A press statement issued by British Embassy in Kathmandu on behalf of the heads of diplomatic missions of Australia, Canada, Denmark, EU, Finland, France, Germany, Japan, Netherlands, Norway, Switzerland, UK and USA urged all political parties to take forward their full responsibilities in the weeks and months to come.[break]
“While there has been some progress toward implementing the various elements of the Comprehensive Peace Accord, key commitments have yet to be met. We urge all Nepali parties to take forward their full responsibilities in the weeks and months to come,” said the statement.
The envoys said they are encouraged by the news that the government and the Maoists agreed on Friday that the Army Integration Special Committee should take over monitoring responsibilities from UNMIN. “Our countries reaffirm their full support for the peace process and request all parties to continue to respect and uphold the peace agreements. As UNMIN departs and the deadline for completing a democratic, inclusive constitution approaches, it is all the more important to show restraint while making fresh efforts to reach consensus,” the statement said.
The heads of the missions also called upon all political parties to redouble their efforts and continue to work together in the spirit of compromise to fulfill the commitments they made to each other, and to the Nepali people. “We urge the continuation of sustained dialogue that will contribute to the resolution of outstanding issues,” the statement further said, adding: “We welcome the ongoing engagement of the United Nations as the international community continues to support the people of Nepal.”
UNMIN Chief Landgren makes farewell call to PM
UNMIN chief Karin Landgren made a farewell call to Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal Saturday morning.
During the meeting, Prime Minister Nepal thanked UNMIN, on behalf of the government, for the role it played in facilitating the peace process and also apprised her about the three-point deal reached between the government and the Maoist to fill the void after the departure of UNMIN.
“I would like to thank the UN, UN Security Council, UN secretary general Ban-Ki-moon, Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs B Lynn Pascoe, UNMIN chief Landgren, Deputy Special Representative Tamrat Samuel, former chief of UNMIN Ian Martin, all the UN representative who have worked in Nepal and other supporters for their work in Nepal,” a press statement issued by the prime minister said.
On the occasion, Landgren thanked the government, people of Nepal and the political parties for their support and said she believed that despite the absence of UNMIN, the peace process will move forward and Nepal will soon have its new constitution.
“Nepal´s peace process is an example to the world and with your judicious decision it will gain a new height. The three point agreement between the government and the Maoists has sent a positive message internationally raising hopes. The UN and the international community will always support Nepal,” the statement issued by Landgren.
On the occasion, the prime minister gave a statue of Buddha as a token of love to Landren asking her to take the message of peace from Nepal.
Landgren welcomes three-point accord
Meanwhile, Landgren on Saturday welcomed the three-point agreement between the government and the Maoists on post-UNMIN arrangements.
Issuing a press statement, Landgren expressed hope that parties will implement the long-awaited integration and rehabilitation of the Maoist army personnel. “I congratulate the government and the Unified Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) for agreeing on arms monitoring arrangements which are crucial to reinforcing confidence in the peace process,” she said.
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