According to a press statement issued by Ban said the Security Council´s decision to end UNMIN´s mandate was in line with a September 2010 agreement between the government and the Maoists in which they pledged to basically complete the remaining tasks of the peace process by 15 January.[break]
“Regrettably, insufficient progress was made. I encourage the parties to redouble their efforts to build the confidence that can bring progress on all fronts of Nepal´s peace process,” Ban said.
“I would like to assure the people of Nepal that the United Nations will remain engaged in Nepal´s peace process through the United Nations Country Team, and through the continued engagement of the Department of Political Affairs. I hope and trust that the parties are committed to finding the way forward to complete the process and realize the aspirations of the Nepali people,” the statement read.
Meanwhile, amid a function held at the International Convention Centre at New Baneshwar, the UN political mission observed a flag-lowering ceremony to mark its closure.
Issuing a statement, UNMIN Chief Karin Landgren said, “Today, we symbolically lower the flag for the closure of the mission, which officially comes to an end tomorrow at midnight. A small mission liquidation team will remain, to complete administrative withdrawal matters.”
Landgren also expressed concerns over the peace process that has remained unfinished.
“There are, most immediately, outstanding issues in relation to the future of the arms and armies,” Landgren said.
The function was attended by political leaders, top Nepal Army officials, and UNMIN staff.
UNMIN, which was established on January 23, 2007 by UN Security Council Resolution 1740, had extended its term for the seventh time on September 15, 2010 for four months. Its term is expiring on Saturday.
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