Special Advisor to the United Nations Undersecretary General for Political Affairs, Samuel Tamrat (File photo)
Samuel Tamrat, Special Advisor to the United Nations Undersecretary General for Political Affairs, left Kathmandu Tuesday, after nearly two-week long visit to Nepal during which held discussions with political leaders on the prospective UN role in Nepal’s peace process.

Talking to reporters at the Tribhuvan International Airport before his departure, Tamrat said he would convey the matters discussed during his visit to Nepal and India to UN Secretary General Kofi Annan.

“We hope the UN can be useful party in restoring peace and stability in Nepal,” said he. On a questioning regarding the UN role in management of arms, he reiterated that it would be too early to say anything on the issue.

Tamrat, who arrived in Kathmandu on May 6, held two rounds of parleys with the leaders of political parties including Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala. He had gone to New Delhi on Thursday to win India’s support on the future UN engagement in Nepal for peace.

A senior official from the UN peacekeeping operations had also accompanied him to Delhi, according to reports. Tamrat had returned to Kathmandu on Saturday.

After a meeting with Prime Minister Koirala and Rastriya Prajatantra Party chairman Pashupati SJB Rana on Monday, the UN envoy said he found the views of the political leaders [over the prospective UN role] positive.

The UN has said it is ready to assist in restoring peace in Nepal.

Tamrat’s visit came in the context of the Maoist demand for mediation of a reliable international party like the UN in the peace process.