Government and Maoists sign 25-point agreement

Kathmandu, May 27 (UNI) The Nepalese government and the Maoists have signed a 25-point ''code of conduct'' to make the peace talks successful.

The two sides came up with the code of conduct here yesterday after six hours of first phase talks at a resort in Gokarna near here.

According to the code of conduct, both sides have agreed to stop new recruitment in the army and create a peaceful environment to run educational institutions, hospitals and industries.

They have also agreed to end the forceful collection of donations and financial assistance from institutions and individuals.

The two sides also discussed the 12 point-agreement signed by the Seven-party Alliance and Maoists in November last yesr.

Both sides also agreed to hold another round of talks. the date and venue of which will be decided after consultation.

Besides, they also agreed to invite national and international teams to monitor the ceasefire declared by the state and the Maoists.

''We have agreed not make any public statement or to undertake any activity that would provoke each other,'' both the parties said.

''This is the first step to achieve our goal of the election for the constituent assembly,'' Krishna Bahadur Mahara, leader of the Maoists talks team said after the talks.

Home minister and convenor of the government's talks team Krishna Sitaula said the talks were held in a constructive environment.

This was the first round of talks between the government and the Maoists since the restoration of democracy in the Himalayan nation last month.

Two rounds of talks held in 2001 and 2003 failed as the government had refused to hold talks on the main issue of the constituent assembly.

The government has agreed to hold the election of the constituent assembly, the major demands of the Maoists, and Parliament has endorsed a political proclamation ending the King's power and bringing the Army under the control of the parliament.

UNI XC KD KN0927