Kathmandu  - Maoist leaders Thursday met representatives of Nepal's main aid donors, diplomats and United Nations officials in an attempt to allay concerns about Maoist economic policies and their belief in multi-party democracy.

The meeting came on the day the Election Commission declared the final vote count from the election two weeks ago, which established Maoists as the biggest party in the constituent assembly but without a majority.

The Maoists are poised to lead the next government and there are lingering concerns over the party's hard-line communist ideology.

However, the Maoists in recent days have tried to project an image of a socialist party rather than a hard-line communist group.

"I believe we tried to put forth our views regarding durable peace and economic development," Maoist leader Prachanda, whose real name is Pushpa Kamal Dahal, told reporters.

Prachanda said the meeting with donors and ambassadors were "very fruitful."

"I feel that this meeting has helped address several key questions raised by the international community regarding our party," Prachanda said.

The meeting was also attended by US Ambassador Nancy Powell, despite the Maoists remaining on the American list of organisations supporting terrorism.

Prachanda said the US ambassador neither questioned him nor commented negatively about his party.

"I hope after this meeting, the US will reconsider its policy towards our party which will help create a better atmosphere," Prachanda said.

Maoists formally gave up violence in April 2006 following the overthrow of King Gyanendra's government and signed a formal peace deal with the government seven months later.

The constituent assembly which was elected through election two weeks ago is scheduled to ratify the decision of the parliament to abolish the monarchy and establish Nepal as republic. (dpa)