KATHMANDU: Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) Chair Rabi Lamichhane has continued discussions with opposition parties amid efforts to resolve the ongoing parliamentary deadlock.
Opposition parties have maintained their demand that Prime Minister Balen Shah personally address the House regarding the disputed issue. Failing that, they insist that a written response from the Prime Minister be submitted and read out by Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal.
According to an opposition leader involved in the discussions, Lamichhane has proposed that the Prime Minister provide a written clarification to Parliament.
However, Lamichhane is reportedly in favor of allowing Foreign Minister Khanal to speak on behalf of the Prime Minister. Opposition parties, including the Nepali Congress and CPN-UML, have maintained that they would only permit the Foreign Minister to address the House if he reads a written statement formally issued by the Prime Minister.
No agreement had been reached as of the latest round of talks.
The meeting was attended by Nepali Congress parliamentary party leader Bhishmaraj Angdembe and Chief Whip Basana Thapa, UML representative Ain Mahar, Nepali Communist Party leader Yubaraj Dulal, and Rastriya Prajatantra Party Whip Khusbu Oli. RSP Chief Whip Kabindra Burlakoti and Whip Krantishikha Dhital were also present.
Nepali Congress parliamentary leader Angdembe reiterated that the issue is serious and requires a direct response from the Prime Minister.
Other opposition parties, including the UML, have echoed the same position while indicating flexibility by allowing Foreign Minister Khanal to speak if he presents a written response from the Prime Minister.
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