Nepal celebrates peace deal that ends decade-long conflict with rallies

(AP) Rallies celebrating Nepal's peace deal swept the impoverished Himalayan country Wednesday, and King Gyanendra accepted the pact between the government and communist rebels who had jointly forced him to give up his authoritarian rule.

The unexpected announcement by the royal palace followed the agreement reached by the rebels and seven-party government, marking the end of a 10-year insurgency that killed more than 13,000 people.

"His Majesty the king is pleased that a peace agreement has been concluded in keeping with the nation's needs and people's aspirations," the statement said.

The king "appreciated the contributions of all those involved in bringing to an end bloodshed, violence and terrorism through the peace accord and hopes that by ensuring sustainable peace, a prosperous Nepal can now be built," the statement said.

Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala and Maoist rebel leader Prachanda, who uses a single name, signed the accord Tuesday.

On Wednesday, schools, offices and businesses were closed after the government declared a public holiday.

Thousands of men, women and schoolchildren took to the streets in celebratory rallies around the country to mark the signing of the accord, which many hope will help bring peace and stability to the impoverished nation.

Thousands of political activists and citizens gathered in the heart of Katmandu, waving banners and chanting slogans.

"Victory is ours! Long live people's democracy and peaceful Nepal," they chanted.

There were reports of similar rallies in other parts of the country.

The agreement came after months of negotiations focused on how to disarm the insurgents and usher them into the government, which they helped bring to power by backing mass protests in April against Gyanendra's dictatorship.

The rebels are pledging to shun violence and work on a campaign of peace to build a new Nepal.

The international community, meanwhile, hailed the deal.

The United Nations, which will provide monitors at camps where rebel fighters and their weapons will be confined, said the accord was a key step forward in the peace process.

The U.S. Embassy in Nepal said it hoped the accord would place Nepal "on the path of lasting peace and democracy."

"We want the peace process to work and we pledge our full support. We support an agreement that safeguards the aspirations of the Nepali people," the embassy said.

Neighboring India said it believes the agreement reflects the Nepalese people's overwhelming desire for peace and stability.

"We hope that this agreement brings to an end the politics and culture of violence, and heralds the beginning of a lasting peace in order to let the people of Nepal exercise their right to decide their destiny through free and fair elections, without intimidation," said a statement from India's foreign ministry.

More than 13,000 people were killed in the 10 years before a cease-fire was declared in April following weeks of mass pro-democracy protests that forced Gyanendra to restore Parliament, which he had shut 14 months earlier.

The accord came a day after a government commission blamed Gyanendra for the brutal crackdown on the April protests that left 19 people dead, and recommended he be punished.

Under the deal, the rebels will join the interim parliament by Nov. 26 and will get 73 of the chamber's 330 seats. Koirala's Nepali Congress will remain the biggest party with 85 seats, and the Maoists will share second place with the Communist Party of Nepal. The rest of the seats will be held by other smaller parties.

Gyanendra seized total power in February 2005, saying he would bring order to a chaotic and corrupt political scene and quell the Maoist insurgency.

Since restoring Parliament, Gyanendra has been stripped of his powers, his command over the army, and his immunity from prosecution.