Sunday, Apr 30, 2006
International
Yechury wants Maoists to help build new Nepal http://www.hindu.com/2006/04/30/stories/2006043023121200.htm
Describes three-month ceasefire as positive
Kathmandu: Describing as "positive" the three-month ceasefire declared by Maoists, CPI (M) leader Sitaram Yechury on Saturday hoped the rebels would join the political process and help build a new democratic Nepal.
"It is very encouraging that the Nepalese Maoists have announced a unilateral ceasefire. I am very hopeful that the Maoists will come to peaceful politics," Mr. Yechury said. He lauded the rebels for withdrawing their blockades targeting Kathmandu and the district headquarters.
If the Seven Party Alliance and the Maoists have mutual trust there was no need for international observers to conduct the Constituent Assembly elections, he said.
However, the CPI (M) Polit Bureau member said India would have no objection if the Nepalese people wished to bring in an international monitoring team for the smooth conduct of polls.
Replying to a question, he said, that if the Nepal Government made an official request to India for the release of Maoists detained in Indian jails, New Delhi was likely to oblige in the changed context. "If the Nepal government withdraws the terrorist tag from the Maoists, then under new legal provisions India should release them," he added. - PTI
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