The failure of the last-ditch bid of the parties to reach an agreement means that the Maoists will go ahead with their indefinite general strike from Sunday, further complicating and deepening the political crisis.[break]
The parties said further negotiations on contentious issues would largely depend on how the general strike unfolds.
"There will be no agreement till the prime minister resigns," said Maoist Vice Chairman Dr Baburam Bhattarai after the talks at Hotel Radission Saturday night.
But Bhattarai said talks are still possible despite his party launching general strike aimed at toppling the government.
NC leader Bimalendra Nidhi said talks on contentious issues were smooth till the Maoist leaders Bhattarai and Barsha Man Pun demanded that the prime minister first put in his papers to pave way for further talks to seek a package deal on all outstanding agendas.
"We had reached close to an agreement but the talks ended inconclusive after the Maoists said they would not enter into discussion on other issues till the prime minister resigns," said Nidhi about the meeting.
Bhattarai said the management of Maoists combatants - which is at the heart of the peace process - was the most contentious issues among the parties. In addition, parties also could not reach an agreement on the political course and teh fate of teh CA once its tenure expires on May 28.
"We have agreed to hold further discussions on these issues within our respective parties," Bhattarai said.
But Nidhi said political situation that will unfold from Sunday onward will determine further talks with the Maoists.
The three-party task force had met Saturday morning and held elaborate discussions on their differences over peace process, constitution writing and the power sharing. The meeting was adjourned in the afternoon as the Maoists leaders went to take part in the May 1 Day rally. The meeting resumed in the evening and lasted till late night.
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