UN special envoy meets PM Koirala

Kathmandu, May 9 (UNI) Special political advisor of the United Nations Samuel Tamrat met Nepal Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala here today and discussed the present political situation of the country.

Mr Tamrat's visit came days after Nepal's new multi-party government matched a Maoist ceasefire and called the rebels for peace talks to which the guerrillas agreed. Though no date was fixed for the first meeting.

The UN was fully committed to support Nepal in establishing lasting peace in the country, Mr Tamrat was quoted as saying.

Reuters add- Nepal's mainstream parties and the Maoist rebels, who entered into a deal in November last to oust the king, are now preparing for elections to an assembly charged with writing a new constitution and deciding the monarchy's future.

The Maoists have been fighting since 1996 to set up communist rule in Nepal, but now say they are willing to accept the make-up of the assembly and the decisions it takes.

More than 13,000 people have died in the conflict that has also badly hurt Nepal's aid and tourism dependent economy.

UNI XC SHB DB2035