The UN office in Kathmandu today confirmed that the letter from the Government of Nepal requesting the international body's support for the peace process has been sent to UN Secretary General Kofi Annan in New York.

The letter signed by Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala was handed over to the UN's Acting Resident Coordinator Junko Sazaki by Dr Suresh C Chalise, International Affairs Advisor to the prime minister during a meeting held at the office of the Council of Ministers in Singha Darbar on Monday 3 July.

Ms Sazaki welcomed the move and informed Dr Chalise that she would immediately forward it to the UN's Secretary General, who has been following developments in Nepal very closely.

"Since the 1950s the UN has been working for peace and development in Nepal, we look forward to extending our support in response to emerging needs throughout the country," said Ms Sazaki.