Opposition Puts Guns Aside, Joins New Democratic Process in Nepal
November 27, 2006, International Herald Tribune

Maoist rebels in Nepal have agreed to put their weapons aside and join an interim government that will organize elections for next year.  The elections will form an assembly to decide the future form of government in Nepal following the overthrow of King Gyanemdra’s monarchy in April by a coalition of Maoists and opposition political parties.  Soon after King Gyanemdra was removed from power the formerly elected parliament was re-instated after being disbanded by the monarch last year.

The peace treaty comes after a decade of fighting that has claimed the lives of thousands.  The rebels have agreed to lock up their weapons but “keep the key,” allowing for the United Nations to monitor the caches.  Maoist leader Prachanda says that if the monarchy is re-instated in the elections next year his group “would continue to press for its abolition- but would do some peacefully.”

Prachanda also says he seeks to integrate his men into a national army, which has returned to the barracks as part of the accord.  He has indicated his commitment to the democratic process claiming that “we are not dogmatic Communists, and we are prepared to change and debate our beliefs with anybody.”  The Maoists, formerly a political party before the armed resistance, will run in the elections next year.

King Gyanemdra has been found “responsible for human rights abuses against the pro-democracy protesters” and is awaiting punishment.  As part of the peace treaty Nepal will setup a truth and reconciliation committee to investigate human rights violations during the conflict.