Nepal's Maoist rebels declare ceasefire

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

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

"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."

The Maoists have been fighting to overthrow the monarchy since 1996 and at least 13,000 people have been killed in the insurgency.

- REUTERS