Calls for talks with Nepalese Maoists

A former Prime Minister of Nepal has called for peace talks with Maoist rebels who for the past four years have been fighting for the overthrow of the country's monarchy - 1,300 people have died in the violence.

The former leader, Sher Bahadur Deuba, made his remarks after six people were killed in three separate incidents of violence this week.

The BBC correspondent in the region says that Nepal is struggling with democracy after years of authoritarianism.

Our correspondent says little is known about the various factions but their stated aim is to replace Nepal's constitutional monarchy with a Communist republic.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service