Govt is studying Maoist statements: Prime Minister

Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba Sunday said the government was closely studying the recent statements from the Maoist party.

"We know of four public statements (of the Maoists) issued in recent times. We have been studying these statements," Deuba said talking to reporters after program in the capital. Though he refrained from talking in detail, he informed that the government’s response to the recent Maoist statement would come soon.

In a statement on Friday, CPN-Maoist chairman Prachanda had challenged the government, inter alia, to clarify whether it was able to bring the country’s politics to a state before the Royal takeover of 4th October 2002 and show evidences proving that the government has control over the army. Prachanda had said his party would consider coming to the negotiating table if the government responded objectively to his party’s concerns.

Meanwhile, general secretary of the ruling CPN UML, Madhav Kumar Nepal, has ruled out the need for direct mediation from the United Nations in the probable peace talks. He however said the UN could be involved in the peace process but not as a mediator.

"The UN’s involvement in the negotiation process cannot be ruled out but there should be no mediation," he said speaking at an interaction program organized by Press Chautari Nepal in Rautahat, his hometown.

The UML leader urged the government to immediately make clear its position regarding the questions raised by the Maoist chief. He also asked the warring sides to declare ceasefire during Dashain festivals. nepalnews.com mbk Sept 26 04 Sphere: Related Content