Cabinet approves AISC's breakthrough deal in peace process

The government has endorsed the decision of the Army Integration Special Committee (AISC) that settled all disputed issues seen in army integration and paved the way for the induction of Maoist combatants (those had chosen integration in the regrouping process) into the Nepal Army.

A Cabinet meeting held at Singha Durbar on Sunday morning approved Saturday’s breakthrough agreement in peace process reached at the AISC following a three-party meeting. The meeting also urged all the political actors and stake holders to create an enabling atmosphere for promulgation of the constitution within the May 27 deadline.

As per Saturday’s AISC decision, the ranks for the combatants to be integrated into the Nepal Army will be determined as per the NA’s standards. The selection committee [for official level] will be headed by the chairman of the Public Service Commission (PAC) or the member appointed by him. Similarly, the general directorate to be formed under the Nepal Army would be headed by a Lt. General and the combatants will have to go through three to nine months of training depending on their ranks.

Emerging from the today’s Cabinet meeting, Finance Minister Barshaman Pun, who is also an AISC member, said that as per AISC’s decision, works to set up the general directorate under NA will start from today itself.

He said the party will now completely focus its attention to the constitution writing process now that the important task of army integration, a prerequisite for the successful conclusion of the peace process, has been completed. Nepalnews.com