'UNMIN can't withdraw weapons retained for Maoist leaders' security'

United Nations Mission in Nepal (UNMIN) has clarified that it cannot withdraw the weapons used for the security of Maoist leaders as they were retained under an agreement between the then interim government and the Maoist party, not with the mission.

UNMIN's clarification came in response to some media reports suggesting it to withdraw the weapons retained for security of Maoist leaders.

A press release issued on Sunday by the mission, said, "In fact such weapons were retained on the basis of an agreement signed between the then Interim Government and the CPN-Maoist which was negotiated without UNMIN's involvement, although UNMIN, as requested, registered the weapons concerned."

UNMIN also said that it took the first opportunity to recommend to the new government that this agreement should be reviewed in the new circumstances.

Central leaders of the CPN (Maoist) are using their own security apparatus with UNMIN-registered weapons while the government provides security to ministers from the party. nepalnews.com Oct 26 08