"The constructive discussions and the efforts to rebuild trust over the last several weeks have introduced fresh hopes and optimism that a good end to the peace process is within reach," Landgren said while addressing a ceremony to mark the discharge of the last lot of disqualified combatants in Rolpa. [break]
With the release of 268 disqualified combatants from the Rolpa, the month-long process of discharging the disqualified combatants concluded.
The government, Maoists and the UNMIN have termed the conclusion of the discharge process as a step toward creating move positive environment for the peace process.
"The successful conclusion of the discharge process will also prove a milestone toward the [proposed] integration and rehabilitation of the [verified] Maoist combatants," said Peace Minister Rakam Chemjong at a press conference in Kathmandu.
According to Chemjong, altogether 2,394 disqualified -- minors and late recruits -- out of 4,008 took part in the formal discharge process while 1,614 such combatants had voluntarily left the cantonments before the process began on January 7.
"It was a part of the peace process," Maoist Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal said addressing the ceremony in Rolpa, asking the discharged combatants to support his party´s responsibility to complete the peace process and draft new constitution.
Landgren said, "Today, the conclusion of the discharge process marks one step towards strengthening a more positive environment for the peace process, and to meeting the commitment of all parties to permanent peace in Nepal."
In the meantime, representatives of the member states of the UN Security Council in Kathmandu also witnessed the discharge of the final group of disqualified combatants in Rolpa.
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