Comprehensive peace accord signed

The government and the Maoists have signed the peace accord this evening, declaring the end of the decade-long Maoist war in the country.
Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala and Maoist supremo Prachanda signed the historic accord at the Birendra International Convention Centre (BICC) at Baneshwor at 8:30 p.m. this evening.
Details to follow in a short while.
Meanwhile, a statement from the US Embassy in Kathmandu a short while later, welcoming the peace accord said, "The US Embassy welcomes the announcement of a comprehensive peace agreement between the Government of Nepal and the Maoists. We hope this step will 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 further states, "This means violence, intimidation, and criminal acts -- such as forced recruitment of cadre and extortion -- must end. The Nepali people, who have lived in fear for 11 years, deserve a chance to live without fear and choose their form of government in fair elections."