'Cordial' Nepal talks adjourned

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Top-level peace talks between the Nepalese government and Maoist rebels have adjourned after one day.

A press release said the atmosphere had been "very cordial" and negotiations would resume on Tuesday.

It seems as if those negotiating Nepal's future may be getting down to serious business at last.

More than five months into a ceasefire, the peace process had seemed to be stagnating, with little progress on an accord signed in earlier talks.

But after the first day of these new negotiations, the mood is upbeat.

A press release, signed by the leaders of both teams, said Sunday's discussions had covered many sticking points.

These include what to do with Maoist arms, and the implementation of past agreements - but also bigger questions, such as relief for the victims of the conflict, and the transformation of society.

Speaking to the AFP news agency, the Maoists' deputy leader, Baburam Bhattarai, called the talks "very positive and fruitful", and a government negotiator spoke in similar terms.

In previous days the Maoists have been sounding pessimistic and threatening mass protests if progress was too slow.

There are still major differences to bridge when the talks resume later this week.

But there is also a sense that these talks have to deliver if Nepal is to avoid plunging back into conflict.