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MIN RATNA BAJRACHARYA

MEDIA DARLING: Maoist chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal gets hounded by the press after the signing of the 23-point agreement on Sunday.

After intense discussions the seven parties have finally signed a 23-point agreement, and have said they are committed to holding elections in April. There was political uncertainty in the country because the Maoists would keep changing their mind and put forward different conditions. The fact that the parties have signed shows that the parties understand that unless the groups agree, the culture of democracy cannot be established.

The agreement came at a time when the Maoists were demanding that there be unity between the seven parties. It is important to note that this new agreement makes it easier for the Maoists, who left the government and took to the streets, to rejoin the government.

We have to commend UML and other parties for their commitment in dealing with political uncertainty and obstacles. The parties need to understand that many agreements may be signed, if they are not implemented, they are of no use.