Annan calls for end to fighting in Nepal, urges talks between Government and Maoist rebels

With reports of an escalation in fighting and continued grave human rights violations emanating from Nepal, United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan today called for a quick end to hostilities and the start of talks between the Government and Maoist forces in the Himalayan kingdom.

"The conflict is undermining democracy and human rights and seriously hindering development activities," said a statement issued by Mr. Annan's spokesman.

The statement also decried "very disturbing" reports that human rights defenders in Nepal face grave threats to their safety and security.

"The safety and ability of the national human rights commission and all human rights activists to carry out their essential work should be guaranteed," it stressed, welcoming the recent signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Government of Nepal and the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.

"The Secretary-General once again calls for an urgent cessation of fighting and the initiation of dialogue between the Government and the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) with the participation of all political and civil forces," the statement added. "He stands ready to assist such a national effort."