Annan urges Nepalese parties to end conflict

With peace talks faltering, Annan urges Nepalese parties to find lasting end to conflict

With peace talks between the Government and the Maoist group in Nepal faltering, United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan today encouraged the parties to continue efforts to find an enduring solution to the conflict.

“The Secretary-General welcomes the continued expression by the Government and the Maoist group of the their commitment to a peaceful solution, appreciates the intense efforts that are ongoing at present to overcome the hurdles and urges the parties to persist with these efforts to bring the process back on track,” said a statement issued by a spokesman for Mr. Annan in New York.

The statement noted that the Secretary-General has been following “with keen interest” the peace process, in which the Government of Nepal and the Communist Party (Maoist) have for the last several months been engaged in negotiations to find a peaceful solution to the conflict that has caused the loss of thousands of lives and considerable suffering to civilians since 1996.

“While a ceasefire that came into effect in January of this year has been holding and the sides have engaged in a series of formal and informal discussions, the process has faced serious obstacles in recent weeks and has reached a critical stage,” the statement added. “The Secretary-General remains at the disposal of Nepal to assist the achievement of a negotiated peaceful solution.”

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