The CPN (Maoist) is likely to extend the ceasefire due to expire on July 27 to facilitate the ongoing peace talks between the government and the Maoists to find a peaceful outlet of the Maoist insurgency.

Dinanath Sharma

Dinanath Sharma (File Photo)
Talking to Nepalnews, Politburo member of the Maoists, Dinanath Sharma, who is also a member of the Maoist talks team, said they will extend the ceasefire as they are committed for sustainable peace in the country.

“We came to the peace talks for the restoration of sustainable peace and for peaceful and progressive outlet of the problems facing the country, so the ceasefire will be extended as per the aspiration of the Nepali people,” Sharma added.

The Maoists announced ceasefire after the King reinstated the dissolved House of Representatives as per the roadmap of the seven political parties on April 24 ending his 14 month long direct rule.

The ruling seven party alliance (SPA) and the Maoists are expected to hold high level talks on Friday. The meeting is also expected to discuss the issue of extending the ceasefire among others.

Commenting on the news report that the high level talks between the ruling SPA and Maoists slated for Friday will be deferred, Sharma said they had not received any information in this regard.

“As the decision was taken by the top leaders of both sides, we don’t know who made the decision to postpone the Friday’s high level talks,” he said, adding, “We are preparing for the high level talks slated for Friday and had not received any formal notice about the postponement.”

He expressed dissatisfaction over the news report that the government’s side is mulling to defer the Friday’s high level talks for more homework and added that the ruling side should be clear about the timeframe for preparation and they should not delay the talks.

News reports quoted a leader of the SPA as saying that the second round of high level talks between the ruling SPA and the Maoists scheduled for Friday (tomorrow) is going to be postponed till next week, as the Seven-Party Alliance (SPA) wants a few more days for further preparations before the summit talks.