Koirala makes attempts to save peace process

8216;8216;The prime minister has begun serious consultations and he is determined not to let the Maoists leave peace negotiations at any cost,8217;8217; Lekhak said.

The government move comes a day after Baburam Bhattarai, who is the Maoist rebels8217; second in command, warned peace talks were on the verge of a collapse at a crucial point, because there has been repeated violations of an earlier, temporary agreement with the government.

Lekhak said attempts were being made to reach an understanding with the rebels on the issue of weapons management and come up with a joint letter to the United Nations.

UN peace negotiators who visited Nepal last week had given until the middle of this week for the two sides to come up with an agreement before the UN could decide whether to step in as mediators.

8211;BINAJ GURUBACHARYA