Monday, May 29 2006 17:01 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Kathmandu: Nepal has said it needs India's goodwill to make the ongoing peace process a success as the interim Government prepares for the second round of talks with the Maoists to solve the decade-long insurgency plaguing the Himalayan Kingdom.

"We need Government of India's goodwill to make the peace process successful and assistance from India for there construction works," Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation Pradip Gyawali told sources.

"Since the peaceful solution of the Maoists' problem will also be in the interest of India, it can help in the process in different ways," Gyawali, who is also a member of the government's talk team with the Maoists, said.

The Minister also said that the government and the rebels have agreed to ask the United Nations to monitor the ceasefire.

"Though we have not yet made a formal request to the United Nations, both parties to the conflict are positive about asking the UN to monitor the peace process," he said.

So far, we have held informal discussions regarding the matter, he added.

The government and the Maoists have during their first round of talks on Friday announced a 25-point Code of Conduct to facilitate the peace process.

Gyawali, however, ruled out the possibility of any international mediation to hold the dialogue.

"There is no need for international mediation for talks but we need help from some experts to move ahead the process," he said.

"We want greater participation of the international community in reconstruction and rehabilitation works," he said.

Expressing optimism that the talks with the Maoists would be successful, he hoped that the next round of peace talks will be held within a week.

During the first round of talks both sides expressed the desire to resolve the crisis through peaceful ways and tried to understand each other's sentiments and concerns.