In a briefing organized by the party´s International Bureau on Friday, the ruling Maoist also claimed that the proposed ordinance on TRC, which is awaiting approval from President Dr Ram Baran Yadav, does not have any provision of general amnesty. [break]"We are committed to the forming a powerful and independent," the Maoist said in a written statement.
While referring indirectly to the recent arrest of Nepal Army (NA) Colonel Kumar Lama in the UK on suspicion of his involvement in torturing detainees during the conflict, the Maoist also sought cooperation from the “international friends” to help form the TRC to address the cases of human rights violations.
The party also indirectly asked the international community to wait for the formation of TRC and Disappearance Commission before making any move that could seriously hamper the ongoing peace process in Nepal.
A combined picture shows UCPN (Maoist) leaders (on either sides) with diplomats. (Photo: Keshab Thoker)
The Maoists maintained that all issues and cases concerning the decade-long conflict should be dealt in accordance with the spirit of the CPA. "Any attempt to evade the CPA is tantamount to sabotaging the entire political process," said the Maoist while seeking “appropriate” cooperation from the international community.
UCPN (Maoist) Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal and Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai had answered various queries put forth by the envoys present after the party´s International Bureau Chief Ram Karki read out a written statement on the latest political situation and the party´s position on various issues, including on resolving the ongoing political impasse. Media persons were denied entrance to the meeting.
Talking to media persons after the meeting, Maoist Chairman Dahal said the meeting gave them an opportunity to remove the international community´s confusion on various issues. "The meeting came a day after a statement was issued by the European countries. I think this has helped remove confusions," he said.
While expressing serious reservation over the proposed TRC, European Missions along with Norway and Switzerland in a joint statement on Thursday demanded formation of independent and credible TRC that result from extensive public consultation and regard for victims´ needs. They also cautioned that granting the TRC authority to confer amnesties for serious human rights abuses would not only breach international law but also fundamentally weaken the foundations for a lasting peace in Nepal.
Talking to media persons after the meeting, Russian ambassador to Nepal Sergey V Velichkin said they were briefed about the government´s attitude on topical issues. “Mostly, the emphasis was on commitment of the government," he said.
Ambassador of European Union Delegation to Nepal Dr Alexander Spachis while referring to their joint statement on Thursday said they made their point that lasting peace requires proper and adequate reconciliation mechanisms.
"It is not a recipe how TRC should look. But it is an advice that lasting peace needs broad consensus which means families of the victims have some sorts of justice in their case," he said. "And that is not referring to one particular case which may be blown out recently. But it refers to all the victims of the conflict."
During the briefing, the Maoist leaders had alleged that the opposition parties were trying to sabotage the basic pillars and foundation of whole political process that began after the signing of the 12-point understanding and the historic Comprehensive Peace Accord (CPA).
"We are aware that fresh election is the only solution to the present political crisis for which national consensus is a must. But we have not obtained reciprocity from other parties," the Maoists had briefed the envoys.
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