Kathmandu - The Nepalese government and Maoist rebels said yesterday they would stop all offensive action against each other to pave the way for peace talks to end a bloody rebellion in the impoverished Himalayan nation.
"Instructions have already been given to security personnel not to carry out any action [against the rebels]," the new Prime Minister, Mr Sher Bahadur Deuba, said on state radio on only his second day in office. "Other steps necessary to create an atmosphere of confidence for talks will be taken soon."
The Maoist party chief, Prachanda, also urged guerrilla fighters in a statement "to suspend all offensive actions for the present to create an atmosphere for talks".