Maoists attack peace 'insincerity'

The two sides apparently agreed a deal on movement of the army

Nepal's Maoist rebels have accused the government of being insincere in its approach to the fledgling peace process.

A senior Maoist negotiator, Mahara, said the government had failed to build an "atmosphere of confidence".

The rebels say this could affect the peace process, which began with a cease-fire earlier this year.

Mr Mahara's comments came a day after a government negotiator denied reports that an agreement had been reached on limiting the movement of the army.

Spokesmen for the two negotiating sides said after the second round of peace talks last Friday that the government had agreed on restricting the army's movement to within five kilometres of their barracks.

However, in an interview with the BBC Nepali service on Wednesday, government negotiator Ramesh Nath Pandey said there had been no written agreement on this key rebel demand.

Army unhappy

Mr Mahara responded by questioning the authority of the government's negotiators.

The Maoists will have to build up confidence with the government, the people and the international community

Ramesh Nath Pandey, government negotiator

But he said there would be no breakdown in the talks.

Mr Mahara is a member of a five-man rebel team that has been holding talks with a six-member government team led by deputy prime minister, Badri Prasad Mandal.

The BBC's Sushil Sharma, in Kathmandu, says the rebels have been critical of the army's activities, which they say have violated the cease-fire.

Our correspondent says Mr Pandey's comments appear to have been aimed at pacifying criticism from political parties, which believe the army's movement should not be restricted.

The army was also reportedly unhappy. An army spokesman said the rebels must first return all stolen arms.

Mr Pandey tried to reassure the Maoists that the government was committed to building confidence.

However, he added: "The Maoists must have patience. They will have to build up confidence with the government, the people and the international community."

Mr Pandey also stood by the government of King Gyanendra: "We have to see the monarchy as our patron, our saviour and our symbol of national unity."

Seven years of conflict have cost Nepal more than 7,000 lives.