US, UN welcomes peace accord, public holiday in Nepal

Kathmandu, Nov 22: The United States and the UN have welcomed the Comprehensive Peace Agreement signed between the Government of Nepal and the Maoists on Tuesday evening, formally announcing the end of 11 years old insurgency.

The US Embassy In its press release said the step will place Nepal on the path of lasting peace and democracy.

" We want the peace process to work and we pledge our full support.This means violence, intimidation, and criminal acts -- such as forced recruitment of cadre and extortion -- must end. The Nepali people, who have lived in fear for 11 years, deserve a chance to live without fear and choose their form of government in fair elections", the release said.

Describing the agreement as a major step forward in the peace process, Ian Martin, special representative of UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan in a statement isssued last evening said, "It is a privilege to have been present at the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement, marking another key step forward in the peace process." Meanwhile, the Government of Nepal has announced a public holiday today to mark the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement between the Government of Nepal and the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist).

UNI

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