Monday, September 25 2006 10:50 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Kathmandu: A top Maoist leader yesterday (Sept 24,2006) hailed India's role in signing of a crucial agreement between the rebels and the seven major political parties of Nepal for the joint movement against King Gyanendra which led to restoration of democracy.

India played a crucial role in signing the 12-point pact.

The accord could not be have been possible without its support, number two leader of CPN-Maoist Baburam Bhattarai said.

Accusing the SPA government of not paying attention to the issue of democratising the Nepalese Army, Bhattarai said this was a major obstacle in holding summit talks and gave rise to a political deadlock.

Monarchy is the major hindrance in "state restructuring process", he said at a function here.

Bhattarai also flayed the international community for advocating monarchy and referred to American Ambassador to Nepal James F Moriarty's statement in which he raised concern over Maoists' arms management.

He alleged unnecessary interference on the part of international communities had played a pivotal role in obstructing the peace process.

An Indian expert on Nepal S D Muni said empowering national forces of the country was important to keep the international pressure and interference at bay.