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Britain cautiously welcomes alliance-Maoist pact

Britain has cautiously welcomed the 12-point agreement between the seven agitating parties and the Maoists.

A press statement issued by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office of the United Kingdom released by the British Embassy in Kathmandu said, “If by this agreement the Maoists commit to giving up violence and human rights abuses in favor of a democratic political settlement, then this is welcome news for the long suffering people of Nepal.”

The Maoists had agreed to shun politics of violence and join the political mainstream for the restoration of total democracy in the country in 12-point agreement reached between Maoists and alliance of seven opposition political parties.

The statement urged the Maoists to extend ceasefire unconditionally to create conducive environment for peace talks, adding, “We continue to support the transition of the Maoists back into a mainstream political parties but this process must include the renunciation of violence and decommissioning of weapons.”

“We also repeat the message delivered by the EU Troika in October that extortion, abductions and other human rights abuses, as well as disruption of development work must also cease immediately,” the statement added.

Britain also urged the King to reach out to the political parties with a view of finding an agreed way forward and an end to the conflict.

Urging the government to reciprocate the unilateral ceasefire declared by the Maoists on September 3 to find a peaceful outlet of the Maoist insurgency, the statement said, “We urge the King and the government of Nepal to declare a ceasefire and begin serious engagement on a negotiated settlement to the conflict.” nepalnews.com pb Nov 28 05