Swiss govt. welcomes Parties-Maoist understanding, asks to build the bridge of peace and reconciliation

December 4, 2005
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The government of Switzerland, a long-time development partner of Nepal that has helped in building more than 2,000 suspension bridges across the country, has welcomed the recent understanding between the seven-party opposition alliance and the Maoists, and has called upon them to finish the most important bridge they already started to build: peace and reconciliation.

In a statement made available to media on Sunday, the Swiss Foreign Ministry has also welcomed the extension of the ceasefire for another month by the CPN (Maoist). It has termed both the developments as “necessary and promising steps forward to lead Nepal out of the present political crisis.”

“Switzerland urges His Majesty the King and the Government of Nepal to declare a ceasefire and to engage immediately in a political dialogue with all other parties to the conflict. Military provocations are not the adequate answer to the present developments. We particularly remind HMG and in particular the armed forces that the use of violence against democratic and peaceful manifestations would highly damage the reputation of the Royal Nepalese Army in the world and its suitability to serve in multilateral peace keeping missions,” the statement said.

According to the letter of understanding, both the seven-parties and the Maoist envisage a multi-party democracy in Nepal with fully respecting human rights and dignity.

There is no doubt the understanding nourishes people’s hope for a continuation of the de facto ceasefire paving the way towards a sustainable peace process. The process initiated by the 7 political parties and the CPN (M) bears the potential to transform the armed conflict into a democratic struggle for a long-term political solution of the crisis in Nepal. However, this will only be possible, if and when all sides stick to their commitments to use non-violent means in order to reach this goal. The CPN (M) might enhance its credibility and reliability through implementing of a Code of Conduct on Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law which is based on the “letter of understanding” with the 7 parties, the statement said.

“Key development challenges facing the country were not addressed in the statement. Therefore, in the future dialogue process, full reference should be made on the development agenda, on socio-economic issues, as well as on the crucial role of local initiatives in promoting peace, human rights, and democracy. Peace building and development processes must go hand in hand. The rural population and especially its most vulnerable groups should immediately benefit from this initiative. In this regard, Switzerland urges the CPN (M) to fully respect the basic operational guidelines and ensure a safe devel­opment space for bilateral agencies and non governmental organisations,” the statement said.

The international community shall unanimously and in a coordinated manner contribute to respond to the hopes of the Nepali people and to facilitate the further dialogue between all groups, institutions, and national leaders that are ready to accept that there will be only a democratic future for Nepal, the Swiss government said in its statement.

“Switzerland has been a credible partner to Nepal since the last 50 years. During this period of time we build together with the people, among others, more than 2000 suspension bridges. Today, we are fully committed to help our friends to finish the most important bridge they already started to build: peace and reconciliation,” the statement noted in an emotional note.