Federal Alliance demands commitment from Nepal government before joining talks

Nepal, June 17 (ANI): The Federal Alliance on Thursday demanded strong commitment from the Nepal government to hold further talks. The alliance, a grouping of seven Madhes-based political parties and 22 other ethnic groups, met at Sanghiya Samajbadi Forum's office in capital Kathmandu to reach a consensus on Prime Minister KP Oli's letter inviting them for a dialogue. In a 4 hour-long meeting, the alliance concluded on demanding a reliable promise from the government along with the dedication to address the 26-points demand during the talks. The alliance leaders also condemned the government for addressing the letter only to the Madhesi Morcha and not to the alliance. We are ready for the talks, if government invites the alliance and not just the Madhesi Morcha, they said. The PM's letter had left the alliance divided with some of the Madhesi parties, including Terai Madhesi Democratic Party, Forum Democratic, Nepal Sadhvawana Party, expressing their willingness to join talks with the government. Meanwhile, despite the division, the federal alliances continued to stage relay hunger strike in Kathmandu.