Rebel chief to head talks

However, on Thursday evening, Deputy PM Khadga Prasad Oli said in an interview that talks would have been expedited if Prachanda had personally headed the discussions.

Oli also announced that Nepal is likely to have a new constitution by November 2007. That would meet a key demand of the Maoists who joined political parties in a campaign that forced King Gyanendra to relinquish power—although the rebels want an interim constitution immediately. ‘‘The peace talks will be between our chairman and PM Girija Prasad Koirala,’’ senior Maoist leader Matrika Yadav told reporters in Kathmandu.

Yadav said the three-member team would still try to ‘‘create a conducive environment’’. He did not elaborate on whether their task had now changed, and when Prachanda planned to hold talks. No date has been set for talks.

On Thursday, Oli had asked Prachanda to join the talks, saying it would ‘‘have been better because the talks would be finalised’’.

Oli also offered the first timeline for plans to rewrite the constitution, saying ‘‘a constituent assembly within 12 months, and within 18 months a constitution will be formulated. This is my calculation’’.

He said the King’s role in government would be decided by the Assembly, which will be chosen by the people. Oli also said a new constitution would scrap the description of Nepal as a ‘‘Hindu kingdom’’, turning the country into a secular state.