Kathmandu, September 9, 2006|14:09 IST

Nepal Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala has reiterated the need for a resolution of the arms issue with Maoists, saying that without it, the peace process cannot move ahead. "I repeat that the arms management issue should be resolved at any cost. Unless arms are managed, it (peace process) cannot move ahead.

Therefore, we will raise this issue during the talks (with Maoists)," Kantipur quoted Koirala, as saying. Speaking to reporters at his residence in Baluwatar, Koirala emphasised that nobody should forget the five-point joint letter sent to the UN. He said that the joint letter should serve as a guideline for arms management.

"If we work accor ding to that, we can successfully complete the peace process as well as hold elections to a Constituent Assembly very soon," he added. Summit talks would be held once all preparations are complete, Koirala said, adding that spadework was a must before the talks take.