Kathmandu, December 1:

Minister for Information and Communications Krishna Bahadur today said that solution to any conflict would not be possible if any of the two conflicting sides wished to find solution on the basis of existing ‘social base’.

“Any social or political conflict can be resolved, provided that the conflicting parties are ready to discuss the issue on the basis of new thoughts,” he said, adding, “Both the conflicting sides should bear in mind that they are mentally prepared to find a negotiated settlement to the problem.”

Inaugurating a five-day workshop on ‘Development, Peace and Security’ organised jointly by Tribhuvan University and UN-mandated University of Peace, Costa Rica, Mahara said two rounds of talks between the government and the Maoists failed because both the sides were not prepared for a compromise.

“Cultural, economic and other disparities in society generally lead to social conflict, which gradually manifests into forms of struggles,” Mahara said.

“I have taken part in all negotiations with the state and have also exchanged experiences with leading international peace negotiators. But I have found that Nepal’s peace process is unique in itself,” Mahara said, adding, “Nepal’s peace process did not follow the practised norms.”

Mahara hoped that Nepal’s peace process would reach a logical conclusion,

as all the sides were committed to it. “Parties involved in the conflict may have put forth varied opinions on different occasions but, ultimately, they will unite to bring lasting peace in the country,” he said.

Intellectuals from eight countries are taking part in the five-day workshop, during which they will discuss on the areas of development, peace and security.