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UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs 12 October 2006

NEPAL: Peace talks to continue as progress remains elusive

KATHMANDU, 12 Oct 2006 (IRIN) - Representatives from Nepal's Maoist rebels and the government said on Thursday that ongoing peace talks were progressing effectively but more time was needed to iron out differences.

“We have narrowed down most of our differences after a series of consultations. There is hope for a positive end to our talks,” said rebel spokesman and senior leader Krishna Bahadur Mahara.

Negotiators said earlier in the week that they were hoping for an agreement by Thursday but talks will now resume on Sunday in an effort to reach a consensus on key issues like rebel disarmament and the fate of the constitutional monarchy.

The Maoists said that they will disarm themselves only if the government agrees to completely remove the remaining state powers of the king from the constitution. The seven main parties which make up the interim government on the other hand want to make that decision only through a public referendum.

However, despite the current impasse government officials remain confident that agreement will soon be reached. “All the leaders of Maoists and parties have genuine willingness to assure peace and democracy,” said home minister and government negotiator Krishna Sitaula.

On Tuesday the Maoists and the interim government agreed to hold elections for a special assembly to write a national constitution by June 2007.

Peace talks to end the decade-long conflict in the country first began in May shortly after absolute monarch King Gyanendra was forced from power.

Over 2,000 people, including Maoist workers, citizens’ groups and peace activists, have gathered in front of the prime minister’s residence in the capital to pressure the government and rebels to end the current round of talks positively.

“We have observed that the talks are continuing in a positive manner. The hurdles to peace process will be removed,” said citizens’ group leader and peace activist Mathura Prasad Shrestha.

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This material comes to you via IRIN, a UN humanitarian information unit, but may not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations or its agencies. If you re-print, copy, archive or re-post this item, please retain this credit and disclaimer. Quotations or extracts should include attribution to the original sources. All materials copyright © UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs 2006