Top > World > 2006 > November > 2006-11-27

Peace at Last for Nepal?

For the last decade, the beautiful landscapes of the kingdom of Nepal have been the background for a bitter battle fought between the government and Maoist rebels. 13,000 people have died in the past ten years and many felt that the killings would never end. However, there is finally hope for peace in this Himalayan region after the two sides signed an agreement to lay down their arms and begin negotiations to form a ruling entity that is acceptable to all.

As part of the agreement, the Maoist rebels would deposit their arms in United Nations monitored camps. Fighters would be interned and any taking up of arms would be punishable by the government. In return, the Maoists, who have been fighting to replace the monarchy with a republic, have agreed to government terms that state that a general election would be held in June to determine the future of the monarchy. The Maoists would also become part of an interim government ? and thus have more say in the future of the kingdom ? as early as December.

The United Nations will play a part in ensuring that the fragile peace is upheld by monitoring the weapons and camps. The UN can only legally move into place once an agreement is signed between itself and the two feuding parties. It is hoped that this agreement will be signed very soon so that the hard work ? bridging 10 years of mutual suspicion and hatred ? can finally begin.