Maoists extend ceasefire by one month in Nepal

KATHMANDU, Friday (AFP) - Maoist insurgents Friday extended a unilateral ceasefire by one month after joining political efforts to restore democracy in Nepal, their leader said.

"Despite the provocative attitude of the government forces, our party has decided to extend the ceasefire by one month, taking into account the demands of the national and international communities for democracy," said rebel leader Prachanda, alias the Fierce One, in a statement sent to AFP.

A three-month unilateral ceasefire called by the Maoists ended on December 2 and leftist parties have planned a major protest for democracy in Kathmandu later in the day.

Meanwhile Nepal's King Gyanendra faces a fresh challenge to his rule on his return home from Africa on Friday after the main political parties and Maoist rebels joined hands to end absolute monarchy and restore democracy.

The impoverished Himalayan kingdom has been mired in political turmoil since the king fired the multi-party government on February. 1, seized power and curbed political dissent.

Last week, the seven main political parties unveiled a loose alliance with the Maoists aimed at returning Nepal to democratic rule.

King Gyanendra, isolated internationally, has been touring Africa after attending a South Asian summit in Dhaka in November.

On his return, he is expected to meet loyalists to formulate the government's first official response to the deal.

"How he responds to the understanding between the seven parties and the Maoists is key," political analyst C.K. Lal said.

"The king can't delay a calibrated response to their concerns."

Britain, the United States and neighbour India have suspended weapon supplies to Nepal to protest the king's power seizure, affecting the ability of the Nepali army to fight the rebels.

The Communist Party of Nepal-UML, the second biggest political party, has planned a protest rally on Friday to highlight the accord with the Maoists and press for democracy.

The rebels have vowed to rejoin the political process after the restoration of democracy and are using a three-month unilateral truce to build trust with the parties.

"This is a real chance to bring the Maoists into the mainstream while they are still united and can bring their armed cadre with them," Brussels-based International Crisis Group said.