 100 kilometres of road infrastructure will be constructed.