'Peace deal may collapse if UN leaves Nepal'

Kathmandu, Jan 6(ANI): The Unified Communist Party of Nepal-Maoist (UCPN-M), the Maoist party in Nepal, has warned that the country's peace process could collapse if United Nations' peacekeepers leave next week.

The Nepal Government has decided not to request an extension to the mission, which is due to end on 15 January.

However, the UCPN-M, who hold the majority in the parliament, are urging the UN to stay until May at least.

"It was a unilateral decision by the government to send the UN back, which we strongly object to," the BBC quoted UCPN-M spokesman Dinanath Sharma, as saying.

The UN mission in Nepal began in 2007 to keep peace between the state and Maoist rebels after a civil war.

One of the UN's main roles is to monitor some 20,000 former Maoist fighters and their weapons, which are being held under supervision in camps around the country.

Under the peace deal, these former fighters should be integrated into the national security forces or rehabilitated into civilian life. (ANI)