Nepal's new premier has called on Maoist rebels fighting a decade-long insurgency to renounce violence and join talks to bring peace to the troubled Himalayan nation. In his first short speech to parliament since it reformed on Friday after a four-year break, Girija Prasad Koirala, 84, said he wanted the rebels to improve upon last week's declaration of a three-month cease-fire. "Maoists have already declared a cease-fire. I request them to renounce violence and come to the process of dialogue," he said to applause from legislators. Mr Koirala however did not make direct reference to the rebels' key demand for a body to draw up a new constitution and limit the powers of King Gyanendra. The monarch was forced to hand over absolute control of Nepal last week after weeks of nationwide protests. But Mr Koirala said he would stay committed to an agreement signed between the Maoists and a seven-party opposition alliance.