Nepal’s new govt declares ceasefire

Today’s decisions are expected to help bring the Maoists to talks aimed at ending a decade-old revolt that has killed thousands of people in the impoverished Himalayan nation.

‘‘We expect them to come to talks,’’ said Finance Minister Ram Sharan Mahat.

The cabinet also annulled elections to municipal bodies held in February by the royalist government and cancelled key administrative appointments, Mahat said.

There was no immediate official reaction from the rebels to today’s announcements. But one senior Maoist leader welcomed it.

‘‘This could create a positive atmosphere for talks,’’ said comrade Sunil, a central committee member of the Maoist group.

Last week, the Maoists declared a three-month unilateral ceasefire saying it reflected their desire for the formation of a special assembly to write a new constitution to decide the future of the monarchy.

That desire, also echoed by activists who took part in last month’s pro-democracy campaign, was then proposed to Parliament by Koirala and approved by the chambers. Koirala also invited the rebels to talks to chart a roadmap for the vote. —Gopal Sharma