Nepal accuses UN chief of interfering

Nepal's ruling parties have angrily accused United Nations chief Ban Ki-moon of political interference after he called for the establishment of a national unity government.

They said the UN had no right to dictate the make-up of the administration, formed after the Maoists resigned from power in May over a row with the president.

The former guerrillas, who fought a 10-year war before winning 2008 elections, make up the largest party in parliament, but have rejected invitations to join the new coalition government as a junior partner.

"Ever since this government was formed we have been trying to ensure all parties are included, and that effort continues," the 22 ruling parties said in a statement issued late Thursday.

"But only Nepal's people and political parties have the right to decide what kind of government they should have, and under whose leadership."

The UML party, which leads the ruling coalition, said the parties had written to the UN to register their anger.

"The United Nations has no right to meddle in our internal political affairs," said Pradeep Gyawali, a senior party leader.

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon's comments came in a report on the government's request for the UN Mission in Nepal (UNMIN) to be extended beyond its current mandate, which expires on January 23.

In it, he expressed serious concern over the slow progress of the peace process, blaming continuing disagreements between the political parties more than three years after the civil war ended.

"Nepal is on the path of major social and political transformation," he said.

"A government of national unity remains desirable for timely promulgation of the country's new constitution and for the successful integration and rehabilitation of Maoist army personnel."