KATHMANDU: Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba said Saturday that the government was ready to present itself with utmost flexibility if the Maoists come to the negotiating table.

Holding a press conference at his residence at Budhanilkantha this morning, Deuba said, ”We tried to be flexible before also, and the government is still ready for serious talks with the Maoists,” he said.

Urging the rebels to come to the negotiating table, the PM maintained that there was no solution to the crisis other than dialogue.

Asked about the size of the government, Deuba said he expected a small Council of Ministers in the initial phase and added that he was trying to rope in other parties. “My effort will be to form an all-party government. I am in touch with the leaders of the major political parties,” he stated.

Throwing light on the issues discussed with Indian foreign minister K Natwar Singh on Friday, the PM said the Indian side has pledged all help possible in a wide range of areas.

The PM further revealed that there was no discussion with the Indian FM on the Bhutanese refugee issue.