Nepal rebels, government end dispute over arms

KATHMANDU, Aug 9 (Reuters) Nepal's Maoists and the government said today they had resolved differences over managing their weapons, paving the way for the inclusion of the insurgents in an interim administration.

The announcement came after Maoist chief Prachanda and Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala held talks to end a row over the issue. The dispute had begun to strain ties between the two sides and hurt their three-month-old peace process.

A joint statement by the two sides said that the rebels and their arms would be confined to one set of camps while government troops would be stationed in their barracks. The United Nations would be requested to monitor both, it added.

REUTERS DKA BD1612