Army hands over guns, Maoists register for elections.

12pm Tuesday, the U.N mission began to receive weapons the Nepalese army pledged to lock up under last year's power-sharing agreement.

The army is committed to match the number of weapons put into storage by the Maoists (just under 3,000 according to the U.N.). This move, when complete, will allow the arms registration process to move into its second phase.

The political side of the agreement is also moving at speed. The date for the constituent assembly elections has been set as 20th June, and the Maoists registered as a contesting party for the first time with the Electoral Commission on Monday.

Although the peace process is facing tests, these are signs the decade of conflict which killed 13,000 is almost over.

Trouble in the south has fuelled fears of a new conflict. Land-locked Nepal relies on its southern border (dominated by the Madhesi ethnic minority, who claim discrimination) for trade. After recent strikes and violence disrupting the whole country, new political parties in the south (all claiming the majority support of the people) are threatening unrest ahead of the elections

The interim government responded this week with a commission under Ram Chandra Paudel, Deputy Prime Minister, with Maoist representation to enter into dialogue with the Madhesi.

Click here for an example of grassroots peace-builders promoting political involvement in Nepal.