KATHMANDU, Nov 7: Maoists in Nepal have decided to “defer” their demand for a republic — an issue which was a major stumbling block in peace talks with the government, sources said on Wednesday.

The Maoists had insisted that negotiations could only succeed if the government agreed to end the system of constitutional monarchy.

Two rounds of peace talks between the two sides have stalled over the issue, with the government, backed by all the main opposition parties, saying they would never give in to the demand.

A Maoist source said during a third round of talks, expected to be held soon, the Maoists would not be focusing on the proposal for a republic.

“The main demand for a republic state has now been deferred,” the source said.

Instead the Maoists’ negotiating team would concentrate on their other demands such as an interim government and a new constitution.

The Maoists have been fighting against the authorities since 1996, which has left more than 1,800 dead.

Peace talks came about after a truce between the government and the Maoists initiated by Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba in July.

But Deuba was criticized by his predecessor Girija Prasad Koirala who said he should be stronger in his dealings with the Maoists.

Koirala, who is also president of the ruling Nepali Congress party, said on Tuesday: “Despite a firm support and mandate to deal with the Maoists to end the insurgency, Deuba has failed to carry out the job.”

Deuba took over as premier in July after Koirala was forced to resign partly over criticism of his handling of the Maoist rebellion.

The Maoists have indicated they would not go back to the negotiating table unless the government releases at least half of the 300 Maoist activists who are in jail.

In a sign that this could soon happen, minister of public works and transport and the leader of the government negotiating team, Chiranjibi Wagle, said: “The cabinet has been discussing the release of the Maoists except those detained under judicial charges.” —AFP