Ten years and over 13,000 lives later, the armed insurgency in Nepal has finally been declared officially over.

In a historic ceremony held at the Birendra International Convention Center this evening, Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala and Maoist chairman Prachanda signed the Comprehensive Peace Accord (CPA) 2006 bringing the decade-long armed insurgency to an end and promising to chart a new destiny for "peaceful and democratic" new Nepal.

Inclusive of provisions on human rights, civil and political rights, arms and army management, socio-economic transformation, among others, the ten-point CPA was signed this evening in the presence of ministers, political party leaders, Maoist leaders, foreign diplomats, MPs, government officials and media representatives.

The preamble of the CPA reiterates the commitment of the two parties – the government and the Maoists – to abide by the previous agreements and commitments and desires of the people.
"Beginning today, the politics of killing, violence and terror will be replaced by the politics of reconciliation," declared the 85-year-old PM Koirala who said he had put his entire political career at risk by venturing on this path of peace and democracy. "Being a democrat, I wanted to bring non-democrats into the framework of democracy. I was warned by many friends about the hazards of dealing with terrorists but I thought that bringing all under democratic framework was the duty of a democrat."

PM Koirala said, "We all are entering into a new era from today. All of us Nepalis must come together to build a new Nepal." He added that Nepal will, henceforth, be regarded as a model in conflict resolution by other conflict-torn countries around the world.

Prachanda stated that with the signing of the CPA, people of Nepal were in a position to give message to the entire world. "The continuity of 238-year-old tradition has been broken now. This is the victory of Nepalese people and the loss of regressive elements," he said.

Prachanda said that like in the war, his party would work with equal zeal to implement the peace accord. "We have no prejudices against anyone. We want to make it clear to everyone that we are neither conservative nor dogmatic in our thinking," he said, adding that people of Nepal will "perform another miracle" by working on a war-footing to develop their nation after the elections of Constituent Assembly. He termed the successful struggle of the people of Nepal as the first miracle of the 21 st century.

Earlier, Home Minister and coordinator of government talks team Krishna Sitaula narrated the CPA before the audience.

By making the ceasefire permanent, the accord declares the armed insurgency that began since February, 1996 as officially over. Effective immediately, the CPA states that illegal carrying of weapons, their display and any kind of attack, threat, intimidation would, henceforth, be punishable by law.

Reiterating the commitment to hold the elections of CA by mid-June, 2007, the CPA prohibits all kinds of illegal use of weapons, raid, ambush, mining, aerial attack, abduction, etc. Within 30 days both the sides will share information regarding the placement of mines and within 60 days they all would be disabled, it states.

The CPA also talks about rehabilitation of conflict victims. It vows to form a high-level Truth and Reconciliation Commission to investigate about human rights abuses. It has a provision guaranteeing free passage of civil servants, UN, I/NGO workers across the country.

The accord has separate provisions dealing with civil and political rights and rights of women and children.

On the issue of implementation and monitoring, the accord states that the UN will be allowed to continue its monitoring of human rights. Likewise, the UN team will be asked to verify and monitor arms and army management, which will be as per the November 8 agreement. It also states that the UN will be asked to observe the CA polls as well.

The CPA also declares that henceforth no parallel institution will exist in the country – which means the Maoists' People's Court, People's Government, parallel tax collection and similar other parallel outfits will cease to function. This effectively ends the existence of two regimes – which the Maoist leaders have often pointed out to justify their extortion, justice dispensation and similar other activities - within the country.

The CPA further states that after the formation of interim parliament and promulgation of interim constitution, the "two parties" will cease to exist and the sole responsibility of implementing the agreements, including the CPA will fall under the shoulder of interim cabinet.
The CPA signing ceremony was attended by an impressive corps of diplomats including ambassadors of India, China, and the United States. PM Koirala and Prachanda were flanked by top leaders of the seven parties on either side. Ministers, Maoist leaders, talks team members and observers were seated in second and third row. Ian Martin, the Personal Representative of UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, was also invited to the dias. Audience included government officials, MPs, journalists, and civil society leaders.

Meanwhile, a statement from the US Embassy in Kathmandu a short while later, welcoming the peace accord said, "The US Embassy welcomes the announcement of a comprehensive peace agreement between the Government of Nepal and the Maoists. We hope this step will place Nepal on the path of lasting peace and democracy. We want the peace process to work and we pledge our full support. We support an agreement that safeguards the aspirations of the Nepali people."

The statement further states, "This means violence, intimidation, and criminal acts -- such as forced recruitment of cadre and extortion -- must end. The Nepali people, who have lived in fear for 11 years, deserve a chance to live without fear and choose their form of government in fair elections."

"The United States is committed to help Nepal build a peaceful, prosperous, and democratic future for its people," the statement said.

Following the US statement, a statement by Ian Martin in Nepal, Personal Representative of the UN Secretary-General in Nepal said, "It is a privilege to have been present at the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement, marking another key step forward in the peace process.

When Secretary-General Kofi Annan heartily welcomed the agreement of 8 November between the Seven Party Alliance and the CPN-M, he called it a historic opportunity for the people of Nepal to end the armed conflict and to build sustainable peace within an inclusive and democratic state. Now today's Agreement promises to convert the ceasefire into long-term peace. Those involved on both sides are to be congratulated for their hard work in finalising an Agreement which is entirely a Nepali achievement."

"The Secretary-General has said that he intends to move promptly to respond to the request to the United Nations to help in key areas of the peace process. I am pleased to say that my Office is working in an excellent spirit of collaboration with the Government and the CPN-M on these areas, and today we have completed agreement on the locations of seven divisional PLA cantonment sites. With the Comprehensive Peace Agreement now signed, I hope that we will quickly be able to reach tripartite agreement on the full modalities for the management of arms and armies, clarifying essential details regarding confinement to cantonments and restriction to barracks, weapons storage, permitted and prohibited activities, and monitoring arrangements. The United Nations will then be able to move forward with its planning to deploy monitors and other personnel. I also look forward to discussing how the United Nations' role in the other areas requested, of human rights monitoring, assisting independent national monitoring, and electoral assistance and monitoring, can help to create the climate of multi-party democracy and pluralism throughout the districts and villages of Nepal which is essential for the free and fair Constituent Assembly election to which the parties have committed themselves," the statement further reads.

In yet another quick reaction, a statement by the Embassy of India, Kathmandu said, "The Government of India welcomes the signing of the Comprehensive National Peace Agreement between the Government of Nepal and the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist). We believe the Agreement reflects the overwhelming desire of the people of Nepal for peace and stability."The statement reads further, "We hope that this Agreement brings to an end the politics and culture of violence, and heralds the beginning of a lasting peace in order to let the people of Nepal exercise their right to decide their destiny through free and fair elections, without intimidation.""The critical test of this Agreement will be its implementation on the ground. We call upon all sides and all stakeholders in Nepal to strictly abide by their commitments under this Agreement. Violations must be dealt with under the laws of the land, and full cooperation extended to those empowered to supervise the steps ahead, such as the police, the Election Commission, and the UN. The people’s mandate, and their trust, must not be betrayed," the statement said."India stands ready to continue to help in every way, to ensure that this historic opportunity is not lost," the statement said.

nepalnews.com sd/dr Nov 21 06

Nepal rebels step up recruitment before peace deal

KATHMANDU, Nov 15 (Reuters)

Nepal's Maoist insurgents have embarked on a recruitment drive ahead of signing a peace deal this week, residents and media reports said on Wednesday, with hundreds of young men and boys forced to join the rebel army.

Under the deal supposed to end a 10-year insurgency, the Maoists say they will place their 35,000-strong rebel force in specially established camps and keep their weapons under lock and key, with Nepal's army also promising to stay in its barracks.

But as the clock ticks towards the signing, more than 400 people have been forced to join the Maoists in the Surkhet and Dailekh districts of western Nepal in the past three days, according to the The Kathmandu Post daily.

Villagers from Kohalpur near the western town of Nepalgunj told Reuters that dozens of young men, including schoolboys as young as 15, were taken from their village by the Maoists.
"They were taken by the Maoists who promised to recruit them in their army," Om Prakash Oli, chief of a school management committee in Kohalpur village, 320 km (200 miles) west of Kathmandu, said by telephone.

"Parents are worried about their children."

The Maoists denied they were responsible but the government said it was a violation of a code of conduct signed in May, shortly after peace talks began and a ceasefire was agreed.

"They must stop these types of activities immediately," Ram Chandra Poudel, head of the state's Peace Committee, told Reuters.

The peace deal was agreed in principle last week. In return for confining their forces to camps, the rebels will join an interim government and parliament.

But reports of extortion and recruitment have continued to flood in from the countryside since the ceasefire was agreed. The rebels deny any recruitment.

"We are ourselves preparing to keep our army in camps. Why should we recruit more?" asked senior Maoist leader Dina Nath Sharma, a rebel negotiator.

More than 13,000 people have died since the Maoist conflict began in 1996 to topple the monarchy.

Peace talks began after King Gyanendra ended absolute rule and handed power back to political parties following weeks of democracy protests in April.

Govt-Maoist meeting fails to finalise draft of peace accord

An eight-hour long meeting between the government and the Maoists Wednesday could not give finishing touch to the draft of the peace accord submitted by the all-party Peace Committee.

Minister Pradeep Gyawali, who is also the member of the government’s talks team, told reporters after the meeting that the draft could not be finalised today due to lack of time. Likewise, Maoist talks team member Dev Gurung said there were some vague clauses including the clause on human rights in the draft of the peace accord, which needed further discussion. Home Minister KP Situala and state minister Ramesh Lekhak and Maoist leaders Dr Baburam Bhattrai and Krishna Bahadur Mahara were also involved in the meeting that was supposed to finalise the draft.

The much-awaited peace accord that will formally put an end to the 11-year long insurgency is due to be signed between the SPA government and the Maoists tomorrow. The landmark accord also commits to ban armed activities, extortion and guarantees the return to displaced people to their original places.

Talking to journalists on Monday, Dr Bhattarai took the Peace Committee to task for disclosing the content of the draft without consulting with his party.

The committee headed by Nepali Congress general secretary Ram Chandra Poudel had submitted the draft peace accord to the government on Sunday. nepalnews.com mk Nov 15 06

US Assistant Secretary; EU Troika arrive in Nepal

Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Richard A. Boucher and the European Union Troika arrived in Kathmandu this morning on a three-day visit to Nepal. Richard arrived here to discuss Nepal's latest political situation.

Talking to reporters following his arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, Boucher said that he would discuss the latest developments in the ongoing peace process.

The Assistant Secretary will meet top political leaders, government representatives, and members of civil society among others during his stay.

Similarly, the EU Troika, led by Pekka Metso, Director for Asia in the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland, representing the Presidency of the EU also arrived in Kathmandu today. According to reports, the Troika will meet high-level representatives of the Government of Nepal, political parties and members of the civil society.

Talking to journalists upon his arrival to Nepal, chief of the team Metso said that the decision to bring Maoists into interim government is a necessary step for restoration of peace in the country.

Meanwhile, politburo member of the ruling Communist Party of India and Upper House member Sitaram Yechuri is also arriving in Kathmandu today.

Yechuri, during his two-day stay in Kathmandu, is scheduled to meet Prime Minister and Nepali Congress President Girija Prasad Koirala, CPN-UML general secretary Madhav Kumar Nepal, Maoist Chairman Prachanda and other leaders of the SPA and Maoists, according to sources. Yechuri played important role to garner international support in favour of April movement of the country.

These visits coincide with signature on the comprehensive peace accord by the Government of Nepal and the CPN (Maoist) as per the agreement reached between the ruling seven party alliance and Maoists on November 8. nepalnews.com pb Nov 15 06

US Assistant Secretary Boucher to arrive tomorrow

Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Richard A. Boucher (File Photo)

Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Richard A. Boucher is scheduled to arrive in Kathmandu for a three-day visit to assess the political situation here in the aftermath of a landmark peace agreement signed between the seven-party alliance (SPA) and the Maoists.

A press release issued by the American Embassy in Kathmandu said the purpose of his visit is to discuss Nepal’s transition to democracy. During his stay until Friday, he will meet with representatives of the government, political parties, civil society and others.

Boucher has been traveling in the South Asian region since November 4. He has visited Pakistan, Afghanistan, India, and Bangladesh, and is currently in Bhutan, according to the Embassy.

Boucher is the most senior US official to visit Nepal since the start of summit level talks between the SPA and the Maoists. The US has welcomed peace agreement, stressing that the agreement must diminish the fear of violence, intimidation, and extortion that the people of Nepal have endured over the past 11 years.

After leaving Nepal on Friday morning, the US Assistant Secretary will return to New Delhi where he will lead the US delegation to the Regional Economic Cooperation Conference hosted by Indian Prime Minister Singh and Afghanistan President Karzai, the release said.

nepalnews.com mk Nov 14 06

FULL TEXT OF SPA-MAOIST NOV.8 AGREEEMNT (ENG)

Respecting the mandate expressed in favour of democracy, peace and forward movement through the historical struggles and revolutions staged frequently by Nepali people since pre-1950 era till the present, Reconfirming full commitment to the 12-point understanding between the seven political parties and the CPN (Maoist), the 8-point agreement and the 25-point ceasefire codes of conduct as well as all the understandings, agreements and codes of conducts between the Nepal Government and the CPN (Maoist), including the letter of consensus sent to the United Nations, Pledging to do a forward looking restructuring of the state by resolving class, ethnic, regional and gender related problems existing in the country, Reiterating full commitments to competitive multiparty democratic system, civil liberty, individual rights, human rights, full press freedom and the concept of rule of law as well as democratic norms and values, Guaranteeing the fundamental rights of the people to participate in the elections to the constituent assembly in an atmosphere free of fear and intimidation, Keeping democracy, peace, prosperity, forward looking socio-economic transformation as well as independence, integrity, sovereignty and dignity of the country at centre, the meeting of the top leaders of the seven political parties and the CPN (Maoist) held on 8th of November 2006 took the following decisions in order to implement the commitments of both the sides to holding the elections to the constituent assembly by mid-June 2007 in a free and fair manner.

I. On implementation of past agreements

1. To fully, honestly and strictly implement all the past understandings, agreements and codes of conducts.

2. To constitute a high level committee to probe and make public the whereabouts all the citizens reported to be disappeared by both the state and the Maoist.

3. To speed up the process of returning seized property. To ensure an atmosphere for the displaced to return home. To formulate district level committees involving both sides for this. To complete all these tasks within a month.

4. To publicly declare withdrawal of all charges and accusations against political leaders and workers by the state and the CPN (Maoist) and to immediately release political prisoners of both sides.

II. On armies and weapons

To work as per the sentiments of the 12-point understanding, 8-point agreement, 25-point codes of conduct and the five-point letter sent to the United Nations in order to hold the elections to the constituent assembly in a peaceful, fair and fearless atmosphere as well as to restructure and democratise the army.

On Maoist army

1. As per the commitment expressed in the letters sent to the United Naitons by Nepal Government and the CPN (Maoist) on 9 August 2006, the Maoist combatants shall be confined in cantonments in the following areas. The United Nations will verify and monitor them.

The main cantonments shall be in the following areas: 1. Kailali 2. Surkhet 3. Rolpa 4. Palpa 5. Kavre 6. Sindhuli 7. Ilam There shall be three tributary cantonments around each of the main cantonments.

2. After the Maoist combatants have been confined within the cantonments, all the arms and ammunitions except those needed for the security of the cantonments shall be securely stored and locked with a single padlock within the cantonments and the concerned side shall keep the key. While fixing the padlock, a device with record and siren shall be installed for monitoring by the United Nations. While conducting necessary inspection of the stored weapons, the United Nations shall have to do it in the presence of the concerned party. Further technical details regarding this and camera monitoring shall be prepared in consensus with the United Nations, CPN (Maoist) and the Nepal government.

3. Nepal government shall manage the necessary things including rations for the Maoist combatants after they are kept in cantonments.

4. Interim cabinet shall form a special committee to coordinate and to rehabilitate the Maoist combatants.

5. Security of the Maoist leaders will be managed with coordination of the government.

On Nepal Army

6. Nepal Army (NA) shall be limited to the barracks as per the commitments expressed in the letter sent to the United Nations after assuring that the arms belonging to the national army shall not be used for or against any group. The number of soldiers and weapons of the Nepal Army under the UN supervision will be in proportion with the number of the Maoist combatants and their weapons.

The weapons of the NA shall be kept with a single lockup and the concerned party shall keep the key. The arms shall be kept under UN supervision with electronic siren, and surveillance devices. The UN can inspect the weapons in presence of the concerned party.

7. Control, management and mobilisation of the army shall be guided by the new Military Act. After taking suggestions from political parties and the committees related to Interim Legislature, cabinet will formulate an extensive plan and the same body shall implement the programmes to democratise the army. The plans and programmes include fixing the numbers, democratizing the institution to make it inclusive and national army and the forces shall be trained after enhancing the characteristics of democracy and human rights.

8. NA may continue its previous works of providing security to borders, national parks, banks, airports, power stations, telephone tower, central secretariat and providing security to the VIPs.

III. Subjects of Interim Legislature

a. Final shape to the Interim Constitution will be given according to agreements reached today.

b. The reinstated House of Representatives shall promulgate and the new interim legislature will approve the interim Constitution.

2. On Monarchy

a. King will have no authority over national administration.

b. Property of the late king Birendra, queen Aishworya and their family members shall be converted into a trust and be utilised for national welfare.

c. Property of the present king Gyanendra, which he has acquired as a king, shall be nationalised.

d. The first meeting of the elections to the constituent assembly will decide the future of the monarchy.

3. On Interim Legislature

a. Interim legislature will remain a single house parliament with the following characteristics:

i. All the 209 members of the current Lower House and Upper House, except those who opposed the April Movement, shall be the members. Numbers of Joint Left Front will be decided later on consensus, as the party does not represent any member at the present Parliament.

ii. 73 members will be from CPN-Maoist party.

iii. 48 will represent from professional organisations, political figures and from the underdeveloped community and regions.

Total number - 330

b. The political parties, which were against the People’s movement in April, will not be allowed to participate in the interim legislature.

c. The reinstated House of Representatives and National Assembly will be dissolved after the formation of interim legislature. Similarly, all governmental structure of the Maoists including the people’s government and people’s courts will be dissolved with the formation of interim legislature.

d. The interim legislature would be run through political consensus.

4. Interim Government

a) The interim council of ministers will be constituted on the basis of political agreement.

b) The structure and work division of the council of ministers will be fixed with the mutual agreement amongst the political parties.

c) The interim government will carry out its function considering the spirit of the joint people’s movement, political consent and the system of coalition government.

5. Judiciary

a) The concept of independent judiciary will be followed

b) The judiciary will work upholding the spirit of the people’s movement, democracy and the interim constitution.

c) A constitutional court will be formed to settle the dispute related to constitution.

6. Constitutional Bodies

a) A new Constitutional Council will manage recommendations for the appointment to the post of constitutional bodies and the Council will consist of Prime Minister, Chief Justice, and Speaker of the interim legislature.

b) The appointment will follow certain measurement and the Election Commission will get perfection on the basis of agreement.

7. Local Bodies

Interim local bodies in villages, municipalities and districts will be constituted on the basis of the agreement between seven political and the Maoists.

8. Citizenship

a) The citizenship will be distributed to all the people who are deprived of the citizenship rights before holding the elections to the constituent assembly.

b) The citizenship will be issued to all people who have been living in Nepal before the last of Chaitra in 2046 BS, taking the year as the base year, in an effective manner.

c) The other provisions of the citizenship will be settled as per the rules and regulations.

9. Elections to the Constituent Assembly

a) The total number of the constituent assembly will be 425. Amongst them 205 members will be elected with the system of first past the post and 204 members will be elected through the proportionate election system as per the votes got by the political parties.

b) Sixteen individuals, who earned dignified prestige in the national level, will be nominated to the constitutional assembly members by the council of ministers.

c) The election law will be enforced after holding discussions with the Election Commission.

d) The authority to decide the date of constituent assembly to hold the elections by mid-June will be given to the interim council of ministers and the election will be held under a mixed election system.

e) The political parties should give opportunity to the members of the utpidit (Marginailized) jati, region, Madheshi, women and dalit proportionately while contesting the elections

f) People who are 18 and above will be eligible to cast their votes in the constituent assembly elections

g) The United Nations will assist monitoring the elections to the constituent assembly.

10. On the structure of the State

a) Steps will be initiated to bring about a complete restructuring of the state towards an inclusive democratic set up by ending all forms of discrimination.

b) A high level commission will be formed to solicit suggestions for the restructuring of the state

c) The Constituent Assembly will give the final verdict on the points suggested for the restructuring of the state

11. Directive principles for social and economic transformation

a) Steps will be geared towards dismantling all dictatorial structures and a common programme will be implemented through mutual consensus among all parties.

b) Policies will be formulated to end unequal ownership of land and scientific a land reform policy will be implemented

c) Policies that protect national industries and means of production will be adopted

d) Policies aimed at ensuring the rights of all citizens to education, health, shelter and employment will be adopted

e) Policies that will provide assistance to the economically backward classes including the ex-Kamaiyas, landless squatters, and household farm workers will be implemented

f) Policies that punish those found involved in corruption and those amassing wealth through illegal means will be enforced

g) A common agenda will be worked out for the speedy economic and social transformation of the country.

h) Efforts will be directed towards increasing investments in the domestic industrial sector by protecting the rights of the industrial workers and those involved in various productive enterprises

IV. Regarding the rehabilitation of the conflict-hit people

1. Steps will be initiated towards bestowing honour upon those who lost their lives in the course of the conflict and giving appropriate compensations to individuals who got badly wounded in the conflict.

2. Compensations will be provided to the families of the disappeared persons on the basis of the report given by the probe commission

3. Special programme will be launched to re-construct the physical infrastructure and private property that were destroyed in the course of the conflict

4. A commission to bring about reconciliation among parties, individuals and institutions that were involved in the conflict will be formed. The committee will conduct investigation on the human rights abuses that took place in course of the armed conflicts

V. Miscellaneous

1. A high level joint monitoring committee will be formed to oversee the strict implementation of the above policies

2. The government will take legal actions against those who breach the code of conduct and go against the agreements of the eight parties

3. All political parties will have the freedom to express their views on issues such as republicanism, social and economic transformation, referendum and electoral systems in the course of the run up to the constituent assembly elections although agreement on the issues are yet to be reached.

VI. Time Schedule

1. A comprehensive peace pact will be signed between the Nepal Government and the CPN-Maoist on November 16, 2006

2. The Maoists combatants will converge at the specified cantonments within November 21 and the process of shelving arms will be started, which will be monitored and verified by the UN

3. The Nepal Army soldiers will confine themselves to the barracks by November 21 and the storing of their weapons will be started. The process will be monitored and verified by UN.

4. The Interim Constitution will be finalized by November 21.

5. The Interim Constitution will be implemented by November 26. The dissolution of the House of Representatives and the National Assembly will be done on the same date.

6. The Interim Council of Ministers will be formed by December 1
The agreement bears the signatures of all the heads of the eight political parties.

All upbeat about peace deal

Maoist Chairman Prachanda with Maoist second-in-command Dr Baburam Bhattarai during a press meet organized at the Hotel Yak & Yeti, Kathmandu on Wednesday. The rebel chief said Tuesday’s landmark agreement reached with the seven-party alliance would carve out a road map for a new Nepal.
(Photo: SAILENDRA KHAREL )

Kantipur Report
KATHMANDU, Nov 9 - Various political parties, civil society members and organizations welcomed the peace deal signed between the government and Maoist rebels late Tuesday night.
The Nepali Congress has welcomed the deal and thanked its President and Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala, the Seven Party Alliance (SPA) and Maoists for reaching consensus.

A meeting of NC district presidents, its lawmakers and cadres nation-wide, said the deal has opened further avenues for prosperity in the country. The meeting also decided to take the message across the country.

Earlier, Koirala instructed district presidents to go to their constituencies and launch political campaigns. "We have to take this process with much sincerity and the NC has a huge responsibility of bringing Maoists to the political mainstream," Koirala said during the meeting.
The NC, in a separate press statement issued after the meeting, also appealed to Maoists to immediately stop their activities of intimidation and extortion.

Similarly, the Standing Committee meeting of CPN-UML held Wednesday welcomed the peace deal. The meeting also unanimously supported the note of dissent tabled by UML in the draft paper of the peace deal. Madhav Kumar Nepal, UML general secretary had tabled separate notes of dissent over the issues of referendum and proportional election system. The UML had pressed for referendum to decide the fate of monarchy and proportional system in the constituent assembly elections.

Likewise, Sher Bahadur Deuba, president of NC (Democratic), in a press statement issued Wednesday, said the peace deal began a joyful morning for people who were expecting peace, democracy and prosperity.

"It is another big achievement to bring the CPN-Maoists to the democratic and peaceful election process," Deuba said in the statement.

Similarly, Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) welcomed the agreement and urged all concerned forces to be sincere about peace and security of the country.

Nepal University Teachers' Association (NUTA), Nepal Tamang Ghedung (NTG), an association of Tamang community, Nepal Teachers' Union, National Human Rights Foundation, National Human Rights Council, Human Rights and Democratic Forum and NGO Federation of Nepal also welcomed Tuesday's agreement.

Posted on: 2006-11-08 21:42:28 (Server Time)