General secretary of CPN (UML) Ishwor Pokharel has said the five coalition partners during their meeting held at prime minister’s residence at Baluwatar Monday morning did not discuss the issue of suspending army chief Rookmangud Katawal.

Emerging from the meeting, Pokhrel told reporters that the five parties did not take up the issue formally, a range of other issues were discussed during two-hour long meeting.

There were reports that the government is mulling over suspending the army chief citing his non-compliance with government orders.

Pokhrel added said his party has not been informed formally what clarification Katawal has been asked to furnish by the government. He further said Nepal Army, as an arm of the government, should obey to orders of the civilian government without condition.

Meanwhile, the coalition parties agreed to amend the three ordinances – Ordinance on Voters List, Ordinance against Disappearance of Individuals and Ordinance on Inclusive – tabled in the parliament as bills for endorsement. The five parties agreed to vote in favour of the ordinances.

Pokharel also said the cabinet would pass a bill that addresses the demands of the Tharu community. Similarly, the five parties agreed to sanction Rs 1.5 billion as compensation to the Koshi victims. nepalnews.com ia/ss Apr 20 09