NEPAL: Thousands of Nepalis celebrate in the streets of Kathmandu a day after the peace accord signing by country's government and Maoist rebels

Thousands of people took the streets of Kathmandu and other towns and cities to celebrate on Wednesday (November 22), a day after the impoverished country's government and Maoist rebels signed a peace accord and declared an end to a conflict that has killed 13,000 people. The pace of change has left many Nepalis optimistic of better times, but wary of the challenges that lie ahead if promises and deals are to be turned into lasting peace on the ground. The deal, signed by Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala and rebel chief Pushpa Kamal Dahal, who goes by his nom de guerre Prachanda, clears the way for the Maoist soldiers to lock up their arms and be confined to camps. Maoist leaders will take seats alongside the elected politicians in parliament and join an interim government to oversee elections for an assembly that will draft a new constitution and decide the fate of the monarchy. The government declared a public holiday on Wednesday and asked residents to illuminate their homes and officials to light up public buildings in celebration. Around 10,000 people attended rallies organised by political parties and the Maoists in Kathmandu. Many people waved red hammer and sickle flags and chanted slogans such as "This is a victory for peace-loving people" and "Implement the deal".

ITN Source | November 23, 2006

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