Kathmandu: The Embassy of the Russian federation in Nepal through a press release issued on April 29 states that Moscow welcomes the commencement of a peaceful dialogue in Nepal.

The RF press release further states that ” We express the hope for the combining of efforts by all the responsible political forces of friendly Nepal for the attainment of national reconciliation in the interest of strengthening democracy and of the social and economic progress of the country”.

The full text of the RF press note reads as follows:

“On April 27 negotiations began in Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, between the representatives of the Government and of insurgent forces with a view to searching for ways of a peaceful political settlement of the long-standing internal armed conflict. This event had been preceded by the announcement of a cease-fire at the end of January 2003.

Moscow welcomes the commencement of a peaceful dialogue in Nepal. We express the hope for the combining of efforts by all the responsible political forces of friendly Nepal for the attainment of national reconciliation in the interest of strengthening democracy and of the social and economic progress of the country”.