The first formal peace talks between Government and Maoists will be held in one week, Chief Government Coordinator Col. Narayan Singh Pun told Channel Nepal Tuesday.

Col. Pun said the talks with the rebels will be held with him or an expanded government negotiating team. Col. Pun, who is also Minister for Physical Planning, said Chief Rebel Negotiator Dr. Baburam Bhattarai had asked for an agenda for the talks which should begin soonest, the retired Army officer said.

The two sides held goodwill talks last week to record breakthrough in the stalled negotiations.

Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister Badri Prasad Mandal Tuesday accused the opposition parties at a public meeting for inciting students to mar the talks; the opposition said they support the negotiations despite a boycott of the Chand government to discuss peace with them.

The students are protesting a recent price hike of POL products. nepalnews.com br April 15