Nepal peace deal signing likely to be delayed

KATHMANDU, Nov 16: Nepal's multi-party government and Maoist rebels are unlikely to finalise a peace deal today as promised, but said any delay would not derail the agreement.

Nepali Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala and Maoist chief Prachanda were locked in talks today, trying to hammer out the details of a peace deal aimed at ending a decade-long insurgency in which more than 13,000 people have died.

But time was running out with Mr Prachanda due to leave for neighbouring India later in the afternoon to attend a conference.

Last week, the two sides agreed to sign the peace deal today and unveil an interim constitution on November 26, but they now say the two documents will be presented simultaneously.

''There is no problem,'' Ramesh Lekhak, a junior government minister and negotiator, told Reuters. ''The interim constitution and the peace agreement will be done together.'' The Maoists have achieved their main aim -- agreement to hold an election to a special assembly next year meant to draft a new, permanent constitution that they hope will abolish the centuries-old monarchy.

But Mr Prachanda told Reuters today he could not rule out a return to armed struggle unless and until rebel forces were integrated into the state army.

REUTERS

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