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Maoists Suspend Kathmandu Blockade: 3/20/06

And Pledge Support for Mass Pro-Democracy Rallies, April 6-9

Kathmandu, March 20, 2006: The Maoists of Nepal have agreed to suspend their blockade of Kathmandu for the next three weeks and support a four day mobilization by Nepal’s democratic parties, called for April 6. Below, the second memorandum of understanding between the Seven Parties Alliance of democratic parties, and the CPN (Maoists)

Everyone is well aware of the 12-point understanding reached between the seven party alliance and the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) on November 22, 2005 for loktantra, peace, prosperity, forward thinking, and national independence. The understanding created a nationwide wave which completely defeated the February 8 municipal polls orchestrated by the autocratic regime. This failure leaves no doubt that the understanding has been endorsed by the people. The widespread international support for the 12-point understanding also proves that it is the real foundation for the resolution of the conflict. On this occasion we express our strong commitment for the firm implementation of the understanding from all quarters.

We would like to once again recall that the seven parties are fully convinced that the force of the movement will restore parliament which in turn will form an all powerful interim government and conduct constituent assembly elections on the basis of dialogue and agreement with the Maoists. Such elections will end the conflict, establish loktantra, and restore people's sovereign and state power. The Maoist feel and are committed that an interim government formed by a national conference of democratic forces and the constituent assembly elections conducted by it can lead to the above-mentioned political goal. We [political parties and Maoists] have agreed that we will continue dialogue on this procedural issue and reach a common agreement.

We have agreed that the People's Movement is the only means to achieve our goal. We appeal to all the democratic forces, civil society, professional groups, marginalized and oppressed people, the press and public to actively take part in the ongoing peaceful movement that will establish absolute democracy which will restore people's sovereignty and state power through constituent assembly elections. Likewise we would like to appeal to the international community to provide all support in our attempt to end the 10-year old armed conflict and establish peace and loktantra by ending Nepal's autocratic monarchy.

Together with this understanding, Seven Party Alliance has made a call for a non-cooperation movement and massive mass mobilization programs on April 6, 7, 8, and 9 in Kathmandu. The SPA has also requested CPN (Maoists) to withdraw its ongoing blockade programs and extend its full support to the SPA programs.

In response to the SPA's demand, CPN (M) has issued a statement agreed to withdraw the ongoing blockade programs effective from tomorrow and extended its full support and cooperation to the April 6,7,8 and 9 SPA's Kathmandu-centered agitation programs.

The Statement was signed by

Girija Prasad Koirala            President - Nepali Congress


Amrit Kumar Bohara             Acting G.S. – CPN (UML)


Sher Bahadur Deuba            President – Nepali Congress (D)


Lila Mani Pokhrel            Vice President – Janamorcha Nepal


Narayan Man Bijuchhe            President – NWPP


Rajendra Mahato            G. S. – NSP


Nanda Kumar Prasai            President – ULF


Prachanda, President of CPN (Maoists) has issued a same
 statement signing separately.