May 5, 2007

Peace process in Nepal firm and on track: Martin

Ian Martin, head of the United Nations Mission in Nepal (UNMIM) has said that despite the postponement of elections in Nepal, the peace process is track and developing firmly.

“Fundamentally I’m optimistic, because it was the people of Nepal who took their future in their hands in a very dramatic way in the people’s movement of a year ago,” reports quoted Martin as saying who was briefing the Security Council at UN headquarters in New York.

He said that no one could have imagined a year ago that the King of Nepal would have relinquished executive authority and that the resulting cease-fire could have blossomed into a full, comprehensive peace agreement that has already made strides under UN monitoring.

At the same time, he pointed out that the timetable for the election of the Constituent Assembly, which will adopt a constitution for the country, has been delayed because regulations governing the process are not yet ready.

Meanwhile, Martin said, he hoped the Nepalese, with the assistance of UNMIN, will be able to improve security conditions for the elections and work for the full inclusion of marginalized ethic groups.

At Friday’s briefing Martin reported that, with reports of snakes and tents blowing away, cantonment conditions are, indeed, “extremely unsatisfactory.” There are now plans for the construction of more permanent living structures, he said.

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