In Nepal, political parties have intensified their negotiations to reach a consensus on extending the term of the Constituent Assembly with only hours left for the deadline. The three major parties are UCPN (maoist), CPN-UML and Nepali Congress met separately in Kathmandu this morning. The Nepali Congress has decided to remain firm on it’s 10-point proposal regarding the peace and statute drafting process and will make further decision following the three party meeting to be held later in the day.The Opposition Congress has been demanding the handover weapons before the extension of the Constituent Assembly. The Maoist also decided not to backtrack of not submitting the keys of the containers of the weapons to the government. Prime Minister Jhala Nath Khanal called on President Ram Baran Yadav today. Emerging from the meeting, Mr. Khanal said, the President has wished to see unity among the political parties. The Prime Minister also expressed confidence that a national consensus will be reached and the term of the Constituent Assembly extended.