Moonilal, Abdullah meet to discuss MSJ concerns

Deputy political leader of the United National Congress Dr Roodal Moonilal met Wednesday with Movement for Social Justice (MSJ) political leader David Abdullah for private discussions on the MSJ's concerns.

The MSJ is under pressure to reconsider its continued membership in the governing coalition unless there is a satisfactory resolution to issues raised on Sunday by the party. The MSJ has asked the coalition to resolve these matters by May 24, the second anniversary of the coalition's victory in the general election.

Following the meeting Abdullah told reporters, "We had a general discussion on matters of concern. It is all part of the process of engagement and dialogue." He explained that the meeting was aimed at a better understanding of existing issues and stated that neither side made any promised.

Moonilal told the media, "It was a discussion on governance and the way forward and so on, and we have a lot of common ground", noting that through the coalition there is a new type of political culture.

"It is defined by parties and leaders having their views and stating their view. This is a five-party coalition and that's a challenge by itself," he said.

"The Prime Minister made a commitment that before the end of this month, she would convene a meeting with the Partnership leaders to discuss the ongoing issues and the way forward and policy issues. That will take place," he said.

"We are all committed to a strong and solid partnership that will see us out until 2015 and beyond," he said.

Moonilal said the "agitation" by labour won't not shake his confidence in the longevity of People's Partnership. "They are acting within the law on several fronts. It is commendable that the trade unions are on the bargaining table and making demands that they are entitled to," he said.

Prakash Ramadhar, Political leader of the Congress of the People (COP) also views the MSJ's concerns as a part of the new politics. In a media release COP said it "wishes to state that the party views this as a normal expression of coalition politics."

The release added, "The COP is of the firm view that the MSJ and the three coalition partners remain committed to the People's Partnership and the Fyzabad Declaration. This declaration reflects the hopes and aspirations of the people to put aside petty politics in the interest of national development," he said