UNITED NATIONS, April 27 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan is encouraged by the positive development in Nepal, UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said Thursday.

    In a statement released by his spokesman, Annan said he is heartened by the recent positive developments in Nepal.

    "He considers the royal proclamation of April 24 reinstating Parliament as a positive step that opens the door for a political process to end the decade-old conflict and address its underlying causes on the basis of wishes of the Nepali people," Dujarric said.

    The spokesman noted that the secretary-general also welcomes the three-month cease-fire in Nepal as a step that will further ease the suffering of ordinary Nepalese and foster confidence between the soon-to-be-formed Government and the rebels.

    "He trusts that the cease-fire will be reciprocated and that both sides will continue to exercise restraint and wisdom in managing what will be a complex democratic transition through patient dialogue," Dujarric added. Enditem