Nepal rebels extend ceasefire by three months .

KATHMANDU - Nepal's Maoist rebels extended their ceasefire by three months on Friday in a bid to support peace talks aimed at ending their decade-old insurgency that has killed thousands.
The extension came hours before the truce -- declared after King Gyanendra ended his absolute rule in April -- was due to expire.
"Expressing the commitment and responsibility (for peace) our party has extended the ceasefire for another three months," Maoist chief Prachanda said in a statement.
He said an eight-point understanding between the rebels and the government last month was key to establishing lasting peace and ensuring progress in the impoverished country.
"But the government and seven political parties are trying to back out from it under different pretexts," he said.
"We strongly urge the government to show eagerness to advance the peace talks ... otherwise we will be forced to declare another strong peaceful movement," Prachanda said.
The rebels have been upset in recent weeks over what they say is a delay by the multi-party interim government of Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala to push the pace of peace talks and accused his coalition of trying to preserve status quo.
The rebels and the government have also differed over a government plan to seek the help of the
United Nations' to disarm the Maoist army in the run up to elections to draft a new constitution and decide Nepal's future.
The ceasefire extension came as Maoist representatives began talks with a team of U.N. officials on how the world body could assist the peace process in the troubled Himalayan country.
Officials said the meeting had started at an undisclosed location. They did not elaborate.
The seven-member U.N. team, headed by Staffan de Mistura, arrived in Nepal on Thursday and met Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Khadga Prasad Oli.
"This is an assessment mission that needs to understand the position of all interlocutors," de Mistura said on Thursday.
The rebels are demanding an immediate dissolution of the reinstated parliament and the formation of an interim government that would include them.
They also say that they are ready to keep their fighters and weapons under U.N. supervision but will not surrender them.
The Maoists have been fighting since 1996 to topple the monarchy -- a conflict that has killed more than 13,000 people so far.

poems here....

Without any pre-established formula: Mistura

Head of the United Nations Mission to Nepal, Staffan de Mistura, has said the Mission has not come to Nepal with any pre-established formulas or
Talking to reporters at the Tribhuvan International Airport upon his arrival on Thursday, Mistura said as it shares its expertise and explains the UN's method of work the Mission would also be taking close note of the particular needs and characteristics of Nepal.
The people of Nepal have demonstrated their desire for peace, and the United Nations is committed to helping them achieve that goal. The Mission is hopeful that through dialogue with all concerned it will be possible to arrive at a common understanding about the UN role in the peace process in Nepal, he said.
Miatura said during its stay, the seven-member mission would carry out a broad agenda of meetings. In addition to its contacts with the Nepal government and the CPN (Maoist), it will also meet with leaders of political parties and members of the parliament, civil society leaders, media and the representatives of the international community.
"Through consultations with all concerned, the Mission seeks to forge a common understanding about the scope and nature of the UN role in the peace process," he added.
A press statement issued by Mistura after his arrival in Kathmandu said, “The inclusive nature of our consultations is fundamental. When the United Nations takes part in a peace process, it does so on the basis of the shared understanding of its role among the different parties to the conflict.”
The UN representative said clarity among all concerned sides is “absolutely essential if the UN is to play an effective role as an impartial third party in Nepal”.
The UN Mission comprises of personnel with expertise in the peace process in countries around the world and covers political affairs, military and police matters, electoral assistance and human rights. The Mission will work mainly in Katmandu but its members may also carry out visits to the interior of the country, according to the press release.
After completing its work in Nepal, Mistura’s team will report to the UN Secretary-General, Kofi Annan, on its findings.
“Events have been moving rapidly in Nepal and the United Nations shares the sense of urgency about maintaining momentum in the peace process while ensuring that peace is built on a solid foundation,” he said in the statement, expressing hope that consultations with the concerned sides will result in a common understanding about the role of the world body in Nepal’s peace process.

visit this ..........