Annan hails announced suspension of fighting between Nepal and Maoist rebels

United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan today welcomed the decisions by Maoist insurgents and the Government of Nepal to halt fighting temporarily in observance of a national holiday.

“The Secretary-General considers this to be a positive first step towards the possible resumption of a peace process in Nepal, which he believes to be a matter of urgent importance,” said a statement issued by Mr. Annan’s spokesman.

The Maoist Communist Party of Nepal announced that it would suspend military action for nine days, coinciding with the Nepalese Dashain festivals that began yesterday, while the Government decided it would not initiate offensives against the rebels.

The statement said Mr. Annan strongly encouraged the Government and Maoists “to extend the suspension of hostilities beyond the holiday period in the interest of peace and the restoration of a degree of normalcy, which ordinary Nepalese citizens desperately need.”

Through his spokesman, the Secretary-General also stressed his availability “to assist in any manner that would lead to the peaceful resolution of the conflict in Nepal.”