Nepal, Oct. 4 -- Nepali Congress leader Dr Shekhar Koirala will not participate in the party's 15th General Convention, which begins in Kathmandu today.

The five-day convention will open at 2 pm today and continue until October 8 (Asoj 22).

Koirala has for some time positioned himself between the rival sides within the party, saying he wants to work towards restoring party unity.

In recent days, Koirala has repeatedly said he would not participate in either of the two rival general conventions and would instead campaign for party unity. Leaders close to him have also backed efforts to reunite the party.

Koirala has said party leaders and cadres should make their own decisions based on their judgment.

The convention is being held unde...