United Nations Radio

The United Nations Mission in Nepal (UNMIN) has made it clear to the leadership of the Communist Party of Nepal that according to an agreement they have signed, Maoist members are not allowed to carry weapons at meetings outside their cantonments.

UNMIN says it recognizes the importance of adequate security arrangements for leaders and candidates of all parties participating in the elections, but stresses that special arrangements to protect the Maoist leaders were agreed upon between the Government and the Maoists.

The UN Security Council on Thursday expressed hope that the upcoming elections for the Constituent Assembly in Nepal will be free and fair and called on all parties to prevent violence. In another development in Nepal, 20Tibetan young people aged between 15 and 18 climbed into the UN Compound this morning. UN Spokesperson Michele Montas:

"They were met by security and UN staff to whom they peacefully presented a banner with slogans along the lines of "Free Tibet". They apologized for coming inside the compound. They were given lunch and will be taken home later in the day. The UN has asked authorities that no action be taken against the children."

Earlier the UN Human Rights Office in Nepal called on the government to refrain from using force against peaceful protesters.

Reporting for UN Radio, I'm Bissera Kostova.