SECRETARY-GENERAL WELCOMES NEPAL UNDERSTANDING AIMED AT RESTORING MULTIPARTY DEMOCRACY, READY TO ASSIST IN RESOLVING CONFLICT

SECRETARY-GENERAL WELCOMES NEPAL UNDERSTANDING AIMED AT RESTORING

MULTIPARTY DEMOCRACY, READY TO ASSIST IN RESOLVING CONFLICT

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan:

The Secretary-General welcomes and is carefully studying the details of the understanding that has been reached between Nepalese parliamentary parties and the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) (CPN-M) aimed at restoring multiparty democracy and resolving the conflict that has brought immense suffering to the people of Nepal in the last decade. 

He strongly encourages the CPN-M to extend its unilateral ceasefire beyond December and to fulfil its commitment to human rights.  He also urges the declaration of a reciprocal ceasefire by the Government of King Gyanendra.

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

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