Seeking Answers for Nepal's Mission of Peace

By Garrett Godwin

Nepal's short-term government has made a request that the United Nations continue its presence there -- in a smaller way -- in order to aid the South Asian nation increase its hard-won peace.

However, a new report has been made public today, stating the world body is looking for valid reason on the scope of any future support.

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon's current report to the Security Council on Nepal's request for help from the UN in advocating the process of peace: writing that calling the democratically-elected Constituent Assembly less than two months ago was a "milestone" in Nepal's peace process.

The purpose of the Assembly is developing a new constitution within the next two years and will also act as the legislature during this transitional period.

Ki-moon went on to state that there is a "broad consensus" among Nepal's political parties and civil society that an ongoing UN political presence and monitoring of arms and armed personnel "remain important to the completion of the peace process, and in particular to a successful transition regarding the integration and rehabilitation of Maoist army personnel."

"The key requirement now", he continued, "is not the continuation of monitoring arrangements so much as the transition to a durable and permanent solution. The United Nations' monitoring role must thus be understood in the context of immediate efforts to reach decisions on the underlying issues, which the United Nations will assist as required.

"However, the letter I have received from the interim Government lacks the clarity that is required for me to recommend a continuing United Nations presence in the form of a special political mission."

If this doesn't reach a solution while the Council thinks about the current report, Ban will recommend a one-month extension for the Mission to give the Government to answer his request. However, if there is clarity and a six-month extension of the political mission is mandated, he sets out to submit a report to the Council after progress has been made for three months and further possible decrease of the Mission.

Source: United Nations

Garrett Godwin writes for NewsBlaze from Michigan. Contact him by writing to NewsBlaze.