KATHMANDU, Oct. 24 (Xinhua) -- Nepali Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala has directed the Ministry for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation to set up a committee of experts to further study the historic background of Nepal Sambat (Nepal Era) to recognize it as Nepal's national calendar within a year.

    According to Tuesday's leading newspaper, The Himalayan Times daily report, addressing a function organized to celebrate the Nepal Era new year 1127, Koirala assured that he will do his best to recognize Nepal Sambat as Nepal's national calendar within a year.

    Meanwhile, minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Pradip Gyawali said he would soon form a committee of experts who will conduct further research on Nepal Sambat.

    According to Gyawali, the country is witnessing conflicts because of the discrimination by the ruling class on the basis of language, culture and religion.

    "This democratic government is committed to recognizing Nepal Era as the national calendar," he was quoted by the daily as saying.

    Talking about politics in the same function, Gyawali, who is also a member of the government talks team, said the government and the guerrillas will find a solution to the conflict in the on-going peace talks and will lead the country to free and fair Constituent Assembly elections.

    The Nepal Sambat (Nepal Era), which was started by Shankhadhar Shakhwaa, entered its 1127 year Monday with the Newar community from all over the country eager to mark the New Year with different festivities and cultural programs.

    The Nepal Sambat follows the lunar calendar. It is said that Shakhwaa freed Nepali people from their debts contributing the money from his own pocket and named the calendar "Nepal Sambat." The lunar calendar is followed for all cultural events and rituals.

    The government declared Shankhadhar Shakhwaa as a national heroon November 18, 1999.