Kathmandu: Maoist supremo Prachanda appealed to the main opposition Nepali Congress party to cooperate with the ruling alliance to push forward the stalled peace process amid a row over the rehabilitation of former rebels.

Nepali Congress Vice-President Ram Chandra Poudyal met Prachanda at the latter`s residence at Nayabzaar here and discussed the ongoing peace process and constitution drafting.

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During the meeting Prachanda asked cooperation from main opposition Nepali Congress to conclude the peace process and draft a new constitution, the twin tasks entrusted to the Maoist-led government.

Poudyal told Prachanda that the Nepali Congress was ready to extend cooperation to the government in concluding the peace process and drafting the constitution if the Maoists were sincere towards peace and constitution, sources close to Nepali Congress said. They have also agreed to hold a meeting between Nepali Congress president Sushil Koirala and Prachanda to discuss the current political situation and the peace process in a day or two to, the Nepali Congress said.

Meanwhile, Nepali Congress Vice President Poudyal has said that his party was serious about concluding the peace process and constitution drafting process.

Speaking in a party workers gathering in Chitwan district in southern Nepal today Poudyal said the Nepali Congress would not compromise with any force in such a way that places the peace and constitution at risk.

He expressed the view that the task of taking the peace process to a conclusion and drafting of the new constitution would be easier if the largest party in the Parliament Unified CPN ( Maoist) shows sincerity towards these twin tasks."

"Our party wants to see the completion of the peace process and constitution drafting process as early as possible". "The Maoist combatants inside the cantonments are still under the direct supervision of the Maoist leadership despite they are said to be brought under the monitoring of the Special Committee", NC leader Poudyal said.

Integration of the Maoist combatants should be carried out as per the criteria set by the Nepal Army, he said and ruled out the possibility of their bulk entry into the security bodies.

PTI