Nepal does not need international observers to monitor the arms of Maoist guerrillas or government troops ahead of polls to a special assembly, rebel leaders said on Friday.
The comments signalled an about-face in the position of the insurgents who earlier this month had said the two forces should be confined to their respective barracks or camps during the vote and be under international supervision.
The interim, multi-party government of Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala - which came to power after mass protests forced King Gyanendra to relinquish absolute power - is expected to soon invite the United Nations to start the process.
"There is no need for other (foreign) friends to involve themselves in our problems," Maoist leader and negotiator Dinanath Sharma told Reuters. "Calling the UN or another outside body should be the last resort ... if there are technical issues in monitoring weapons." Home Ministry spokesman B.P. Neupane refused to comment.