Koirala tells people not to fear Maoists | Latest News India - Hindustan Times
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Koirala tells people not to fear Maoists

None | ByPress Trust of India, Kathmandu
Aug 18, 2006 06:53 PM IST

The PM said talks between Maoist chief Prachanda and himself will be held soon and that would be decisive in restoring peace in Nepal.

Asking people not to fear Maoists, Nepalese Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala has said that all issues faced by the Himalayan nation will be settled after the arrival of a UN team here within 12 days to start the process of arms management and ceasefire monitoring.

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"Do have patience for another 10-12 days and you will see that all issues will be settled," Koirala told reporters at his eastern Nepal home town of Biratnagar on Thursday, referring to the upcoming arrival of a UN monitoring team in Nepal.

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Koirala, the head of the Nepali Congress, asked people and party workers not to fear Maoists.

"There is no reason for anybody to fear anything."

The Prime Minister also asked them not to give donations to the Maoists.

He said that the high-level talks between Maoist chief Prachanda and himself will be held soon and that would be decisive in restoring peace in the country.

He made it clear that the process of forming an interim government inclusive of Maoists and election to a constituent assembly to draft a new constitution would be initiated after addressing the issue of arms management.

Koirala said the government has created necessary environment for Maoists to lay down their arms and establish themselves as a legitimate political force.

Using the opportunity the Maoists should take initiative to establish themselves as a political force, he said, adding it is impossible to make a coalition with the Maoists without managing their arms.

Koirala also clarified his earlier views on monarchy saying his party would respect the aspirations of the people in general, according to government daily 'The Rising Nepal'.

The Prime Minister had come in for sharp criticism from other political parties and Maoists after he endorsed the idea of a ceremonial King, saying the monarch also deserves a place in democracy.

"It is up to the Nepalese people to decide whether to keep monarchy or go for a republican set up, I will accept whatever be the outcome of the constituent assembly polls," Koirala said.

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