Talks between the Nepalese government and Maoists were called off on Monday after the rebels pulled out at the last minute complaining that no substantive issues had been included in the agenda.

However, the rebels made it clear that the dialogue process was not over and they would return to the table as soon as the government had done its 'homework' on the issue.

"The government does not look serious about holding peace talks and they have not done proper homework. So we decided to postpone it (the talks)," rebel spokesman Krishan Bahadur

While the government wanted today's meeting to be an introductory one focusing on reconstruction and rehabilitation, the Maoists wanted to discuss the political agenda.

The two sides were scheduled to meet in a hotel in Kathmandu.