Kathmandu: Nepalese government and Maoist rebels have agreed to soon hold peace talks after a massive offensive by guerrillas left over 200 people dead, a minister in the caretaker administration has said.

The Maoists and the government have agreed to initiate formal dialogue soon to end the problem, Minister for Women and Social Welfare Gore Bahadur Khapange said on November 16.

Khapange, however, did not specify any timeframe for initiating the talks.

"The Maoists are also Nepalese and cannot go against the welfare of the country. So the two sides will hold dialogue and soon peace, law and order will be restored," Khapange was quoted as saying by 'Space Times Daily'.

No confirmation regarding peace talks has been received yet from the Maoists who launched a massive offensive on November 15 in two Nepalese districts leaving over 200 people dead.

Khapange also ruled out a unilateral ceasefire, saying the Maoists would have to lay down weapons before the Army suspends operations.

Both the government and the Maoists should stop violence and initiate dialogue to restore peace, Khapange said.

The November 15 attacks by the Maoists in Jumla and Gorkha districts will in no way put barrier in holding talks between the government and the Maoists, he said.

PTI