The government of India and the US have welcomed the agreement reached between the ruling seven party alliance (SPA) and the Maoists.

The Indian government has described the agreements as a victory for the people of Nepal.

A press statement issued by the Minister of External Affairs of India Pranab Mukherjee said, “We welcome this significant step in Nepal’s democratic progress to a settled constitutional order in which the people of Nepal can realize their aspirations for peace and prosperity. We expect these decisions to place Nepal on the path of reconciliation, peace, stability and economic recovery.”

The statement further said that India is looking forward to the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement between the Government of Nepal and the CPN (Maoist) on 16 November 2006.

Stating that the people of Nepal must have the right to freely choose and decide their own destiny and future without fear of the gun, Mukharjee further said, “India stands ready, as always, to extend its full support to the efforts of the Government and people of Nepal.”

Similarly a statement issued by the US Embassy in Kathmandu also welcomed the agreement reached between the ruling SPA and Maoists.

“The US Embassy welcomes the announcement that the Government of Nepal and the Maoists have reached agreement on addressing key political and security issues,” the statement said, adding, “We especially congratulate the Nepali people, who have supported this process and who deserve a lasting peace and a transparent and democratic system of government.”

Stating that the success of any final agreement will depend on its details and their implementation, the statement said, “The agreement must diminish the fear of violence, intimidation, and extortion that the people of Nepal have endured over the past 11 years. In this regard, effective monitoring that includes penalties for violators will prove essential.”

The statement further said that like other friends of Nepal, the Embassy will follow developments here closely. The United States is committed to help Nepal build a peaceful, prosperous, and democratic future for its people,” the release reads further.

The ruling SPA and Maoists on Tuesday signed a historic deal paving way for formal entry of the Maoists into the peaceful political mainstream.