In his latest report to the Security Council on the request of Nepal for United Nations assistance in support of its peace process, released at the UN Headquarters in New York on October 30, the secretary general said that "persistent mistrust" among the major political parties, their absorption in day-to-day politics and internal party issues are currently "compromising their capacities for flexible negotiation."
Pointing at the informal task force formed recently by the major parties, he said that although the parties have begun to discuss contentious issues, "it remains my view that a more formal mechanism in support of such interactions among senior leaders would benefit the peace process."
The observations of the report would be further discussed by the Security Council when it will hold the quarterly discussion on November 6. The report reviews the progress of the peace process and the implementation of the mandate of UNMIN since the secretary general´s last report to the Council on July 13.
In the report, he has urged the parties to devote "greater energy," through the Constituent Assembly process and other forums, to address issues that have been identified as "long-term underlying causes of the conflict, including the restructuring of the state, land reform and other socio-economic challenges."
Pointing at the recent initiative to restart the discharge of the disqualified Maoist army personnel, he said, "It is still too early to be confident about the success of the initiative," adding, "It is critical that the government, UCPN (Maoist) and the Maoist army sustain their cooperation and implement this long-overdue commitment as soon as possible."
Pointing at the government´s commitment to the democratization of the Nepal Army, he requested the prime minister and the new NA Chief to restrain from recruitment and on the procurement of lethal military equipment.
He further said that reconstitution of the Special Committee and the resumed work of the Technical Committee are positive steps. "UNMIN continues to work closely with the Technical Committee and will be ready to provide assistance once the Committee has drafted the plan to begin the integration and rehabilitation process," he said.
He stated that UNMIN and the UN as a whole stand ready to assist in achieving the commitments of the peace process. He, however, said that the current steps are rather "tentative and cannot with certainty be considered sufficient to create the conditions for the completion of the UNMIN´s activities by the end of the current mandate,” including implementation of commitments made in the letter from the Government of Nepal on July 7.
Related story
Ban on Chand outfit may only bring more conflict: Experts
-1784277548.webp)
