Nepal's Maoists agree peace deal

Rebel arms had been a sticking point in the talks

The Nepalese government and Maoist rebels have agreed a peace deal aimed at ending the 10-year insurgency.

The agreement will see the rebels join a transitional government, while their arms will be put under UN supervision.

One major issue causing disagreement - the future of the monarchy - will be solved by a constituent assembly to be elected next year.

Government negotiators told the BBC the agreement covered all issues affecting Nepal's future.

The Maoists entered into negotiations with the government after a popular uprising in April forced King Gyanendra to end his direct rule and appoint a multi-party government.

The decade-long conflict with the rebels has left around 13,000 dead.

Parliament expanded

The BBC's Charles Haviland in Kathmandu says the deal was reached late at night after weeks of uncompromising hard work.

With this agreement Nepal has entered into a new era Deputy rebel commander Ananta Will peace deal work? Nepal deal details [36KB] Most computers will open this document automatically, but you may need Adobe Reader Download the reader here

Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala and rebel leader Prachanda led the negotiating teams.

Government negotiator Ram Chandra Poudel said it had "opened the doors to build a new Nepal".

"Our party sees this as a historic agreement. With this agreement Nepal has entered into a new era," rebel deputy commander Ananta told AFP news agency.

Under the deal, a transitional government would be formed at the beginning of December.

Even sooner, the current parliament will be expanded to take on 73 Maoist members, only two fewer than the biggest party.

The future of the already disempowered monarchy will be determined at the first gathering of a constituent assembly due to be elected by next June.

The institution's fate will be decided by a simple majority.

The Maoists have been pressing for the monarchy's immediate suspension, but our correspondent says that will not happen.

Parallel structures

Before the assembly election the rebels will be confined to seven camps.

HAVE YOUR SAY I think that the people in Nepal are democracy-loving and will achieve it in the end Salbu Krishnan, UK Send us your comments

They will keep the keys to their weapons but will be separated from them and the locks will be closely monitored by the UN. The Maoist army is due to enter the camps within 15 days.

Parallel government structures set up by the rebels in the parts of the country they control will be disbanded.

A senior politician told the BBC that after that kidnappings and extortion - activities of which the Maoists are still widely accused - will be strictly treated as a criminal offence under the accord's provisions.

Everyone will be treated according to the law, he said.