UNSC disappointed at Nepal election delay

United Nations, Oct 10: The UN Security Council has expressed ''disappointment'' over the delay in Constituent Assembly polls in Nepal.

Council President Leslie K Christian, in a statement, said the 15-member body recognises the strong desire of the Nepali people for peace following a decade-long conflict.

''The international community needed to help Nepal to create the conditions necessary to hold credible elections,'' Mr Christian, who is envoy of Ghana to the UN, said.

Once elected, the Constituent Assembly will draft a new Constitution for the Himalayan nation, where an estimated 13,000 people were killed during the decade-long civil conflict that came to a formal end when the government and the rebel Maoists signed a peace accord late last year.

The elections were to have taken place in June but were postponed to November 22 because of technical problems and the onset of the monsoon season. Earlier this month, the interim government in Nepal delayed the elections further, prompting Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon to voice his disappointment.

Mr Ban urged the seven-party alliance comprising the interim coalition government last week ''to re-double efforts so that outstanding issues can be expeditiously resolved and the election are held very soon.'' The Council also restated its full support for the work of the UN Mission in Nepal, set up in January to support the peace process in the country.

UNI