Thursday, September 22 2005 16:41 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Hyderabad: Asserting that his Government's doors were 'always open' for talks with Naxalites, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhar Reddy today (Sept 22, 2005), however, made it clear that Maoists should first give up arms and come to the negotiating table.

"We want peace. It will come only through negotiations but not through guns," Reddy told a 'meet the press' programme organised by Andhra Pradesh Union of Working Journalists (APUWJ) here.

Stating that his Government had taken the initiative and invited Maoists for the first ever direct talks, he said the negotiations could not be taken to their logical end if Naxalites continued to carry arms.

"If you want to achieve permanent peace, then private individuals should not be carrying weapons. Let Naxalites come for talks and discuss people's problems with the Government," the Chief Minister said.

On the raging demand for separate Telangana state, Reddy said the issue was under consideration of United Progressive Alliance (UPA) Chairperson Sonia Gandhi and her decision would be final and binding on all. "I cannot comment on this issue any more," he said.

Replying to a question, he made light of the main Opposition Telugu Desam Party (TDP) parting ways with Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and trying to regain the confidence of minorities.

"We do not see any impact of this development on our traditional support base among Muslims. We are only amused at the TDP's new-found love for minorities," Reddy said.