State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark, Carsten Staur. Source: Embassy of Denmark, Kathmandu.
State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark, Carsten Staur. Source: Embassy of Denmark, Kathmandu.
State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark and head of Danish International Development Agency (DANIDA), Carsten Staur said his country stands ready to lend full support to the people of Nepal in the change political context and the challenging period ahead.
Addressing media persons in the capital on Friday at the end of his two-day Nepal visit Staur said, “The political parties and the Maoists should be given chances to lead the peace process. ”
He indicated that monitoring the ceasefire by international body would be impartial and effective. He said, ” The peace process must be firmly driven, controlled and owned by the Nepalese. But Denmark believes that there are areas in the peace process, where an external and impartial partner could be useful to perform well-defined, functional roles to the benefit of all sides.”
He said that ceasefire was not confined only to a cessation of armed hostilities, but also is linked to open up and secure civic space allowing political, social, commercial, economic and developmental activities to resume.
He stressed the need of wider consultation regarding the objectives, policies, values and norms of the constitution that will be formulated by the constituent assembly. “Nepal should adopt its own way in drafting new constitution but can take opportunity to analyze experiences from other countries.”
He further cited that reconciliation was important so as to ensure that demand for justice does not translate into a quest for revenge. “While people must be held accountable for past crimes and wrongdoings, it is important that they be held accountable in full respect of the law and in accordance with international standards,” he noted.
He also reaffirmed his country’s support for promotion of peace, democracy, human rights and justice in Nepal. He said the Danish Government will in 2007 set aside DK 150 million over 5 years for a continuation of a rural energy programme. He said his government will also provide and DK 50 million for direct support to the Nepal’s peace process.
During his tour, Staur met government officers, political leaders, civil society members, human rights activists and representatives of international donor agencies in Nepal.
Denmark is one of the major donors for Nepal supporting in the field of promoting democracy, human rights, press freedom and good governance.