Nepal Maoists vow to join peace talks

KATHMANDU: Nepal's rebel Maoist leader on Thursday welcomed a government ceasefire and pledged to enter talks to end a decade-long insurgency that has left more than 12,500 dead.

"It (ceasefire) is a positive step and we welcome the announcement and we hope that the ceasefire will be implemented sincerely," said Prachanda in a statement.

The Maoists announced a three-month ceasefire last week after the rebels and political parties allied successfully to force the king to end his absolute rule, after weeks of often violent street protests.

It is the third time that the government and rebels have called ceasefires at the same time and tried to start peace talks. But on previous occasions, negotiations broke down and the country was plunged back into conflict.

"We are entering into a dialogue process, feeling deep responsibility for people's aspirations towards democracy and peace," said Prachanda.