71.   UN officials however hope a truce will be called before representatives of the two factions meet for face-to-face talks Saturday in South Africa.

72.   Last year there was a spate of bomb attacks in the capital by the guerrillas before a truce was called with the government.

73.   Last year there was a spate of bomb attacks in Kathmandu by the rebels before a truce was called with the government.

74.   Last year there were a spate of bomb attacks in Kathmandu by the rebels before a truce was called between them and the government.

75.   Last year, there was a spate of bomb attacks in the capital by the guerrillas before a truce was called with the government in July.

76.   Maoist supremo Pushpa Kamal Dahal, alias Prachand, recently said he was willing to call a truce with the government and enter peace talks.