United Nations: With peace talks between the Nepalese government and the Maoists faltering, United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan has asked them to continue efforts to find an enduring solution to the conflict and offered assistance in helping take the process forward.

Annan "welcomes the continued expression by the government and the Maoists of their commitment to a peaceful solution, appreciates the intense efforts that are ongoing at present to overcome the hurdles and urges the parties to persist with these efforts to bring the process back on track," his spokesman said on July 30.

The Secretary General, he said, has been following "with keen interest" the peace process in Nepal, in which the government and the Communist Party-Maoist have for the last several months been engaged in negotiations to find a peaceful solution to the conflict.

"While a ceasefire that came into effect in January of this year (2003) has been holding and the sides have engaged in a series of formal and informal discussions, the process has faced serious obstacles in recent weeks and has reached a critical stage," he added.

The Secretary General, he said, remains at the disposal of Nepal to assist the achievement of a negotiated peaceful solution.

PTI