Kathmandu, Feb. 24: Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba and Chairperson of the main opposition CPN (UML) KP Sharma Oli on Thursday held discussions to seek a consensus on the US-aid Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) compact.

Both the leaders discussed the possibility of the endorsement of the MCC with a consensus, ending the obstruction of the parliamentary business, said the government's spokesperson Gyanendra Bahadur Karki, also the Minister for Communications and Information Technology.

Talking to the media after the meeting of the two leaders at the Federal Parliament Building in New Baneshwor, Minister Karki claimed that following the meeting attended by top leaders of the NC and UML, an environment conducive was created for reaching a conclusion on the MCC ratification that has been tabled in the House of Representatives.

"Prime Minister has commenced discussions with all sides to garner maximum consensus to resume the obstructed parliament session. These discussions are believed to resume the session. The MCC will reach a conclusion after its broader deliberation in the parliament. The agreement will be concluded for the interests of the country by the sovereign parliament."

He also expressed the hope that the agreement would be ratified by the stipulated deadline.

During the talks, PM Deuba said they were ready to organise open discussions on issues including the MCC agreement, said Nepali Congress General Secretary Gagan Kumar Thapa.

"PM told that the compact is linked to the international concerns and it should be concluded. We are ready to hold open discussions on it. It is not concerned with mathematical calculation. Cast your votes on the matter by attending the parliament session," Thapa quoting PM Deuba as saying.

It may be noted that the parliament session that was called for Thursday afternoon was postponed. The meeting was expected to discuss issues including the MCC agreement.