Pol parties, civil society to work together for peace: Martin

Kathmandu, Sep 21 (UNI) Head of the United Nations Mission in Nepal (UNMIN) Ian Martin today asked the political parties and civil society to recommit themselves to the path of peace.

On the occasion of International Day of Peace, Mr Martin voiced concern about the recent violence in the Himalyan nation and urged the need for working closely to maintain social harmony and peace, Kantipur reported.

In a statement issued by UNMIN he said, ''The political parties face a special challenge in the current context, in exercising their stewardship of the peace process.'' The eight political parties who formed the interim government had a special responsibility of ensuring public security to all citizens, Mr Martin said.

He said the Jana Andolan of April 2006 in moving Nepal from armed conflict into a process of dialogue and peaceful negotiation sent the clearest signal of the desire of the people of the country for peace and democracy. He addd that the UN supported the government and the people.

Human rights organisation INSEC also called on all stakeholders to abide by the Comprehensive Peace Accord.

UNI