Nepali govt, Maoists must take urgent steps for peace: UN envoy

"One does not need to tell the people of Nepal that they are facing a very serious crisis, but it should be noted that a solution is not beyond reach," Brahimi told a press conference after a week-long fact-finding mission to the Himalayan nation.

The UN envoy welcomed a Maoist offer for talks on resolving the country's crisis, but said the rebels must also end their violent campaign and lay down their weapons.

"The commitment made by the Maoist leader Prachanda and the party leaders is a positive development in finding a solution to the prolonged Maoist problem.

"We welcome it as a positive development and it should be backed up by giving up violence to resolve the crisis," he said.

Later in the press conference, he added, "the Maoists should back up their actions by giving up arms, stopping violence and extortion."

Maoist rebels have been fighting for a communist republic in Nepal since 1996 and the uprising has so far claimed nearly 12,000 lives.

"The Nepalese are also conscious that this situation should not be allowed to continue. A solution is needed urgently," Brahimi said.

"That solution rests on three critical elements-a return to constitutional order and multi-party democracy, an end to hostilities and an inclusive national dialogue towards a negotiated solution to underlying causes of conflict.

"The UN believes that the Nepalese are capable of developing the necessary process which would allow them to achieve a peaceful solution," he said.