United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon addressed a special meeting of the Constituent Assembly (CA) on Saturday and extended support to changes that have taken place in Nepal. He also pledged continued support for peace, democracy and development here.

United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon
In his address, Ban lauded the role of the political parties in establishing peace and democracy, especially their ability to overcome political differences in critical times. He also called upon the parties and the coalition government to continue dialogue and stay united.

International support to Nepal, according to him, would depend largely on how quickly the peace process moves ahead.

Describing the structure of the CA as the most inclusive elected body in Nepal’s history, Ban highlighted the need to ensure inclusiveness while restructuring the state. “Constitution building is going to be extremely difficult as well as rewarding,” he noted.

The UNSG also expressed satisfaction over the formation of the special committee for army integration and called for early start of “integration and rehabilitation” of former [Maoist] combatants.

“I encourage the parties to ensure that it begins work as soon as possible,” added he.

The UNSG, who arrived here yesterday for a two-day visit, didn’t miss the opportunity to praise the role of the Nepal Army in UN peace-keeping missions around the world since past 50 years. He mentioned that Nepal is the fifth largest contributor of peace-keeping forces. Following the address, Ban answered queries from the CA members. He assured that the UN would continue assistance for development works, relief programmes and peace-building efforts through its various agencies present in Nepal.

Nepali Congress assistant general secretary and CA member Dr Ram Saran Mahat drew the attention of the UNSG over the lack of government efforts for the resettlement of people displaced during the conflict. Describing the displacement problem as a humanitarian crisis, Mahat said the UN should do something for the resettlement of the internally displaced persons (IDPs).

Likewise, Terai Madhesh Loktantrik Party leader Hridayesh Tripathi voiced his party’s dissatisfaction for the proposed army integration. According to him, both Nepal Army and the People’s Liberation Army of the Maoists are not inclusive forces and that the integration process means nothing for Madhesis.

Answering the queries, Ban said army integration is the responsibility of the Nepal government and the political parties while the UN would be ready to extend support in the process by sharing its experience and the know-how.

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon meets President Dr Ram Baran Yadav at Shital Niwas, the president’s office, on Saturday Nov 01 08. nepalnews.com/rh

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon (center) speaking at a press conference.
Meanwhile, speaking at press conference at the end of his high-profile political consultations, the UNSG called upon the parties to begin the work of integrating the combatants as soon as possible and asked the government to “move quickly on the formal discharge of minors and disqualified combatants” from cantonments.

He added that the most immediate challenge ahead is to integrate and rehabilitate the Maoist combatants.

Responding to the questions by journalists, Ban said the UN would accept the participation of Maoist combatants as members in the peace keeping mission once they are integrated into national army and meet standards and criteria set by the UN system.

Appreciating the peace process in Nepal that earned international respect, he said the election to the CA is proof of Nepal’s remarkable progress and collective effort towards a new and better future.

He mentioned that the UN has released US$ 10 million aid through UN Peace Fund to be used for financing local peace-building programmes, help integrate former combatants and generate youth employment.

Citing that there are number of challenges before Nepal completes it peace process, the UNSG said people of Nepal have taken a stand for democracy and it would be especially inspiring for the entire world to see Nepal which has already made such difference in peace keeping for others, resolve its own conflict and achieve lasting peace at home.

He urged parties to look beyond party lines and address the aspiration and interest of the people, adding he was convinced by consultation with leaders here the parties will come to reconciliation for people’s interests.

Saying the peace process here is ‘Nepali-driven’, UNSG hinted at extension of the tenure of UNMIN to support political stability and peace building but added that this rests on the decision of the political parties and the government. He said the issue was discussed during his meeting with Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal today.

Earlier today, Ban met PM Dahal, President Ram Baran Yadav, Foreign Minister Upendra Yadav, CA chairman Subash Nemwang and Nepali Congress president Girija Prasad Koirala before addressing the special session of the CA.

After addressing the special CA meeting, Ban flew to Lumbini, the birthplace of Gautam Buddha, to observe the Buddhist landmarks there. He is scheduled to leave for Dhaka, Bangladesh, in the evening. nepalnews.com mk/ia Nov 01 08