KATHMANDU: UML Chairperson KP Oli has said the UML will present its view on Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) only after the government clarifies its stance on the compact.

Oli told so to the delegation led by MCC Vice President Fatema Sumar who reached Balkot to hold talks with him Thursday afternoon. The two sides held two hours-long discussions.

According to UML Foreign Department Chief Rajan Bhattarai, who participated in the meeting, Oli told the delegation that the government had not discussed the MCC Compact with him. The UML chair apprised the delegation that he tried to move the project forward when he was in government but faced resistance from leaders of his own party. He informed them that the UML would formulate its opinion after the government presents its view.

When Oli was prime minister, MCC compact was tabled at the parliament for approval but the leaders of the then Nepal Communist Party (NCP), including Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ had strongly opposed it. At present also, MCC opponent UML Vice President Bhim Rawal is in Oli’s camp.

After leaving the government, Oli changed his stance on MCC. He is of the view that currently Deuba government holds the majority and can move it forward.

While in Nepal, the MCC delegation will meet Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba, Maoist Center Chairman Prachanda and CPN-Unified Socialist Chairman Madhav Kumar Nepal, among others.