Secretary-General congratulates Nepal parties on peace agreement, pledges quick

United Nations aid in arms monitoring, electoral assistance

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

The Secretary-General congratulates the Government of Nepal and the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) on the signing yesterday of a Comprehensive Peace Agreement.  Through ending the armed conflict, the people of Nepal now have the opportunity to build lasting peace in an inclusive democracy.

This agreement places great trust and responsibility on the United Nations, as it asks that we assist Nepal in various aspects of the peace process, including, as an immediate step, the monitoring of arms and armed personnel and providing electoral assistance.  Through his Personal Representative in Nepal, the Secretary-General is working closely with the parties to ensure that United Nations assistance can arrive as promptly as possible.

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For information media • not an official record