UN to monitor constituent assembly elections in Nepal

Kathmandu, June 26 (UNI) The United Nations will monitor the ceasefire by the Army and Maoists during the constituent assembly elections in Nepal.

''Arms of the both the sides would be kept silent during the period of the elections to constituent assembly to be held under the UN monitoring to ensure that people can exercise their rights in a free and fair manner'' state run 'The Rising Nepal' today quoted Nepal Home Minister Krishna Prasad Sitaula as saying.

''It is too early to comment on modalities as we are still discussing the issue,'' he added.

Mr Sitaula, who is also the coordinator of the government's talks team said, ''We are concentrating on three issues that include monitoring the cease-fire by the monitoring committee, inviting the United Nations to monitor armistice and its management and forming interim constitution and interim government.'' He said the dialogue process between the government and the Maoists has gained momentum and itwill be succeeded in the near future.

''The on-going peace dialogue has been proceeding with an eye on peaceful, democratic, prosperous, independent and sovereign Nepal,'' Mr Sitaula said, adding we hope the UN will soon start monitoring cease fire and armistice.

The government and the Maoists have declared cease-fire and holding talks to end over a decade-long insurgency which has claimed over 13,000 lives in the Himalayan Kingdom.

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