United Nations Mission in Nepal (UNMIN) has said that the recent urgency shown by the parties in focusing on peace-related issues gives some grounds for hope.

Speaking at the Security Council last night, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s Special Representative Karin Landgren said, "Although the hour is late, the recent actions by the Government and the parties, if followed through with vigour, have the potential to usher in constructive actions for the next stage of Nepal’s democratic transition.”

She cited the lifting three weeks ago by the Unified CPN (Maoist) of its blockade of Parliament, the establishment last week by the three major parties – Nepali Congress, CPN (UML) and Unified CPN (Moaist) of a high-level mechanism to resolve outstanding issues, notably the integration and rehabilitation of Maoist troops, and the long-awaited discharge of 4,000 mainly under-age Maoist soldiers.

She also informed the council that special committee set up to address the supervision, integration and rehabilitation of Maoist combatants has resumed meetings and is considering a timetable for the proper integration.

“Encouraging as recent developments have been, it is imperative to follow through and resolve the outstanding main tasks in the peace process,” Ms. Landgren said. “Until that happens, the peace process will remain at risk.”

“The parties have recently sought greater common ground, giving rise to cautious optimism that progress can be made in the peace process,” Landgren said. “There are positions on the political left and right alike, however, arguing against the merits of peaceful resolution and adherence to the original agreements, and some speak of a fresh confrontation as being inevitable."

“Fears have not fully receded that the Maoists have reneged on their acceptance of the democratic principles laid down in the peace agreements, and that the government lacks sincerity in implementing critical reforms.”

In a report released earlier this week, UNSG Ban had warned that Nepal’s peace process remained largely stalled and the major disagreements “remain unresolved, increasing the risk of its collapse.” nepalnews.com

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