Nepal government cool over truce

The rebels have fought an armed insurgency for nine years

The Nepalese government has said it doubts the sincerity of a unilateral ceasefire offer by Maoist rebels.

"Based on past experiences, we cannot be assured," a statement released by Information Minister Tanka Dhakal said.

It was the government's first response to the three-month truce declared on Saturday. The UN and India have said the ceasefire could help peace efforts.

About 12,000 people have died in 10 years of insurgency in Nepal. A 2003 ceasefire lasted eight months.

The rebels want to replace the monarchy with a people's republic.

'Positive outlook'

Mr Dhakal did not comment on calls from opposition parties for the Maoist's ceasefire offer to be reciprocated.

However, he said the government would view positively any effort to restore peace in the country.

Indian Foreign ministry spokesman Navtej Sarna said Nepal's problems could only be addressed "through a process of dialogue and reconciliation in an atmosphere free of violence and terror".

Earlier, the United Nations welcomed any move that would contribute to achieving peace and security in Nepal.

The rebels support the idea of UN mediation, but the government has ruled it out.

United approach

In the past few months the rebels have been trying to woo political parties who are also opposed to the rule of King Gyanendra.

The king assumed direct power in February, saying politicians had failed to tackle the nine-year insurgency.

An alliance of seven opposition parties has been holding nationwide peaceful protests against the royal takeover.

On Monday, a number of opposition leaders and activists were detained and several others injured on the second consecutive day of anti-king demonstrations in the capital, Kathmandu.

Riot police used batons and tear gas to stop demonstrators from entering areas declared off-limits by the government.

In recent months, there have been moves towards a united approach to counter the king.

The Maoists are proposing a joint alliance with mainstream parties, and say they will not hold talks with the royal government.

The political parties say such a collaboration can be possible only if the rebels give up violence.