In Nepal, the Vice Chairman of the Unified CPN (Maoist) Dr. Baburam Bhattarai said his party is prepared to go ahead with its planned protest programme as he sees no hope of ending the current political stalemate through consensus among the major parties. Talking to newsmen in Kathmandu this afternoon, Dr. Bhattarai said the proposed protest programme included blockade of government offices, the shut down of Kathmandu valley including Nepal's only international airport and declaration of autonomous regions. He said the protest will remain peaceful and their strategic goal is to establish a national government under its leadership as the largest party in the constituent assembly. He said the completions of the peace process and drafting of the new constitution will be possible only through consensus among the major parties. In reply to a question, Dr. Bhattartai said his party wanted friendly relations with neighboring countries including India. The opposition Maoists have given an ultimatum till November 1st to resolve the current parliament impasse by fulfilling its demand for a discussion in parliament on the President’s move in reinstating the former army chief sacked by the previous Maoist government.Meanwhile, political parties in the ruling coalition today urged the opposition Unified CPN(Maoist) to withdraw its proposed anti-government protests and play constructive role in ending the parliament impasse.The call for withdrawing the Maoist agitation following a meeting among the ruling parties held in Kathmandu today. In a statement issued after the meeting, the ruling coalition partners urged the Maoists to come for talks with the government to discuss their concerns and find solutions constitutionally. The parties have also asked the Maoists not to resort to vandalism and violence in the name of the protests, warning that the government is committed to maintain law and order.