British Minister for Veterans and Under Secretary of State for Defense Kevan Jones has pledged his government’s readiness to support Nepal for establishing peace and reviving development activities.

In a statement issued Saturday at the end of his five-day visit to Nepal, Minister Jones said, “The people of Nepal can be assured of the UK’s steadfast support, both for peace-building and for development. We encourage the Government of Nepal to take forward the peace process, including the drafting of a new constitution that secures peace, stability and democracy.”

He said progress on army integration is fundamental to a successful conclusion of the ongoing peace process, and added that the UK continues to stand ready to support this process, in any way it can.

He further said, “I have also understood the crucial importance of upholding the rule of law and the independence of State institutions during this period of transition, and above all the importance of safeguarding an independent judiciary, free from interference.”

Stating that the Gurkha army has contributed a lot for international peace keeping, the British minister said his government hopes to continue recruiting Gurkhas into the British Army into the future.

Jones said he met with many representatives of Regimental and ex-Gurkha Servicemen’s organizations during his stay in Nepal. “Contrary to some reporting, the Gurkha Army Ex-Servicemen’s Organization (GAESO) was invited to meet with me. I was very disappointed that they declined to do so,” he said.

Earlier in the morning, Minister Jones called on Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal at the latter’s residence in Baluwatar.

The half-an-hour meeting concentrated on the peace process, army integration and bilateral relations between the countries. He is scheduled to meet Defence Minister Ram Bahadur Thapa before leaving Nepal this evening. nepalnews.com ia Apr 18 09