The much awaited talks between the Seven Party Alliance (SPA) government and the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoists) began today at 4.30PM in the Gokarana Forest Resort, located in the north-eastern side of Kathmandu valley.

Home Minister Krishna Sitaula who heads the government team reached the resort at 3PM. Local Development Minister Pradeep Gywali arrived seven minutes later while the Maoist team headed by Krishna Bahadur Mahara arrived at 3.55PM. Mahara and his team were surrounded by Maoist party workers who followed them in another vehicle, as soon as they stepped out of theirs. State Minister Ramesh Lekhak was the last to arrive.

The two teams are expected to lay out the code of conduct to be followed during the peace talks in this first meeting. Both sides have expressed confidence that the talks will be prove fruitful. We have brought our proposal for a constituent assembly, we will be successful, said Krishna Bahadur Mahara to reporters.

WEB EXCLUSIVE | PHOTO GALLERY
ALL PICS: KIRAN PANDAY