Hopes rise over peace deal with ex-rebels in Nepal

(November 03, 2011) People have expressed renewed hope after Nepal’s main political parties worked out the final part of peace deal that will decide the future of former Maoist combatants. The agreement announced Tuesday brings to an end years of wrangling over what to do with the former communist rebels. A peace plan formulated six years ago between the Maoists and the government stalled over how to integrate around 19,000 Maoist soldiers into the country’s armed forces. Under the terms of the agreement, around 6,500 former fighters, who are in government-run camps, will become part of the national army. The others will get compensation amounting to between US$6,300 to $10,200. All weapons will be handed over to the state. In addition, property seized by Maoists during the long-running civil war will be returned to the original owners and a peace and reconciliation commission will be established by the end of the month. The Constituent Assembly’s term will also be extended another six months to thrash out a new constitution. The agreement has raised hopes among many that Nepal can now put the war and disputes in the past and finally move forward. But Nepal’s Bishop Anthony Sharma said: “It is too early to comment on the peace accord as an important Maoist faction is not happy. We have to wait for a day or two to see if this deal comes to be really accepted.” Pro-Vicar, Father Pius Perumana, who is also director of Caritas Nepal, said that he is happy with the accord. The UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon welcomed the agreement.