Nepal's political crisis sparks concern over peace
Saturday, 3 July 2010
KATHMANDU, July 2 (AFP): Nepal's political leaders were locked in talks Friday to try to form a new government amid mounting international concern about the country's faltering peace process.
Major disagreements have emerged between the three biggest political parties over who should succeed outgoing prime minister Madhav Kumar Nepal, who stepped down on Wednesday under intense pressure from the opposition Maoists.
The former rebels, who fought a 10-year civil war with the state before entering mainstream politics and winning elections in 2008, say that as the largest party in parliament they should lead a power-sharing government.
But just six days before a deadline to form a national consensus government expires, rival parties have ruled out joining any administration led by the Maoists.
Major disagreements have emerged between the three biggest political parties over who should succeed outgoing prime minister Madhav Kumar Nepal, who stepped down on Wednesday under intense pressure from the opposition Maoists.
The former rebels, who fought a 10-year civil war with the state before entering mainstream politics and winning elections in 2008, say that as the largest party in parliament they should lead a power-sharing government.
But just six days before a deadline to form a national consensus government expires, rival parties have ruled out joining any administration led by the Maoists.