The Nepali government, which is moving ahead for successful implementation of the multi-party democratic system, is conscious towards any activity meant for establishing peace, a high-rank official said here Friday.

Minister for Information and Communications and spokesman of the government Tanka Dhakal said in a press release that the government's attention has been drawn towards the understanding said to have been reached between the seven political parties and the anti-government guerrillas.

The seven parties of Nepal and the guerrillas' leader Prachanda disclosed a 12-point agreement on Tuesday, stating that the two sides agreed to go for the constituent assembly elections to resolve the ongoing conflict.

"If that alliance turned into an alliance of selfish interest or an unnatural alliance, it will be unfortunate for the country," Dhakal warned.

He added the royal government will not be an obstacle towards any efforts aimed at restoring peace in the country.

UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan on Wednesday welcomed the understanding that has been reached between the parties and the guerrillas.

Through a statement released by his spokesman, Annan also called for a reciprocal ceasefire by the government to help end "a conflict that has brought immense suffering to the people of Nepal. "

Over 12,000 Nepalese people have been killed since the anti- government insurgency took place in the Himalayan kingdom in February 1996.

The United States and India cautiously welcomed the 12-point agreement.

Robert Hugins, spokesperson at the US Embassy in Kathmandu, said on Wednesday that the United States cautiously welcomed the agreement.

The understanding underscored the urgency for the Nepali government to reach out to the parties and achieve common understanding on how to bring back democracy and peace in the country, he noted.

However, he expressed doubt over the agreement that did not speak of the need for guerrillas to give up violence.

India also cautiously reacted to the understanding reached between the parties and guerrillas.

"India has, on the one hand, urged the institution of monarchy to work together with political parties, and on the other, called upon guerrillas to abandon the path of violence, accept the discipline of multi-party democracy and work for a political settlement that contributes to political stability and economic prosperity of Nepal," said the spokesperson of India's Ministry of External Affairs.

However, he added, "It remains to be seen whether guerrillas of Nepal are genuinely prepared to live up to their commitments and refrains from acts of violence and extortion."

Source: Xinhua