Fresh round of Nepal peace talks

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The government of Nepal and Maoist guerrillas have resumed formal peace talks, which faltered over the key issue of disarming the rebels.

The two sides are meeting at the Nepalese prime minister's residence in the country's capital, Kathmandu.

It is only the second round of talks since a ceasefire took effect in April. The Maoists, who are demanding that the monarchy be abolished, have warned that if these talks fail, they will launch massive protests in Nepal's cities.

Challenge ahead

Nepal's Prime Minister GP Koirala, and the leader of the Maoist rebels, Prachanda, are attempting to overcome major divisions in the quest for a permanent peace, the BBC's Charles Haviland in Kathmandu reports.

Some have dubbed these "the talks of all talks" and the veteran prime minister, Mr Koirala, has said that however long they last they will resolve the issues.

Certainly the government does not want to contemplate failure, our correspondent says, but it will not be easy for the two sides to settle their differences.

Government ministers have been saying the Maoists must disarm before joining an interim government.

The Maoists say it is sufficient for themselves, like the official army, to be confined in camps, but to keep their arms.

Monarchy question

There is also disagreement on the future of the monarchy. The Maoists want it suspended and its future decided in a referendum.

Mr Koirala's party says it should stay until an elected assembly decides its fate next year.

Under an agreement signed in June, the rebels were supposed to have been included in an interim government.

That has not happened and as the weeks have passed the Maoists have accused the government of not being serious about peace.

But they themselves stand accused of breaching the ceasefire by beating and even killing people whose behaviour they take issue with.

Still able to deride the government by being outside it, the Maoists threaten what they call an urban revolution if these talks fail, our correspondents says. But the government insists that will not happen.