Speaking to the press Friday, Landgren also expressed deep concerns about the high possibility of escalating violence in days ahead. She said, "Nepal´s unique national peace process has arrived at a difficult phase. There are grave concerns about the direction that it may take in the coming days."[break]
Pointing that major cities across the country expect large May Day rallies and celebrations, she said, "But after May 1, the situation is unpredictable, and may seriously endanger the peace process."
Landgren urged the political parties to come to an agreement quickly before the situation escalates. "The major parties have indicated publicly, and also emphasized to me, their willingness to reach an agreement," she added.
Landgren met with Chairman of UCPN (Maoist) Pushpa Kamal Dahal and Chairman of CPN-UML Jhalanath Khanal before the press meet. She said Dahal told her that there are chances of an agreement before May 2.
She said Dahal has assured her that the demonstrations will be peaceful. She added that the government has said that "no unnecessary force will be used".
She, however, added, "I am deeply concerned that despite these peaceful intentions, potential spoilers of the peace process could provoke a clash."
Appealing to all parties and groups to exercise maximum restraint and underlining that unity amongst the parties has been the driving force of the peace process, Landgren said, "a new basis for rebuilding the confidence must be found".
Asked about the extension of UNMIN tenure, she said there has not yet been any request to the UN from the government of Nepal so far. She added that she has been told that the prime minister will take a decision on UNMIN´s term and mandate soon.
On the seizure of weapons and explosives from Maoist cadres of late, Landgren said UNMIN has already condemned the risk such incidents pose to the peace process.
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