Kofi Annan welcomes ceasefire extension

December 3, 2005
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United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan has welcomed the decision of the Maoists to extend their unilateral by one more month.

(UN) Secretary General Kofi Annan

UN Secretary General Kofi Annan (File Photo)
“The Secretary-General welcomes the news that the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) has decided to extend by one month the unilateral ceasefire that it had declared in September,” read a statement issued by Annan’s spokesman within hours after Maoist chairman Prachanda announced to extend the truce period on Friday.

It further said, “It will be recalled that the Secretary-General had recently called for an extension and urged His Majesty’s Government of Nepal to reciprocate the ceasefire.”

Owing to mounting pressure from the political parties, the civil society and the international community, the Maoist chairman announced to extend the three-month long unilateral ceasefire declared on September 3.

In a statement on Thursday, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Louise Arbour had raised serious concern about the possible resumption of full-scale armed conflict in Nepal. Pointing out the possibility of massive rise in violation of human rights and freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, the UN rights chief had called on the rebel side to extend the ceasefire and the government to reciprocate.