KATHMANDU, Aug 30 (Reuters) - Nepal's multi-party government proposed three former Maoist rebels as ambassadors on Thursday, for the first time since a peace deal was signed last year.

The Maoists, who fought a decade-long civil war against the monarchy, joined parliament and a multi-party cabinet this year but still figure in the U.S. government's list of terrorist organisations.

Industry Minister Rajendra Mahato said the cabinet approved former Maoists as envoys to Australia, France and Malaysia, among seven ambassadors nominated on Thursday.

"The nominations will now go to a parliamentary committee for approval and must be okayed by the governments of concerned countries before they are formally appointed," a senior foreign ministry official said.

Human rights groups accuse the Maoists of continuing extortion and intimidation since the peace deal was signed.

Many Nepali embassies have been without ambassadors since last year when the government recalled envoys named by King Gyanendra, who was forced to end his absolute rule and hand power back to political parties after weeks of violent protests.

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