The high level United Nations (UN) assessment team led by Staffan de Mistura en route to New York after a week-long assessment visit to Nepal, held consultations with officials at the Indian Ministry of External Affairs in New Delhi on Friday.

Team leader of the UN assessment mission, Staffan de Mistura, speaking to journalists on their conclusions, prior to departure at TIA, after completing their seven day visit to Nepal, Thursday, Aug 03 06. nepalnews.com/rh

United Nations (UN) assessment team led by Staffan de Mistura (File photo)
De Mistura’s team held consultations with Foreign Secretary Shyam Sharan and Joint Secretary for Nepal and Bhutan Pankaj Sharan at South Block Friday afternoon, reports said.

The report further said that when contacted, de Mistura didn’t want to make any comment in this regard.

A UN official in New Delhi denied any knowledge about the UN Nepal team’s extended transit in New Delhi, but sources at the MEA said the two sides exchanged notes on the ongoing peace process in Nepal given the special relations the two South Asian neighbors share, reports The Kathmandu Post daily.

Upon completion of his visit, de Mistura has expressed cautious optimism about the consensus between the seven-party government and the Maoists on the issue of the management of arms and armies.

As the peace process gains momentum, Indian officials have urged the Seven-Party Alliance (SPA) leaders to remain united on the agenda of democracy and peace-making in the face of increasing Maoist dominance and influence.