NEPAL: Thousands of demonstrators gather outside the Nepal's prime minister residence asking for positive outcome from talks

Thousands of demonstrators gathered outside the Prime Minister's residence in Kathmandu on Thursday (October 12) to put pressure on both sides to ensure the talks result in a positive outcome for the country. Nepal's government and Maoist rebels may put the final touches on a peace agreement over the weekend. Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala and Maoist chief Prachanda had been expected to sew up the deal on Thursday (October 12). Government negotiator Krishna Prasad Situala told reporters it needed more time to finalise an agreement on all political issues in a package. The Maoists also said they did not want to hurry a deal. Daman Nath Dhungana, of the civic society, was hopeful the talks would be positive. "It is going towards the right direction. The prospects have been widened for a consensus," he said at the demonstration. The peace process that began in May was stalled for months due to differences over disarming the rebel army and the future of the monarchy in the Himalayan nation. Although the two sides were unable to settle the thorny dispute over whether the 35,000 guerrillas would lay down their arms before joining an interim administration, they have remained upbeat about resolving the issue. There were still many contentious issues heading into the latest round of talks between the two parties, but many are confident that all issues will be dealt with. "There is no doubt the aspirations of the Nepali people will be accomplished from every angle. We are committed to that." said Central Committee member, Jhalanath Khanal. Both sides have been observing a ceasefire for more than five months and agreed to confine their armies to camps or barracks under U.N. supervision during the constituent assembly elections they have agreed to hold by June 2007. The differences have dogged the peace process that started in May after King Gyanendra relinquished absolute power and restored democracy following weeks of often violent protests. But some members of the ruling coalition say the rebels must disarm before joining the interim cabinet that will supervise the planned vote for the assembly which will draft a new constitution. For their part, the rebels want the monarchy to be abolished or suspended before they join any interim government. More than 13,000 people have died since the Maoists began an armed campaign in 1996 to turn Nepal into a communist state.

ITN Source | October 13, 2006

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