Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: Nepali Communist Party (NCP) Coordinator Pushpa Kamal Dahal has said there is no immediate possibility of party unification with the CPN-UML. He, however, added that cooperation with the party on national issues is possible.
Speaking to journalists at the launch of the party’s ‘awakening campaign’ at its central office on Saturday, Dahal claimed that the UML and the NCP have fundamentally different characteristics.
“We are ready to cooperate with anyone when necessary to safeguard national sovereignty, democratic rights and the country’s interests. However, that does not mean we will unite with the UML,” Dahal said.
He also said attempts were being made to spread confusion among the public about the existence of the Maoist movement.
Stating that the current NCP was formed through the merger of 26 communist factions, including the then CPN (Maoist Center) and the CPN (Unified Socialist), he maintained that their ideology and political aspirations had been brought together within the new party.
“Although the party’s name has changed several times since the peace process began, its fundamental political course and pro-people agenda remain unchanged,” Dahal said.
He claimed that the two largest parties in parliament had joined hands to remove his party from government while it was pursuing a campaign for good governance, social justice and prosperity.
“We had warned earlier that an alliance between the Nepali Congress and the UML could lead the country into a crisis,” he said.
Dahal reiterated that his party could engage in dialogue and cooperate with any political force, as necessary, to protect national sovereignty and democratic rights.
“But such cooperation should not be interpreted as party unification,” he added.
