Nepal parties says guerrillas must renounce violence

Nepal’s political parties today rejected on offer from communist rebels to help the campaign to restore democracy in the Himalayan nation, saying the guerrillas must renounce violence before the two groups can unite to challenge King Gyanendra.

“Ours is a peaceful movement while theirs is using guns,” said Ram Sharan Mahat of the Nepali Congress party. ”There can be some kind of alliance only if they give up arms and join our peaceful movement.”