Sunday, February 13 2005 12:30 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Kathmandu: Nepal's new Government has ruled out any more appeals to Maoists to come for negotiations as the rebels observed the tenth anniversary of their movement today (Feb 13, 2005) stepping up their campaign with the economic blockade.

"The call made in the King's proclamation is enough for them if they are serious about resolving problems amicably," cabinet spokesman and Information and Communication Minister Tanka Dhakal told reporters at the first Government press conference after the royal coup.

Maintaining that there was no confusion in the Government as there was with the previous ones, he said, "We still believe that they will come forward."

Dhakal claimed the "so called" nationwide blockade by Maoists has had only minimal impact on normal life.

Strongly defending the takeover of power by the King and clamping of emergency and press censorship, he said the royal steps were taken in order to protect the country from social, economic and political chaos.

He said the free press would not be controlled but the media too should not do anything that promoted violence and helped the insurgents

Despite the Maoist blockade life was normal in Kathmandu valley with vehicles moving and shops opening amidst stepped up security measures. However, things were not as usual in remote villages in many of the Districts.

There was thin vehicular movement on the major highways connecting Kathmandu due to blockade, the duration of which is not very clear.

The Maoists were planning to hold meetings and rallies in areas virtually under their control outside the Kathmandu valley to mark the 10nth anniversary of the "people's war".

Over 12,000 people have been killed during the past nine years of Maoist insurgency, aimed at toppling multi-party democracy and Constitutional monarchy.