In what appears to be its response to the controversy over the ongoing UK visit of Nepal Army chief Rukmagad Katawal, the British Embassy Monday said the visit was aimed to assist the NA in “making it more accountable to the democratic/civilian authorities”.

“The visit aims to assist the General with the information and discussions that he needs to develop the Nepal Army for its post conflict role in society and in making it more accountable to the democratic/civilian authorities,”

The embassy also said that human rights would be one of issues to be raised with the Nepal Army chief during his UK tour.

Saying that the UK has repeatedly condemned human rights abuses in Nepal by both the Nepali Army and the Maoists during the conflict, the embassy said, “This [human rights] will be one of the issues raised with Gen. Katawal during his visit. The UK is concerned about culture of impunity in Nepal Army, and lack of public trust.”

It further said, “This situation does enormous damage to the Nepal Army. It is in the interest of Nepal to build public confidence in the security forces and address Human Rights concerns. This message will be given strongly to the General during his visit.”

In his first foreign tour as Chief of Army Staff, Katawal left for London on a weeklong visit at the invitation of the UK Ministry of Defence.

According to the embassy, the UK has and is still providing Human Rights and Managing Defence in Democracy courses to the Nepal Army as part of its annual assistance programme.

“The UK is also working with the Nepalese Ministry of Defence to improve its capability to become a fully functioning department of state with full civilian control and democratic accountability over the Nepal Army.”