The Nepali army's spokesman Wednesday warned of a long battle before the anti-government guerrillas are weak enough to be forced to the peace talks with the government.

In an interview with reporters here, Spokesman Brigadier General Dipak Gurung indicated that despite an offer of unconditional talks, the new government was expecting to meet the guerrillas on the battlefield rather than around the table.

"We have to force the guerrillas to come to the negotiating table, we are looking for them. Wherever we are going to launch offensive operations," Gurung said.

The fight against terrorism is more important than freedom of expression, he noted.

Gurung estimated the strength of the guerrillas, who have been fighting in the country since 1996, at "anything from 6,000 to 7,000" hardcore combatants, a militia of 20,000 to 25,000 and about 100,000 sympathizers.

Source: Xinhua