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Sunday, Jun 06, 2004

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Nepal elections in April 2005: Deuba

By Amit Baruah

KATHMANDU, JUNE 5. Elections in Nepal could be held in April 2005, the new Prime Minister, Sher Bahadur Deuba, said at a press conference at his private Burhaneelkantha residence today, but made it clear that the first priority is to have a credible government in place.

As he awaits the decision of the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxists-Leninists) on joining his yet-to-be formed Cabinet, Mr. Deuba also tried to reach out to the Maoists, saying he would "very much" like to open a dialogue with them.

"They [the Maoists] should also be willing to settle the problem through peaceful negotiations. I'm a pro-dialogue person. I'm so flexible."

Stating that the External Affairs Minister, Natwar Singh, had promised support to Nepal's campaign for peace and development, Mr. Deuba said India "would back to the hilt" Nepal's desire to strengthen its security.

Asked when he would have a new government in place, the Prime Minister, who has been "re-appointed" by King Gyanendra, said he couldn't give a date. "I'm trying very hard to get all parties in."

On whether he would like India or the United Nations to talk to the Maoists, Mr. Deuba made it clear that Nepal wanted to resolve this crisis on its own.

However, Nepal would definitely like to consult and inform India before it did anything, he said.

To a question whether he would declare a unilateral ceasefire with the Maoists, the Prime Minister replied: "I can't say at the moment."

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