Prime Minister Lokendra Bahadur Chand Tuesday expressed his desire to hold consultations with all the political parties to apprise them of the present political climate and take initiative to hold the elections to the House of Representatives at the earliest possible. He was speaking at a programme organized at his official residence to mark the 54th World Human Rights Day.

Chand said that a human rights group was mediating between the government and the Maoists to pave the way for peace talks. Chand commenting on the closure of the academic institutions by the Maoist students said the people will themselves assess whether the move augurs well for the country or not.

Deputy Prime Minister Badri Prasad Mandal said the Maoists should come forward for talks not through the media but by making a direct approach with the government.