United Nations Mission in Nepal (UNMIN) has said the issue of security sector reform, primarily relevant to those Maoist army who remain in cantonments after verification, should not be the precondition for carrying out the second stage verification.

In a regular press briefing at its newly established office at Birendra International Convention Centre (BICC), UNMIN chief Ian Martin said that his agency works under the criteria set out by the government and the Maoists and the responsibility conferred in the agreement on monitoring and management of arms and armies.

Citing promotions in the army and alleging that government was reluctant to integrating the Maoist army into the national army, Maoist Chairman Prachanda had last week asked the UNMIN to stop the second phase verification of the PLA.

Martin said that during his meeting with Maoist chief on Thursday, Prachanda indicated his intention to resume the verification soon, but he wanted further discussions in the next few days before he did so.

“He indicated that these include broader discussions – beyond the issue of verification itself – among the eight parties and within the special committee of the Interim Government established in accordance with Article 146 of the Interim Constitution, to supervise, integrate and rehabilitate the combatants of the Maoist army,” Martin said.

UNMIN has also shown interest to hold discussion regarding the future of those who would be released from the cantonments for not meeting the criteria set out.

Martin also said that those under 18 years must be discharged from the cantonments promptly but did not mention how many had been identified ineligible to remain in the camps.

Responding to a query if UNMIN and the Maoist leadership had misunderstanding on the modalities of verification, Martin said the modalities were primarily reached between the then government and the Maoists and that the UNMIN is only responsible for implementing the agreement.

Expressing satisfaction over the progress made on preparation for constituent assembly elections, Martin informed that 124 international UN volunteers (UNVs) have arrived and together with 43 Nepali UNVs, they would be deployed as district electoral advisers. “By mid-August we plan to have deployed 48 international and 19 national UNVs to 28 district headquarters, from where they will cover another 31 districts. The rest of the district electoral advisers will be deployed in September to cover all 75 districts,” he added.

Stating that the report of the United Nations Electoral Expert Monitoring Team, prepared after its visit to Nepal from 11 to 23 June, was submitted to the Secretary-General, he added that it would be made available to the government and to the Election Commission soon.

The UNMIN chief also informed that at the request of the Election Commission, the United Nations would assist in coordinating international observers through the UNDP.

Citing challenges ahead for holding the polls in a conducive environment, Martin said, “UNMIN, and indeed the Secretary-General, have repeatedly stressed the importance of ensuring through dialogue that historically marginalized groups – Madhesis, Janajatis, Dalits, women and others – can accept that their legitimate demands for representation will be met by through the electoral system.”

Dialogue with agitating groups is essential to assuring public security, especially in the eastern Terai, Martin said and added that UNMIN looked forward to being briefed on the government’s plans for election security.

He stressed the need for establishment of an independent national monitoring body and appointment of members of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).

“Both bodies are urgently needed to monitor progress in peace implementation, including the human rights commitment of the Comprehensive Peace Accord, and UNMIN and OHCHR can then intensify our own roles in monitoring or supporting national monitoring,” he added.

Asking all parties to give up violence, Martin expressed hope that the Maoist leadership would ask the Young Communist League to end intimidation and violence. “It is sickening for those of us who wish to see a peaceful, democratic and inclusive Nepal to read daily of killings, assaults, threats of violence and destruction of public and private property. All such acts are criminal, whether or not they have a political dimension,” he said.