Nepal gov't calls on rebels to join peace talks by mid-Aug

0 Comments | Asian Political News, July 28, 2003

KATHMANDU, July 25 Kyodo

The Nepalese government on Friday called on Maoist rebels to attend the delayed third round of peace talks by mid-August at the latest.

''Early resumption of the talks would not only end the crisis of confidence, but also reduce the prevailing all-around tension,'' Communications and Information Minister Kamal Thapa said in a letter to the rebels.

The government proposes that the third round of talks be held by Aug. 17, said Thapa, who is also the government spokesman and one of two government negotiators with the rebels.

The call follows the rebels' move Wednesday to spell out a set of conditions for the resumption of the peace talks with the government.

The government rejected the rebels' call to directly involve King Gyanendra in the peace talks, saying the government itself is empowered with holding negotiations with the rebels and executing agreements reached.

It also turned down the rebel's demand of limiting the movement of the army to 5 kilometers from barracks or bases.

''But we give our firm assurance that army operations will not be directed against the rebels,'' the minister said.

The government has also agreed to take up the political demands of the rebels for discussion during the new round of talks.

The rebels, waging an armed insurgency in the kingdom since 1996, want a new constitution to replace Nepal's present constitution, which provides for constitutional monarchy and multiparty democracy.

The rebels held two round of negotiations with the previous government, after agreeing to a cease-fire in January this year.

Uncertainty has prevailed over the third round, particularly since a new government headed by Prime Minister Surya Bahadur Thapa took office in June.