Date:30/08/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/08/30/stories/2008083056711500.htm

International

Nepal Cabinet expansion delayed

Prerana Marasini

KATHMANDU: Though nine Ministers (five of the CPN (Maoists) and six of the CPN (UML) were supposed to have taken the oath on Friday, it could not happen as the Maoists could not finalise the names of their Ministers. At present, the coalition government, headed by the Maoists has eight Ministers, four each from the CPN (Maoists) and Madhesi Janadhikar Forum. Earlier, the issue of ministerial hierarchy had delayed the Cabinet extension process. The CPN (UML) demanded that it should get the second rank while Maoists appointed Finance Minister Baburam Bhattarai for the same. On Thursday, general secretary of the CPN (UML) Jhalanath Khanal met Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal (Prachanda) to address the hierarchical issue. As per Mr. Khanal, Mr. Dahal agreed to give the position to the UML leader Bam Dev Gautam, who has also been nominated Home Minister by the party. Meanwhile, the Cabinet expansion has been put off till Sunday. As per Maoist leader CP Gajurel, consultations will take place with the smaller parties also. The Constituent Assembly comprises 25 different parties.