- http://ekantipur.com/ CA elections after forming interim govt including Maoists: PM Koirala Kantipur Report KATHMANDU, May 4 - Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala has said that elections to a constituent assembly would be held after forming an interim government comprising the Maoists. He has also appealed to the rebels to renounce violence and join the interim government. PM Koirala made the remarks after a meeting with visiting Norwegian Minister of International Development, Erik Solheim Thursday morning. The PM’s remarks come at a time when the reinstated House of Representatives unanimously approved a motion to hold constituent assembly elections to draft a new constitution earlier this week. Meanwhile, Norwegian Minister Solheim also met with UML General Secretary Madhav Kumar Nepal at the latter’s residence today. Following his meeting with the UML General Secretary, Solheim said that he had come to Nepal to look for ways to support the country to institutionalize the democratic system. “I focused my talks with Nepal and other political leaders on this issue,” said Solheim. When asked if Norway, which is involved in brokering peace in other conflict-hit countries, could help settle the current conflict in Nepal, the Norwegian Minister said that his country would provide any support as demanded by the ruling seven political parties in resolving Nepal’s conflict. Citing Norway’s experience in mediating the peace process in Sri Lanka, Solheim said the conflicts in Nepal and Sri Lanka “resemble to some extent.” Norway will provide support to resolve the Nepal conflict if the government and the seven parties so demand, the Norwegian minister said. The UML General Secretary said he sought advices from the Norwegian minister on monitoring a ceasefire. Solheim also met with Deputy Prime Minister, K.P. Sharma Oli at the latter’s office at Sittalniwas this afternoon. During the meeting, discussions were held on the issues related to mutual interest and Norway's support and assistance towards the peaceful people's movement in Nepal as well as economic and technological assistance to Nepal in the days to come, the official news agency Rastriya Samachar Samiti (RSS) quoted Deputy PM Oli as saying. Talking to the media persons following the meeting, he stated that Norwegian Minister Solheim expressed commitment to resume economic assistance, which was stopped due to unfavorable political atmosphere in the country in the past. In response to a query, Deputy PM Oli said that no discussions were held in connection with conducting dialogue with the Maoists and weapons management with the Norwegian Minister while making it clear that there is no need of such arrangement at the moment, the RSS reported. The Norwegian Minister also met with Finance Minister Dr Ram Sharan Mahat this morning. During the meeting, Solheim pledged financial support to Nepal. Posted on: 2006-05-04 04:25:15 (Server Time)