Nepal gov't-rebels fail to reach agreement on key issues
IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency
New Delhi, Oct 16, IRNA
Nepal-Rebels-Talks
Crucial peace talks between the Nepal government and Maoist rebels were indefinitely postponed on Sunday after top leaders of the two sides failed to reach agreement on key issues, including arms management and the role of the monarchy.
Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala, Maoist supremo Prachanda and senior leaders of the ruling seven-party alliance tried to sort out differences on major issues but failed to make a breakthrough, reports from Kathmandu said quoting Nepali Congress General Secretary Ramchandra Poudyal.
The fourth session of the second round of government-rebel talks has been postponed without announcing any fresh date, said Nepal Sadbhavana Party leader Rajendra Mahato.
"Sunday's meeting was postponed as the leaders of all the eight parties felt the need for more homework to reach consensus on major issues," Poudyal said.
"Agreement could not be reached over the arms management and other important matters," he added.
The issue of arms management was the "main bottleneck in taking the peace process forward," he said, and asserted that without settling the matter a free and fair election to a constituent assembly could not be possible.
The date of the next meeting will be decided by the talks teams of both the government and Maoists after holding consultations, Mahato said.
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