Annan appeals for end to fighting between government and communists in Nepal

Voicing concern at the escalation of fighting in Nepal with its mounting toll of civilian casualties and human rights abuses, United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan has called on the government and communists to end their conflict and offered his good offices in helping to reach a solution.

In a statement issued by his spokesman last night, Mr. Annan said the continued conflict was having an increasingly devastating impact on the lives of ordinary people.

“Civilian casualties and serious human rights violations are a routine occurrence, and the country's economic and social development is being seriously hampered,” he added.

Discounting a military solution to the conflict, he appealed to the government and the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) “to take immediate steps to end the fighting and resume the peace process with the participation of all political and civil forces in the country.”

Mr. Annan added that he “continues to be available to assist the search for a solution in any manner the parties consider useful.”