Kathmandu, Jan. 17 -- After failing to quell the ongoing dispute within the Nepal Communist Party regarding the Millenium Challenge Corporation's Nepal compact, party Co-chair Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has issued a strongly worded directive to his Cabinet members to refrain from making any negative comments regarding the US-led project.

"I have heard that some senior party leaders and even ministers are speaking out against the MCC," Oli said, according to a minister who was present at the Monday meeting. "If someone needs to speak, try to read the Nepal compact carefully before making any statements."

The ruling party is sharply divided over the MCC and whether it should be passed by the House. Although the MCC is being pushed by th...