DPM Shrestha says inclusion, equity, justice in socio-economic spheres makes conflict 'irrelevant'

Narayan Kaji Shrestha

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Narayan Kaji Shrestha said that when there is respect for human rights and inclusion, equity and justice in the socio-cultural and economic spheres of life, conflict in many ways becomes irrelevant.

Delivering a statement at the high-level event on Peace-building: Way towards Sustainable Peace and Security' on Tuesday, the Deputy Prime Minister, who is leading a Nepali delegation to the 67th session of the United National General Assembly, said, "Peacebuilding, therefore, is tantamount to institutionalization of democracy and elimination of exclusion, injustice, repression and desolation."

The event was held on the sidelines of the General Assembly.

"Peacebuilding is also about, inter alia, creating a level of playing field to every individual to pursue ones path of prosperity, dignity and a sense of equality," he said.

He underscored that national ownership and national capacity building are fundamental elements for sustained efforts in peace building, the Deputy Prime Minister said.

Stating that Nepal has been making tremendous efforts in socio-economic transformation of the society by choosing to adopt federal structure of governance and inclusive development processes following the successful people's movement in 2006 which led to the overthrow of monarchy, he said Nepal was in the process of rebuilding the nascent state to make the society just peaceful, equitable and prosperous.

The Deputy Prime Minister said the Nepal government was committed to resolving all outstanding problems through dialogue and consensus and move forward resolutely for the larger interests of the Nepali people. He reiterated Nepal's unabated commitment to providing troops for the United Nations peacekeeping operations to contribute to the noble cause of international peace and security.

The Deputy Prime Minister attended the opening of the General Debate segment of the 67th session of the UN General Assembly that began on Wednesday morning. Secretary General of the United Nations Ban Ki-moon presented the report on the work of the Organisation at the beginning of the General Debate.

The opening was presided over by President of the General Assembly, Vuk Jeremic. World leaders such as Ms. Dilma Rousseff, President of Brazil, Mr Barack Obama, President of the United States of America and Mr Francois Hollande, President of France addressed the General Assembly on Tuesday.

Similarly, the Deputy Prime Minister met with President of Pluri-national State of Bolivia, Mr. Juan Evo Morales Ayma. On the occasion, the two leaders exchanged experiences including on Nepal's constitution making process.The two leaders felt the need of strengthening of relations between the two countries.

Later in the evening, the Deputy Prime minister attended three separate receptions hosted by Yoshihiko Noda, Prime Minister of Japan, Ms Julia Gillard, Prime Minister of Australia and Dr. Guido Westerwelle, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Federal Republic of Germany. nepalnews.com