Kathmandu, March 25:

Vice-chairman of the Council of Ministers Kirti Nidhi Bista today conceded that peace was not possible without a dialogue aimed at peace-building. He said this while talking to reporters in the capital today.

“The King wants peace. But peace will not come unless there is dialogue. All constitutional forces must come together and create a conducive environment for talks,” Bista said when asked about the options available for the King and the political parties.

Highlighting the need to resolve the crisis, Bista said that all concerned parties, including the civil society, were waiting for resolution of the current crisis and the establishment of peace. Bista, however, refra-ined from mentioning the political parties. He also expressed concern at the inability of the concerned parties to resolve the conflict.

Bista appeared calm today, unlike Home Minister Kamal Thapa, who had yesterday warned of dire consequences for the alliance if it did not withdraw its pact with the Maoists.