E-Kantipur

KATHMANDU, DEC 04 -

The United Nations Under Secretary General for Political Affairs, B. Lynn Pascoe on Saturday expressed his commitment that the UN will continue its assistance to Nepal’s peace process even after the tenure of United Nations Mission in Nepal (UNMIN) expires. UNMIN’s last term is due to end on Jan 15, 2011.  

He added that the UN will, however, keep a close eye on the peace process from New York after the withdrawal of its special mission that was established on Jan. 23, 2007, to monitor the peace process.

The UN political department chief underlined the need for seriousness on the part of the political parties to take the peace process to a logical finish, saying that time is running out.

At a press conference organised in the Capital before wrapping up his two-day visit to Nepal, Pascoe remarked that it is possible to complete the key tasks of the peace process such as integration and rehabilitation of the Maoist combatants before UNMIN’s exit if there is a genuine political willingness.  

During his stay in Nepal, the UN official held discussions with the major political players regarding the progress made in the peace process and implementation of the pacts signed earlier.

Besides holding discussion with top political leaders and government ministers, Pascoe consulted with the officials of foreign diplomatic missions based in Kathmandu before concluding his visit.

He interacted with the ambassadors of various countries including India, Denmark and permanent member countries of the UN Security Council. He listened to the experiences of the diplomats regarding the peace process.

Earlier this morning, Pascoe met the president of Nepali Congress (NC), Sushil Koirala at the latter's residence in Maharajgunj.

Emerging from the meeting, Pascoe said during the discussion, which he said was positive, he laid emphasis on the need for using the outcomes of the peace process more effectively.

Pascoe hoped the peace process will take its momentum even after UNMIN’s withdrawal.

It has been understood that NC President Koirala said he wishes to see substantial progress in the key tasks of the peace process—integration and rehabilition of the Maoists—before the UNMIN leaves.

Koirala, who has been expressing his dissatisfaction at the role of UNMIN, expressed doubt on the UCPN (Maoist) commitment on the peace process. He accused UNMIN of favouring the Maoists.

In response, Pascoe tried to assure that UNMIN will work as per the accords and agreement between the government and the Maoists and added that the UN is willing to see a sustainable peace in the country.

NC leader Ram Sharan Mahat, who was also present at the meeting, said the discussion did not figure anything like further extension of UNMIN’s term. However, the duo discussed setting up a strong mechanism of the UN as an alternative to UNMIN to follow the progress in Nepal.

Pascoe’s visit comes in line with the UN Security Council's decision to withdraw UNMIN after its mandate expires in mid-January. Pascoe will update the Security Council on the status of the peace process following his visit in the country.

 

Posted on: 2010-12-04 08:43

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