Kathmandu, June 10: Hardening its stand, the Maoist rebels in Nepal, who earlier criticised the appointment of Surya Bahadur Thapa as Prime Minister, have said the outfit is ready to hand over arms only if an interim government is formed as per their demand. Senior Maoist leader and member of the peace team Ram Bahadur Thapa told reporters the Royal Nepal Army should come under the command of such an interim government.
Though he reiterated Maoists commitment to successful conclusion of the peace talks, Thapa did not elaborate on the structure of the government the rebels were demanding.
The rebel leader also supported the joint agitation being launched by the five opposition parties against the appointment of Surya Bahadur Thapa as the premier of the country.
Bureau Report