Nepal opens new talks with rebels

By Associated Press, 9/14/2001

ATMANDU, Nepal - Senior government officials and Maoist guerrilla leaders began a second round of peace talks yesterday to end a more than five-year insurgency in Nepal.

A team of government ministers and members of the ruling Nepali Congress party met the Maoist leaders in a jungle resort at Bardia, 310 miles west of Katmandu, Information Minister Jayaprakash Gupta said.

''The government is hopeful that the talks will lead to a positive direction in resolving the issue,'' Gupta said as the meeting began amid heavy security. ''The Maoists are expected to put forward their demands and the government will then decide on the next move.''

In July, newly appointed Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba declared a cease-fire with the rebels and invited them for talks. The guerrillas, who are fighting to end constitutional monarchy in Nepal, halted attacks on police. The first round of talks was held Aug. 30 in Katmandu.

In the second round, the two sides are expected to discuss a mass rally planned by the rebels next week in the capital, less than a mile from the royal palace and the prime minister's office. Gupta said the government wants the Maoists to call it off.

The Maoists blame the new king, Gyanendra, for the June 1 massacre at the royal palace that left the previous king and eight other royal family members dead. An official investigation found that Crown Prince Dipendra opened fire and killed his parents and other relatives.

This story ran on page A14 of the Boston Globe on 9/14/2001.
© Copyright 2001 Globe Newspaper Company.