E-Kantipur

KATHMANDU, FEB 01 -  

Norway’s Minister for Environment and Inter-national Development, Erik Solheim, has said that peace has been secured in Nepal and that there is “no going back to war again.” Describing the process in its very last stage, he expressed optimism that Nepal’s peace process will be finalised in next few months.

“Though the peace process in Nepal has taken a long time, I believe Nepal is in the absolute final phase of the peace process,” said Solheim, addressing a press conference before winding up his 24-hour visit to Nepal on Tuesday.

“I am very optimistic that it will be finalised in the next few months. The remaining issues are there still, but they are not huge issues. But there is absolutely no way Nepal can go back to war.”

Solheim also served as the Norwegian facilitator for the negotiations between the LTTE and the Sri Lankan government.

Solheim said during his meeting with Maoist Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal and leaders of other parties he was assured of quick resolution. “During my meeting with Prachanda, I was told that remaining issues will be resolved soon, and that departure of the Maoist combatants will begin soon. And other leaders have made similar statements. That is the basis of my optimism,” he said.

Solheim said he had one common message to all: please be flexible, and that flexibility isn’t a sign of weakness. “Sure uphold your principles, but also find ways to be flexible,” Solheim said referring to his discussions with Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai and party leaders including Dahal, Nepali Congress President Sushil Koirala, senior CPN-UML leader Madhav Kumar Nepal.

He said now time has come to rise above party politics-prioritising Nepal’s “best interest at the forefront” of party agenda. “Nepal stands at the entrance to prosperity. An array of opportunities lies ahead. I urge all the country’s leaders to start putting the country’s best interest at the forefront of their agenda,” said Solheim.

In his meeting with Energy Minister Post Bahadur Bogati, Solheim said he offered Norway’s readiness to both finance transmission lines from through grants and official development aids as well has bring in private investment in Khimti and Tamakoshi III hydro project. Substantial amount of money will be available for these investments, Solheim said. Norway’s state-owned SN Power has long expressed interest in developing Khimti and Tamakoshi hydro projects.

Posted on: 2012-02-01 08:34

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