Nepal pledges 5000 troops for UN peace keeping duties

Kathmandu, Nov 4 (UNI) Nepal has pledged 5,000 security personnel for peace keeping duties under United Nations, informed Bal Krishna Dahal, Secretary, Prime Minister's Office and member of Nepalese delegation to the 62nd session of the UN General Assembly.

Mr Dahal was speaking at the UN Fourth Committee on the issue of comprehensive review of peacekeeping operations in all its aspects, reported Kantipuronline.

''Peacekeeping was a principal function of the UN and Nepal welcomed the strengthening of its capacity in the light of the UN's engagement in peacekeeping operations worldwide,'' Mr Dahal said.

He also stressed the need to reform the current system of investigations by the UN in such a way that the contributing countries could take quicker action.

Nepal, meanwhile, has expressed readiness to support the UN to reduce and take legal action against any forms of indiscipline and misconduct, including sexual exploitation and abuse or any other criminal offence by the troops under UN mandate, according to a statement issued by the Permanent Mission of Nepal to the UN.

Pledging troops for peace keeping operations is being seen as a bold step on part of the Girija Prasad Koirala government as the Himalayan nation itself is in a state of political turmoil.

UNI