Tuesday, September 6 2005 11:36 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

United Nations: Favouring an 'inclusive' dialogue to resolve the Maoist problem in violence-ravaged Nepal, United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Kofi Annan has expressed his readiness to help in peace efforts there.

In a statement, Annan said he had taken note of the appeal addressed to him by a large number of non-Governmental and civil society representatives in Nepal requesting his good offices to help find a peaceful solution to the conflict there, adding, that he had made known to all interested parties his availability to help in the search for a solution.

"The appeal reflects the deep desire of the people of Nepal to see an urgent end to the conflict that has brought them profound suffering," Annan said yesterday (Sept 5, 2005).

Referring to Maoists' decision to announce a three-month ceasefire, he asked all parties to initiate an 'inclusive' dialogue with a view to resolving the underlying causes of the conflict.

He expressed the hope that various parties will take all measures which lead to peace talks and a lasting peace that people of the country crave and deserve.

In July, Annan had sent his special envoy Lakhdar Brahimi to the Himalayan Kingdom.