China and Russia welcome Nepal peace agreement

Kathmandu, Nov 14 (UNI) China and Russia have welcomed the peace agreement signed between the Seven-Party Alliance and the Maoists in Nepal last week.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry in a press release said, ''It was pleased to see significant progress made in the peace process.'' The Spokesperson of Chinese Foreign Ministry said, ''China sincerely hopes that the peace process in Nepal will continue to promote the early realisation of peace, stability and development.'' The Ministry for Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation said the accord reached between the government of the Seven-Party Alliance and the CPN (Maoist) had created a politico-juridical basis for a peaceful settlement of the long-running internal armed conflict.

In a press release issued today, the Russian Foreign Ministry welcomed the goodwill displayed by Nepal's major political forces and the accords they reached.

''Hope is expressed that the signing of the relevant package of documents, slated for November 16, will serve the final reconciliation of the sides, based on the renunciation of violence and the observance of the accords,'' the statement said.

It also said Russia wants to see Nepal as a peaceful, stable, democratic and successfully developing state.

India, the US, UK, Denmark and some other countries and organisations have welcomed the peace process initiated in Nepal with the rebels.

More than 13,000 people ahve been killed in the insurgency since 1996.

UNI XC SI DS1425