Ban Ki-moon (Photo source: united-buddy-bears.com)

Ban Ki-moon (Photo source: united-buddy-bears.com)
The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has backed Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s call to set up a UN political mission in Nepal to monitor the recent peace accord between the government and Maoists.

According to reports, the issue was discussed during closed-door consultations by the 15-member UNSC during which members “welcomed the intention of the parties to comply with the Comprehensive Peace Agreement.”

Reports quoted Russia’s UN ambassador Vitaly Churkin as saying, “A draft resolution will be prepared and at the appropriate time be considered by the Security Council,” adding, “Members expressed satisfaction at the positive dynamics of the situation there and welcomed the intention of the parties to comply with the Comprehensive Peace Agreement.”

“The members of the Council supported the need for a speedy deployment of the UN mission in Nepal on the basis of the recommendations of the Secretary-General and within the parameters outlined in the Peace Agreement,” he added.

In a report to the Council, Ban called for the UN Mission in Nepal (UNMIN) to be established for a period of 12 months, covering the aftermath of elections for an assembly as per the suggestions made by the UN technical assessment mission, which arrived here in mid-December to plan for a full-fledged UN mission.

The Secretary General recommended that the mission comprise up to 186 unarmed former and active military officers to monitor Maoist cantonments and Nepal Army barracks, together with deployment of a small team of monitors to review all technical aspects of the electoral process and a small UN police advisory team to help ensure “critical” security during voter registration, campaigning and polling.