The United States welcomed on Wednesday a landmark deal between Nepal's ruling parties and Maoist insurgents, hoping it would lead to peace, and a transparent and democratic system of government.
"The US welcomes the announcement that the government of Nepal and the Maoists have reached agreement on addressing key political and security issues," State department spokeswoman Nancy Beck said.
"We hope this agreement will be an important step toward establishing lasting peace and a transparent and democratic system of government," she said.
The agreement will see the Maoist rebels joining an interim government to be formed by December 1 and locking up their weapons under UN supervision.
It will end a revolt that has claimed over 12,500 lives since 1996 and the rebels' parallel government structures in large parts of Nepal.
Beck said the success of the agreement would depend on its details and implementation.
She did not say whether the Maoist insurgents would be removed from the US list of "terrorist" organisations.
"We will monitor all developments and continue to communicate closely with the government of Nepal and our international partners," she said.
The United States, she said, was committed to helping Nepal build a "peaceful, prosperous and democratic future for its people."
This was the third time the two sides had tried to strike a peace deal. Two previous attempts in 2001 and 2003 failed, plunging Nepal back into conflict.