HEADLINE NEWS THE RISING NEPAL (DAILY)

First round of govt-Maoists talks ends in cordial note
Both sides stress peaceful dialogues

BY A STAFF REPORTER

Kathmandu, Aug. 30: The much awaited formal talks between the government and the underground Communist Party (Maoist) representatives were held today in an amiable atmosphere to pave ways for the peaceful resolution of the six-year long Maoist problem.

"The talks were held in a friendly and cordial atmosphere and both the sides pledged to resolve all the differences and national problems through peaceful dialogues," said a joint press statement issued after the first round of official talks between the state and the Maoists concluded this afternoon.

"During the talks, Minister for Works and Physical Planning Chiranjibi Wagle, co-ordinator from the government side, stressed on the peaceful resolution of the problem and urged the Maoist leaders not to resort to pressures and use of force to create a more favourable environment for talks," reads the joint press release.

The press release also stated that co-ordinator from the CPN-Maoist Krishna Bahadur Mahara put forward his party’s views and assured the government delegates of avoiding all kinds of forceful activities. He also drew the government’s attention about its role to make a friendly atmosphere for dialogues.

The talks were held early morning at the Godavari Village Resort in Lalitpur, where Minister Wagle led the government side while the Maoist side was led by Krishna Bahadur Mahara.

The other members representing the government included Bijay Kumar Gachhadar, Mahesh Acharya, Chakra Prasad Banstola and Narahari Acharya. Similarly, Agni Sapkota and Top Bahadur Rayamajhi were the other members from the CPN-Maoist.

Former Speaker Daman Nath Dhungana and Human Rights activist Padma Ratna Tuladhar had played the role of facilitators in the talks.

After the talks, both the sides agreed to meet within two week’s time to further negotiations. The date and the venue of the next round of talks will be announced later.

Meanwhile, Minister for Information and Communications Jaya Prakash Prasad Gupta informed the press that the government was satisfied in today’s talks and hoped that the problem would be solved through dialogues. "The government is very much hopeful and positive with the results of the talks," Minister Gupta, who is also designated as the government’s spokesman, said. Minister Gupta was speaking at the weekly press meet held at his office at Singha Durbar this afternoon.

Talking about the outcome of the talks, Top Bahadur Rayamajhi, one of the CPN-Maoist representatives, said that they presented their agenda of interim government, constitutional assembly and the republican system of government at the talks.

Before flying to Bhairahawa by Buddha Air’s 1500 hours flight Maoist leader Rayamajhi told the press that they were ready to sit for the next round of talks.

Similarly, Mahara left for Nepalgunj and Sapkota for Janakpur by separate flights.

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