NEPAL: Nepal's Maoist rebels said yesterday they would stop attacking public facilities in their fight to establish a communist republic.
The rebels have been widely criticised for destroying power plants and other public infrastructure in a seven-year revolt that has claimed over 7,700 lives.
Their statement, sent to Nepali newspapers, made no mention of stopping attacks on government forces.
"Sabotage of physical facilities will be stopped," the rebels' leader, Prachanda, said. The rebels, he said, would protect and maintain the facilities for the benefit of the people.
Prachanda also promised not to target national or international aid groups except those directly run by the United States. Aid groups would be allowed to work in villages after consultations with the rebels, who effectively control large swathes of the mountainous hinterland.
Last year the rebels also suspended attacks on public facilities until peace talks failed in August after the government refused their demand for a new constitution to define the role of the king. The revolt has further undermined the desperately poor economy and scared away investors and tourists alike.
Meanwhile, a British army officer released by Maoist rebels in Nepal was named last night as Adrian Griffiths. The soldier, kidnapped with a number of Nepalese men, was named by broadcaster Michael Palin, who was present when he was abducted.