Minister for Physical Planning and Works Gopal Man Shrestha has informed that the government is shortly forming a high level committee to hold talks with the Maoists.

He said that the talks team will have representation from seven political parties.

He further said that he had heard that the Maoists have already formed their own team, headed by Dr Baburam Bhattarai.

According to Shrestha, Sunday’s cabinet meeting will discuss the draft of a code of conduct proposed by the Maoists.

Welcoming the government ceasefire and withdrawal of the Red Corner notices and terrorist-tag, Maoist supremo Prachanda had sent a draft of the code of conduct to be adhered to by both the sides during the talks period.“Tomorrow’s cabinet meeting will discuss the draft and send a reply to the Maoists,” said the minister, adding, “The government and the Maoists would start talks once a code of conduct is agreed upon.”

Shrestha also said a few rounds of talks would be held before the nation would go for election to a constituent assembly.

“All should accept the verdict of the Nepali electorate in the election to the constituent assembly,” Shrestha said.