The meeting of the top brass of three major parties on Friday has ended with commitment to future engagement. At a time when the opposition and the ruling parties have been attacking each other for derailing the peace process and constitution drafting, the initiation of dialogue is being seen as a positive development.

During the meeting held at CPN-UML Chairman Jhala Nath Khanal’s residence in Dallu, the leaders talked about the future of the constituent assembly and sticking points in constitution drafting. Although no concrete decisions were taken in the meeting, the leaders have agreed to open dialogue on all key issues. The major party’s meet earlier this week had assigned responsibility of deciding the fate of the CA to the top three leaders.

The meeting comes one day after President Ram Baran Yadav met with the leaders at his residence in Shital Niwas and urged them to end the current political deadlock. In the meeting Yadav had reminded the leaders the need to forge a consensus before the end of the partial budget period in the next month and half.

The President is also known to have given indication that the approval of four ordinances forwarded by the government this week will depend on the environment of talks between the parties. President’s political advisor Rajendra Dahal told Nepali Times, “ The main thing is the political destination of the nation, which the parties must decide upon. If they agree upon reinstatement of the CA in the near future, there is no need for the President to act on the ordinance now. But if they agree to go for next elections, the President will be obliged to approve the ordinance.”

One of the ordinance forwarded by the government is the proposed bill on Truth, Reconciliation and Disappearances. There have been concerns expressed by many about the bill and the way the government has forwarded it without broader political consensus.