U.N. asks Nepalese political parties to sink differences

Shirish B. Pradhan

Kathmandu, Nov 1 (PTI) United Nations Secretary General
Ban Ki-Moon Saturday counselled the Nepalese political parties
to sink their differences and work in a spirit of compromise
to speed up the integration of thousands of former Maoist
guerrillas into the mainstream.

Ban has asked the government to move quickly to formally
discharge the minors and disqualified combatants from the
U.N.-monitored camps.

The Secretary General's call comes as thousands of former
guerrillas remain confined to camps after they ended an almost
decade-long insurgency in 2006 as part of a broad-based peace
deal.

The tenure of the United Nations' Mission in Nepal will
expire in January 2009.

Continuing his support to Nepal's ongoing peace process
and economic development, Ban has asked the Maoist-led
government of Nepal and major parties to move forward by
forging cooperation and national unity without sticking to the
political party line.

"I encourage the parties to continue to work in a spirit
of compromise and cooperation on drafting the new
constitution, the integration of the Maoist combatants and
other key peace-building initiatives," he observed.

Welcoming the formation of the special committee to
supervise, integrate and rehabilitate Maoist combatants, he
urged the parties involved to begin work on the project as
soon as possible.

Ban also announced a contribution of USD 10 million to
the U.N. Peace Fund for Nepal that would finance local peace
building programmes as well as reintegrate former combatants
and provide them employment.

The concerted actions of the political parties together
with civil society and other stakeholders were vital in
bringing about the uniquely Nepali-driven political and social
transformation, he noted.

"I believe for certain period the UN will have to
continue to assist in peace process of Nepal for lasting peace
and stability, democracy and development projects in Nepal,"
Ban said responding to questions asked by journalists today
before wrapping up his two-day visit to Nepal.

Ban, who arrived here at the invitation of Prime Minister
Prachanda, Friday met the Prime Minister, Nepali Congress
president Girija Prasad Koirala, President Ram Baran
Yadav, Foreign Minister Upendra Yadav, chairman of the
Constituent Assembly Subhash Nemwang and other lawmakers and
human rights activists.

Nepal's peace process, drafting of the constitution,
management of the Maoists' combatants, continuing U.N. support
for Nepal's peace, stability, reconstruction and
rehabilitation mainly figured during Ban's talks with Nepalese
officials.

He also visited Lumbini, in western Nepal, the birth
place of Lord Buddha Saturday before leaving Kathmandu for
Dhaka.

Ban's was accompanied with wife Ban Soon Taek, Under
Secretary Political Affairs, B. Lynn Pasco and Deputy
Secretary Political Affairs for Asia Pacific, Tamrat Samuel
during the visit. PTI SBP
PMR
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