The second round of talks between the Seven Party Alliance (SPA) government and the CPN-Maoist leaders began this morning at the prime ministers residence in Baluwatar. Leaders of the CPN-Maoists Chairman Prachanda and Baburam Bhattarai are currently meeting with Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala and other leaders of the SPA.

Home Minister and coordinator of the government's talks team Krishna Prasad Sitaula and coordinator of the Maoist team Deb Gurung flew to Pokhara in the morning on a helicopter to bring Chairman Prachanda and Baburam Bhattarai to Kathmandu. The chopper landed in Lamechaur, 5 km northwest of Mahendrapul in Pokahra. Prachanda's wife was also on board on the flight back to Kathmandu.

The Maoist leaders were taken straight to the PM's residence upon arrival in Kathmandu. Details are awaited.