Nepal is set to unveil a new interim government on Friday after Premier Girija Prasad Koirala struck a deal with Maoist leader Prachanda on power sharing and formation of a new cabinet, whose constitution has witnessed considerable delays due to wranglings between the two sides.
A deal was struck on Thursday between Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala, CPN-UML general secretary Madhav Kumar Nepal and CPN-Maoist president Prachanda on power sharing and formation of an Interim government inclusive of Maoists, highly placed sources said.
The Interim government would fix the date for the constituent assembly elections to rewrite the constitution.
As per the understanding between top leaders of major political parties, the Nepali Congress led by Koirala will retain key posts including Home, Defence and Finance with it, the sources said.
Prime Minister Koirala will head the new government and three major parties -- NC, CPN-UML and CPN-Maoist -- will get equal berths in the cabinet, the sources said.
"The new government will be formed today after holding an eight party meeting at the PM's residence," said Gopal Man Shrestha, Minister for Physical Planning and Works.
Meanwhile, Maoist spokesman Krishna Bahadur Mahara, who is leading the Maoists' team to the government, told reporters yesterday that the possibility of the former rebels joining the Interim government has become high.
{{/usCountry}}Meanwhile, Maoist spokesman Krishna Bahadur Mahara, who is leading the Maoists' team to the government, told reporters yesterday that the possibility of the former rebels joining the Interim government has become high.
{{/usCountry}}Earlier, they had threatened to boycott the government if it didn't go for a republican set up.