Peace Process Praised

THE interest of friendly countries and international agencies to see a stable, peaceful and prosperous Nepal is evident. Despite the support and cooperation coming from them, it is clear that the Nepali people themselves know very well to resolve their own problems. It is the moral support that must be forthcoming from them in the Nepali people's endeavour to keep their house in order. In this, the support extended by the United Nations is praiseworthy. Its help has become very much a part of the ongoing peace process in the country. A year after the April uprising, United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki Moon, in his Nepal report to the Security Council, said that Nepal's peace process has made rapid advances though questions remain about the registration of the arms and armies. He was referring to the complex questions regarding the monitoring of the arms and armed personnel. Herein, it may be worthwhile remembering that the first phase of the registration and storage of the weapons and combatants of the Maoists and the arms of the Nepal Army has been completed with the help of the United Nations.

He also said that the upcoming constituent assembly elections ought to be conducted in a manner that reflects the "genuine will" of the people. It must be noted that in all the political developments taking place in the country, the concerned political parties must also be praised as they have always gone for a consensus on contentious issues. Though there is a lull at the moment, it is hoped that the eight parties will sit down together and come up with decisions on the lingering question of fixing the date for the CA polls. Positive signals have emerged in the past few days that the eight parties will gather and discuss the various problems that have emerged. All the political leaders have suggested that the unity of the eight parties must be maintained in the present situation so that a safe path can lead to the elections. It is high time all the present issues were sorted out at the earliest so that the stage can be set for announcing the date of the polls. It is hoped that the eight party meeting will take place in a day or two so that the people will rest assured that things are moving as desired according to the mandate given to the parties with the success of Jana Andolan II last year.

Source: The Rising Nepal, April 30, 2007