United Nations (UN) Secretary- General Kofi Annan's personal representative Ian Martin has said that there has been delay to start work by the UN team as the Nepali government and the guerrillas failed to find a consensus in the key political issues and to fix the mandate of the team's work.

Speaking at the 61st United Nations Day in Kathmandu on Friday, Martin said that they will formally start their work of assisting Nepal's peace process once the ruling Seven-Party Alliance government and the guerrillas reach a consensus in major political issues.

"Signing of the human rights accords and extensive cease-fire agreement is a must to move the peace process in a positive direction," Martin added.

He further said that the plights of the conflict victims and rehabilitation of the conflict-affected children should not be neglected in the peace process.

He also revealed that he had not only discussed the issue of arms management but also the whole peace process with Indian officials during his recent trip to India.

Martin also added that they are also holding consultations with China about Nepal's peace process.

Source: Xinhua