The Maoists were the uncertain quantity, and given its sway over the countryside, of which between and 70 and 80 percent were under its control, there was a lingering anxiety that they might exploit their political hold to demand more concessions as a condition for abjuring violence, which was their tactical expedient for the overall strategic aim of seeing the end of monarchy in Nepal.

What is an object lesson for all of us here is that, if the interest of the country is kept at the forefront, and if issues are addressed with maturity and prudence, no problem, however much intractable it might appear at first, will defy resolution. It is a credit to the wisdom and sagacity of the political parties in Nepal that national, and not parochial, interest determined their political position. This will surely augur well for peace and stability in the kingdom that had not seen much stability even when democratic government was at the helm. The plans to form an interim government that the rebels will also participate in, is as clear an indication as any of the Maoists intention of shunning the path of violence and to be a part of the political system as is the acknowledgement by the seven party alliance that without the Maoists no political solution to Nepal's problem is achievable.

Insofar as matters like the modalities of holding the election to the constituent assembly, sharing of power in the interim government and the disarming of the Maoists are concerned, these will, we are confident, fall in place with the help of the international community, particularly of the UN.

We wish the people of Nepal the best in their road to democracy.