Nepal army chief's non-ceremonial visit to the UK

Kathmandu, July 24 (UNI) Nepal Army Chief Gen Rukmangad Katawal is on a non-ceremonial visit to the UK at the invitation of the UK Ministry of Defence, according to a British Embassy release today.

''The visit aims to assist the General with the information and discussions that he needs to develop the Nepal Army for its post conflict role in society and in making it more accountable to the democratic/civilian authorities,'' it stated.

''The UK has publicly and repeatedly condemned human rights abuse in Nepal by both the Nepal Army and the Maoist insurgents. This will be one of the issues raised with Katawal during his visit. The UK is concerned about culture of impunity in Nepal Army, and lack of public trust,'' the statement said.

''The situation does enormous damage to the Nepal Army and it is in the interest of Nepal to build confidence in the security forces and address human rights concerns,'' it read.

The UK has and is still providing Human Rights and Managing Defence in Democracy courses to the Nepal Army as part of its annual assistance programme. These courses aim to educate as to the standards of conduct demanded by the International Community of the Nepal Army.

This is the first visit outside the country since he became chief of the army last year. The Royal Nepal Army (RNA) was changed to Nepal Army and the king was stripped of all power, including the title of supreme commander of the army.

UNI