Hyderabad: Asserting that his Government was committed to continue peace talks with Naxalites, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhar Reddy however made it clear that Maoists must give up arms as there was "no scope for private arms in a democratic set-up".

"We will focus on the arms issue in the next round of talks. We are working out a mutually acceptable date (for the second round of parleys)," Reddy told in an interview in Hyderabad today (Nov 13, 2004).

Reddy, who completes six months in office tomorrow, spoke on a wide range of issues including irritants in the ongoing dialogue with extremists, Opposition allegations of tender irregularities in multi-crore irrigation projects, hurdles in the implementation of poll promises and delay in Cabinet expansion.

Stating that his Government had initiated talks with Maoists to establish lasting peace in the State, Reddy, however, talked tough on the weapons issue and asserted that armed struggle was not acceptable in democracy.

The first-ever direct talks between Naxalites and the State Government were held last month focussing mainly on the issue of land distribution for the poor as both sides had set aside the weapons issue.

However, uncertainty clouds the next round of negotiations with Maoist groups firmly ruling out giving up arms and the Government insisting on their bidding farewell to arms to make the dialogue process meaningful.