SAVE MONEY ON TRAVEL DEALS

The parties have been unable to come to an understanding on a power-sharing agenda for forming a government to be led by the Maoists, who won the most seats but not a majority, in the constituent assembly elections last April.

The country, which abolished its 240-year-old monarchy, has been functioning under a caretaker government since the elections.

Besides the Maoists, the other major parties are the Nepali Congress, Unified Marxist Leninist and Madhesi Janadhikar Forum.

UML leader Bhim Rawal has said if the issue of ministerial portfolio division isn't discussed, it wouldn't be possible for the Maoists to stake claim to form a government by Friday, Nepalnews.com reported.

A Maoist party leader claimed caretaker Prime Minister G.P. Koirala was trying to exclude his group from the effort, the Press Trust of India reported. The leader said the Maoists would prefer to sit in the opposition.

 BREAKING STORIES

Poll: Obama leads McCain 53-43

Tina Fey's impersonations may have impact

McCain set to appear on 'Letterman'

Iraqi PM: British troops can leave

Obama, McCain backers debate housing mess

ABC: Palin assertions not true

Gallup: Obama 50, McCain 43

McCain says he'll 'whip' Obama in debate

Leaders offer matchup views in key states

Campaign aides sling accusations of mud

Ex-Gitmo prosecutor calls for reforms

Israel still a key to U.S. Jewish vote

New funding sought for sex-abused vets

Coleman defends Iraq plan in Senate debate

'No Child' renewal awaits next president

'Expelled' claims withdrawn by plaintiffs

McCain, Obama battle for Pennsylvania

McCain said retooling economic message

Police: Haider speeding before crash

Vegas club co-owner alleges discrimination