The rebels would not be included in the interim government before the United Nations monitors the ceasefire and takes charge of the arms management, Sitoula, also the government's chief negotiator in talks with Maoists, told reporters in Kathmandu yesterday.

The formation of the interim government to hold constituent assembly elections and the arms management would go side-by-side, he said. The arms of both the government and Maoists would remain silent during the constituent assembly elections, the minister promised.

Nepal: Maoists ready to lay down arms

He also made it clear that it would not be possible to include the Maoists in the government within a month's period as publicised by the Maoist leadership. "We have not promised to bring them to the government in a month, it is the Maoists' view."

The United Nations has said that it would not be possible to manage the arms of the rebels in a month or two and sought a formal letter from the government with all details of weapons and required logistics. UN Assistant Resident Representative Kulchandra Gautam had recently said here that it would not be an easy task to manage the arms of Maoists.

When asked about Nepal Army's concern over Maoist chief Prachanda's recent remarks that it was "killing people and raping women," Sitoula said the Army was part of the government, and thus it was the government and not the army which would speak on the issue.

More news from Nepal