Thursday, April 28 2005 15:20 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: The United Nations is sending a Human Rights team to Nepal to monitor the situation there, UN Secretary General Kofi Annan today (Apr 28, 2005) said.

Responding to questions on developments in Nepal at a press conference in New Delhi at the end of his three-day visit, Annan said that he has been in touch with King Gyanendra and told him about the need to return to constitutional rule "as early as possible."

It was made clear to the King that political parties in Nepal should be allowed to resume their activities. "In my discussions (with the King), I hoped this will happen," the UN chief said. He was asked about the arrest of political leaders, including former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba in Kathmandu.

On defence supplies to Nepal, he said individual countries have their own policies but "as UN, we discourage transfer of arms" to any conflict area. However, sometimes legitimate authorities needed equipment and weapons for law and order purposes and so a decision has to be made by the concerned countries, he said.

Annan said that the UN was prepared to do more in Nepal if so required.

The Nepal developments figured during talks Annan had with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, External Affairs Minister K Natwar Singh and other leaders In New Delhi.