Maoists, Nepal PM to hold peace talks soon

The chief negotiator for Nepal's rebel Maoists, Krishna Bahadur Mahara addresses the media in Kathmandu yesterday. Nepal's Premier Girija Prasad Koirala and Maoist rebel leader Prachanda will soon hold historic peace talks, a senior insurgent said, as the government pledged to release hundreds of jailed Maoists. PHOTO: AFP

"Our chairman Prachanda said that the high-level talks with Prime Minister Koirala should be held soon," Maoist spokesman Krishna Bahadur Mahara told a press conference.

Home Minister Krishna Sitaula had earlier Monday indicated that the talks, which would be the first face-to-face meeting between a prime minister and the rebel leader, were on the cards.

"Talks between the top leaders will be held soon," Sitaula told reporters after a cabinet meeting. He did not elaborate.

"Both the government and the Maoists are very positive about the peace process. It is heading in the right direction," added Sitaula, who on Sunday paid a flying visit to a remote western hamlet to meet Prachanda and his second in command Baburam Bhattarai.

Since the Maoists began their "people's war" a decade ago, at least 12,500 people have been killed.

Nepal's new government and the rebels have been observing a ceasefire since King Gyanendra restored democracy in April following weeks of protests.

The rebels and the new government have agreed to a ceasefire code of conduct and have already held one day of preliminary peace talks.

Rebel spokesman Mahara said the government has agreed to free hundreds of rebel prisoners in a bid to boost the peace process.

"The government has assured us that they will release 350 of our comrades Monday and drop charges against them. After these releases there will still be around 250 in prison," he said.