Annan welcomes steps toward resolving civil conflict in Nepal

United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan today welcomed the understanding that has been reached between Nepalese parliamentary parties and the Maoist Communist Party of Nepal (CPN-M) aimed at restoring multiparty democracy in the Himalayan country.

Through a statement released by his spokesman, Mr. Annan strongly encouraged the CPN-M to extend its unilateral ceasefire beyond December and to fulfil its commitment to human rights, and called for a reciprocal ceasefire by the Government of King Gyanendra to help end "a conflict that has brought immense suffering to the people of Nepal" since it began in 1996.

He is carefully studying the details of the understanding, the spokesman said.

"The Secretary-General remains ready to assist in any manner that would help bring about a peaceful resolution of the conflict," he said.