Nepal rebels declare three-month cease-fire

Nepal's Maoist rebels declared a three-month unilateral cease-fire from Thursday and said the move reflected their desire for the formation of a special assembly to write a new constitution.

"Our party believes that this declaration will highly respect the aspiration for the constituent assembly, a democratic republic and peace that is seen on the street."

"Our People's Liberation Army will not carry out any offensive military action during this period and will remain defensive," - Prachanda, rebel chief