Nepal peace deal
The 10-year revolt in Nepal has reached a critical new stage. The Peoples ’ Liberation Army (PLA), led by the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) (CPN(M)) has reached a power-sharing agreement with the democratic bourgeois forces in the country, known as the Seven Party Alliance (SPA). Members of the CPN(M) will take positions in a temporary cabinet where they will share ministerial posts equally with the SPA. In return the PLA agreed to have its weapons monitored by the UN. In a unique arrangement, the PLA’s weapons have been put in storage and are monitored by UN officials. However, the PLA have the keys to the store rooms. The PLA has also agreed to remain in five base camps around the country. The Nepalese Army (known until recently as the Royal Nepalese Army) has agreed not to undertake any manoeuvres. The PLA has not laid down its arms and it is not considering decommissioning. 10,000 people have been killed during the past 10 years. The CPN(M) is exploring a peaceful end to the conflict after mass mobilisations in April forced the king to restore parliamentary rule.
Andrew Alexander
FRFI 194 December 2006 / January 2007
