It is quite clear that the Nepalese people want a swift end to the conflict and instability, and the immediate restoration of democracy. The loss of life and denial of legitimate rights should end without delay.

The people of Nepal have benefited from the de-escalation of violence in the last four months and they would bear the brunt of a renewal in fighting. In the interest of peace and the welfare of civilians throughout the country, the Secretary-General therefore reiterates his strong appeal to the Government of Nepal to reciprocate the ceasefire and to the CPN-M to extend its unilateral ceasefire. The United Nations stands ready to assist in the realization of this objective should the parties so desire.

He strongly encourages the CPN-M to extend its unilateral ceasefire beyond December and to fulfil its commitment to human rights. He also urges the declaration of a reciprocal ceasefire by the Government of King Gyanendra.

The Secretary-General remains ready to assist in any manner that would help bring about a peaceful resolution of the conflict.

23 December 2004
With reports of an escalation in fighting and continued grave human rights violations emanating from Nepal, United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan today called for a quick end to hostilities and the start of talks between the Government and Maoist forces in the Himalayan kingdom.

The following statement was issued by the Spokesman for Secretary-General Kofi Annan:

The Secretary-General is deeply troubled by reports of an escalation of fighting in Nepal and of continued grave human rights violations. The conflict is undermining democracy and human rights and seriously hindering development activities.

Reports that human rights defenders in Nepal face grave threats to their safety and security are very disturbing. The safety and ability of the National Human Rights Commission and all human rights activists to carry out their essential work should be guaranteed. In that regard, the recent signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between His Majesty's Government of Nepal and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights is a welcome step.

The Secretary-General once again calls for an urgent cessation of fighting and the initiation of dialogue between the Government and the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) with the participation of all political and civil forces. He stands ready to assist such a national effort.

The Secretary-General considers this to be a positive first step towards the possible resumption of a peace process in Nepal, which he believes to be a matter of urgent importance. He strongly encourages the Government and Maoists to extend the suspension of hostilities beyond the holiday period in the interest of peace and the restoration of a degree of normalcy, which ordinary Nepalese citizens desperately need.

The Secretary-General remains at the disposal of Nepal to assist in any manner that would lead to the peaceful resolution of the conflict in Nepal.

The Secretary-General does not believe there is a military solution to the conflict. He appeals to His Majesty's Government of Nepal and the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) to take immediate steps to end the fighting and resume the peace process with the participation of all political and civil forces in the country.

The Secretary-General continues to be available to assist the search for a solution in any manner the parties consider useful.