The United States on Tuesday welcomed the release of the first batch of former Maoist combatants (who opted for voluntary retirement scheme) from the cantonments, defining it as a “historic moment” in the ongoing peace process.

“This represents a historic moment in the peace process, as these former combatants finally take off their uniforms and rejoin civilian communities throughout Nepal,” said a press release issued by the U.S. Embassy in Kathmandu on behalf of U.S. government.

The statement further said that U.S. is optimistic that the nation’s leaders will continue to work together to resolve remaining elements of the integration process so that the remaining combatants can begin to transfer from the cantonments to their new positions in the Nepal Army.

The United States also expressed commitment to assist in making the new Nepal Army Directorate effective in its important mission and said it will provide approximately $2 million USD (NRs 155 million) this year to equip and train the Nepal Army Directorate.

“As the integration process begins in the coming weeks, we will work closely with the Ministry of Defense and Nepal Army to identify and coordinate the specific needs for which these funds will be used,” adds the release. nepalnews.com