Analysts hail Nepal arms deal but warn of tough days ahead

NEPAL: Analysts Thursday hailed an accord between Maoist rebels and Nepal's government on monitoring each other's fighters and weapons but warned that tougher days in their peace process still lie ahead.

The parties reached the landmark deal during talks Wednesday between rebel leader Prachanda and Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala on the arms dispute, which had threatened a three-month ceasefire and power-sharing plans.

Under the agreement, the rebels would confine their soldiers and weapons to camps in the countryside and the army would stay in barracks, while United Nations civilians would monitor both sides.

"We have agreed on a UN letter asking assistance in monitoring and managing arms and armies of both sides," said Home Minister Krishna Prasad Sitaula in announcing the deal late Wednesday .

Arrangements would be worked out among the parties and the United Nations, the minister said.

"The deal between the government and the rebels is encouraging but tough days are ahead as they are yet to address the modalities of arms management and the possible tie-up in the political process after the management of the arms," said Murari Raj Sharma, Nepal's former permanent representative to the UN.

"Both the government and the Maoists should show flexibility while settling the arms issues. Rigidity on either side may help collapse the whole peace process," Sharma said.

"Keeping in view the fast-moving peace process, sustainable peace is likely in the near future but the tough task on rebel arms and armies settlement needs to be done before the constituent assembly elections," he added.

Rabindra Khanal, political science professor at Tribhuvan University, hailed the deal as a "positive sign".

"It shows that the level of confidence and trust between the two sides has increased for the cause of peace," he said.

"The rebels have felt secure on arms management and it is a very good sign. In principle they have agreed to UN assistance but the modalities have not been worked out so it needs to be seen how they move ahead in the future," he said.

Guna Raj Luitel, a news editor with Kantipur media group, said the deal would pave the way for the rebels and the government to proceed in a planned manner in ending the conflict.

"Although complications are ahead they have now entered into the main agenda of arms management," said Luitel.

"The political parties still doubt the Maoists and the rebels too are suspicious about the activities of the Nepal Army. The biggest challenge is to foster good rapport with all forces on managing arms," Luitel said.

"The UN's role will be significant as they have lots of experience in bailing out (countries) from armed conflict," he said.

The latest peace effort is the third time the government and the rebels have tried to end the insurgency which has claimed more than 12,500 lives since 1996.

Kathmandu, Friday, AFP