UNMIN chief meets UML leader

UNMIN chief Ian Martin met senior CPN-UML leader Madhav Kumar Nepal at the latter's residence in Koteshwor Friday and discussed the ongoing peace process.

The controversy surrounding the recruitment plan of the Nepal Army (NA), extension of UNMIN's term in Nepal, army integration and other issues were discussed during the nearly hour-long meeting, it has been learnt.

Talking to reporters gathered at his residence after the meeting, Nepal said that he told the UNMIN chief that there was nothing wrong in NA recruiting personnel as it was done to fill up vacant positions and that the latter had agreed with him.

He also accused UNMIN and the Maoists of needlessly objecting to the NA's recruitment plan by calling it a breach of the Comprehensive Peace Accord.

Nepal also said Martin was eager to see the army integration process start as he believes it is integral to the peace process.

The term of the UN political mission to Nepal is expiring in two weeks time.

In a report presented before the Security Council Thursday, UN Secretary-General has proposed an extension of the UN presence in Nepal, albeit at a slightly reduced capacity. His argument is that the peace process in Nepal remains fragile and will continue to need UN assistance. nepalnews.com ag Jan 09 09