Kathmandu,
9 Oct 2006 (IRIN)
High-level peace talks in Nepal, which got under way at the weekend, are making good progress, according to both government and Maoist rebel representatives. After 10 years of violent conflict that has claimed at least 14,000 lives and a series of unsuccessful peace talks earlier in the year, both sides want to bring the three-day discussions to a positive conclusion as quickly as possible, they said. "Several issues were discussed in a cordial manner," read a joint press statement on Sunday from the interim government and the rebels.
According to independent observers, both sides have shown flexibility on most crucial issues, such as managing Maoist arms and forming an interim legislative body to replace the present Nepalese parliament. The rebels have been proposing that they would confine their soldiers in several cantonments around the country until the elections are held. Government representatives said they are also positive about setting up a unicameral legislative body with 300 members representing all parties, including the Maoists. They
would also finalise a crucial issue on the future of the Nepalese monarchy.
Absolutist monarch King Gyanendra was removed from power in February and
discussions are ongoing over whether to remove him from the constitution
altogether and render the monarchy purely ceremonial
Copyright © UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs 2006 [ This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] Integrated Regional Information Networks (IRIN), part of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). |