Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Kathmandu (Agenzia Fides) - A peace agreement was signed on 7 November by Nepal’s interim government and Maoist rebel groups which control impervious parts of the country. According to the agreement signed under the aegis of the UNO, the rebels disarm under the control of the UN and the nation will move towards elections. The parties agreed for the time being not to abolish the monarchy until the new legislative assembly is elected in June 2007.
The text foresees the installation in the first few days of December of a new government with the participation of the rebels and the creation of a transition parliament to govern until the elections.
The rebels agreed to hand in their arms and allow observers to circulate in areas controlled by them. After unsuccessful attempts to reach peace agreements in 2001 and 2003 this third negotiation, which comes after protests forced King Gyanendra to renounce absolute power, aims to restore stability in the country torn by civil strife which in ten years caused the death of 13,000 people. Observers say the agreement could mark the beginning of a new era of peace for Nepal.
“But this is only the first step”, says Pro-Apostolic Prefect, Fr. Pius Perumana, who calls for caution. “The country must build a culture of reconciliation and peace - Fr Perumana told Fides. There is still no stability. More popular protest and unrest is expected. The situation is not clear. The Nepalese want peace and democracy. We hope this agreement is the first step on this path. The people have had enough of war and violence, now they need tranquillity, prosperity and wellbeing. The small Catholic community hopes and prays that the parties will work for this goal.”. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 8/11/2006 righe 28 parole 287)
