This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/world/south_asia/6169746.stm

The article has changed 6 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Nepal signs accord with rebels The civil war 'is over' in Nepal
(about 1 hour later)
The government of Nepal and Maoist guerrillas have signed a peace accord, declaring a formal end to a 10-year rebel insurgency. The government of Nepal and Maoist guerrillas have signed a historic peace accord, declaring a formal end to a 10-year rebel insurgency.
Under the deal, the rebels will join a transitional government and their weapons will be under UN supervision. Under the deal, the rebels will join a transitional government and their weapons will be under UN monitoring.
More than 13,000 people have been killed in violence in Nepal since the insurgency began a decade ago. Both sides have been accused of human rights abuses in fighting that has left more than 13,000 people dead.
Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala and Maoist rebel leader Prachanda signed the deal in Kathmandu.Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala and Maoist rebel leader Prachanda signed the deal in Kathmandu.
End to conflict
"This ends the more than one decade of civil war in the country," Prachanda said after the deal was signed."This ends the more than one decade of civil war in the country," Prachanda said after the deal was signed.
This moment marks the end of the 238-year-old feudal system Maoist leader Prachanda
The country's multi-party government and the Maoist rebels have been observing a ceasefire for more than six months since they co-ordinated mass protests that forced King Gyanendra to restore parliament and end direct rule.The country's multi-party government and the Maoist rebels have been observing a ceasefire for more than six months since they co-ordinated mass protests that forced King Gyanendra to restore parliament and end direct rule.
The BBC's Charles Haviland in Kathmandu says that the agreement brings an end to years of bloody conflict.
The Maoists are now due to move into parliament and government, abandoning their guerrilla status.
Our correspondent says that the agreement has been expected for several days, but is nonetheless historic.
Celebratory atmosphere
"The war is over," declared the chief government negotiator, Krishna Sitaula, as he read out the agreement reached after tortuous negotiations.
He said the ceasefires declared by both sides six months ago had become permanent.
Arms belonging to the rebels will be kept under UN supervision
Anyone committing violent acts from now on would be punished, Mr Sitaula added.
In a celebratory atmosphere, the peace agreement was made public at a large gathering of politicians, diplomats and civil society leaders in Kathmandu.
"This moment marks the end of the 238-year-old feudal system," 52-year-old Prachanda declared.
"Our party will work with new responsibility and new vigour to make a new Nepal."
Nepalese Prime Minister GP Koirala was equally ecstatic.
"The agreement has ended the politics of killings, violence and terror and started the politics of cooperation.
"I would like to thank Prachanda as well for finding a peaceful solution. Nepal has entered into a new era and it has opened the door for peace."
"Now we need to meet together in cooperation and understanding to make sure this agreement is fully implemented," the 85-year-old premier said.