The government and Maoist rebels have agreed to hold peace talks, a development that all parties hope will lead to a settlement of the seven-year insurgency. Maoist leaders, however, have barred foreign journalists and representatives of foreign organizations from the villages in the western district of Rolpa, where the insurgency began. Reporters have shown an interest in talking with people in the district, but because the Maoists can’t keep track of the reporters they have decided to bar them.
