Chief of the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in Nepal, Ian Martin, has urged both the state and the Maoist to formulate a code of conduct to ob observed during the ceasefire and stick to that.

Speaking at a press meet organised by the Regional Office of the UN OHCHR in Nepalgunj on Friday, Martin said both the warring sides must formulate and respect a code of conduct to prove their sincerity towards peace negotiations and offer a peaceful outlet of the Maoist insurgency.

He further said that the recent people’s movement in Nepal had provided a big opportunity for establishing durable peace in the country.

Martin the OHCHR was investigating the suppression of pro-democracy demonstrators in the course of the people’s movement.

In reply to a query by journalists, Martin said the United Nations was ready to play a role in the government-Maoist talks if sought by both the sides. “The UN is ready to offer its good offices for the resolution of the problem if both the government and the Maoists ask for it,” he said.

Asked to comment on the show of strength by the Maoists and the security personnel even after the announcement of ceasefire, Martin said, “Demonstration of weapons does not bode well. A code of conduct needs to be formulated and both the parties should adhere to it.”