Intl community must win back respect in Nepal: ICG

Kathmandu, May 11: The International Crisis Group (ICG) has called on the international community to help the new government in Nepal tackle challenges in to win back respect in the country.

''The international community has lost credibility by attempting to pressure the parties into an unworkable compromise with the King, and must now work hard to support a difficult transition and peace process while avoiding making similar mistakes,'' the ICG said in a report published in Brussels and Kathmandu today.

The ICG has recommended to India, US, European Union and other members of the international community to accept that ''Nepal's people are drivers of international engagement and the parties, civil society and others in the country are now in a better position to make their own suggestions.'' The report has also recommended the international community to establish a Contact Group and complementary Peace Support Group with an aim of strengthening the peace process in the country.

Brussles based ICG has asked the international community to make stability and peace as the top order of their business.

''Peace-building can be supported by helping monitor ceasefire and preparing to assist both parties with demobilisation and demilitarisation among other things,'' the report said.

It also asked the international community to avoid rushing into ill-considered ''peace dividend'' packages.

''Countries with monarchies should resist any temptation to reward King Gyanendra for his climb down as that would further erode international community's credibility,''the ICG said.

''There should be no lethal aid-- all contacts should be channeled through the civilian government-- pressure should be maintained for investigation of rights abuses-- voluntary suspension of new contributions to UN peacekeeping missions should be supported until rights abuses are satisfactorily investigated,'' the report said.

UNI

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