Kathmandu: The Maoist supremo comrade Prachanda says talks with this government were not possible. He, however, does not say that doors were closed for talks suggesting that should the government heed to their demands for talks, his party would not mind in resuming the talks.

Though the government and the Maoists maintain that it would take enough time to sit in the talks. However, reliable sources opine claim that the government has been in touch with the Maoists through the use of various available channels.

That the government is ready for talks and that the talks will he held shortly becomes clear from the indication provided by minister Bharat Mohan Adhikari who said in Biratnagar the other day that talks will be held with the Maoists within a month or so.

Minister Adhikari’s confidence does hint that all is moving well so far as the talks with the Maoists is concerned. Clearly, had the Maoists opposed the talks they would have refuted to the claims being so confidently made by minister Adhikari. They have not done so for some exclusive reasons.

The Maoists themselves are very much in favor of talks. All that they need is the UN mediation or involvement in the talks as a guarantor. The government opposes the UN mediation whereas its one powerful constituent, the UML, favors the UN mediation.

Add to this, president Koirala too is in favor of the UN at the talks but has clearly told the UN that her presence is what was needed at time of the talks.

Interestingly, the entire European community is in favor of the UN mediation. The United States of America differs with the European views.

Puzzling indeed.

Be that as it may, time is running out. The Maoists have stepped up their violent activities presumably to pressurize the establishment for the talks. The government is in favor of talks but why is the delay in the resumption of the talks is a surprising phenomenon.