Prime Minister Jhalanath Khanal and Maoist Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal issued a joint press release today to clarify their stance on the seven-point agreement signed between them on 3 February before the prime minister’s election.

The release states that the seven-point pact was signed for ending political deadlock and to continue the historical responsibility of constitution writing and establishment of lasting peace in the country as per the Comprehensive Peace Accord.

Khanal and Dahal expressed commitment to move ahead by forging consensus among all parties. “We urge all political parties not to suspect over the intention of the pact and move ahead to protect the achievements achieved through the people’s movement such as republic, federalism, democracy, secularism, proportional representation, inclusion and social justice,” the press release states.

Meanwhile, speaking at a program organised by Reporters Club in the capital Nepali Congress central member and former Minister for Foreign Affairs Sujata Koirala has commented that the seven-point pact that was signed by Prime Minister Jhalanath Khanal and Unified CPN-Maoist Chairman Pushapa Kamal Dahal should be scrapped as it was against the spirit of peace and constitution writing process.