Maoists proposed the third  round of peace talks with the government be held either in Kathmandu, Biratnagar or Dhankuta Tuesday, daily newspaper Janadesha said Saturday quoting an unnamed senior rebel source.

Communications Minister and government spokesman Jayaprakash Prasad Gupta asked the rebels to fix a time and venue for the parleys Thursday. Maoists  have asked the government to release half of their activists from jail including central committee member Matrika Prasad Yadav.

Government also asked the insurgents to release and make public the names of 150 civilians and policemen still in their custody. Janadesha is close to the rebels.