UN envoy cites security issues food shortages in Nepal

United Nations, July 27 (UNI) Senior UN envoy to Nepal Ian Martin has said that while the peace process in the Himalayan kingdom is on track, it is vital to create a conducive political and security climate for the holding of credible elections.

Preparations for the upcoming Constituent Assembly election "slated to be held on 22 November " are under way, but "considerable challenges" remain, Mr Martin, who is UN Chief Ban Ki-moon's Special Representative for Nepal, told reporters yesterday after briefing the UN Security Council.

Though the country's peace process began focusing primarily on ending the conflict between the Maoists and the state, it has become increasingly more complicated as traditionally marginalised groups seek fair representation in the process, Mr Martin noted.

"Dialogue with these groups needs to continue to ensure that there is consensus so that the electoral system will operate fairly so far as all groups are concerned," he said.

While satisfying these groups' concerns will contribute to improving public security, cooperation among local political parties is also crucial.

"I don't believe that public security can be assured by policing alone," said Mr Martin, who also heads the UN Mission in Nepal (UNMIN).

Since the Nepali police are "significantly demoralised, political parties have to cooperate amongst themselves to create a situation in which they respect each other's rights to campaign and to avoid the intimidation of voters," he added.

Hoping to take full advantage of the international presence in the country both before and during the election, the government and the Election Commission have invited as many international observers as possible, he said. UNMIN itself is also increasing its presence.

Regarding the second stage of registration at Maoist cantonment sites, Mr Martin noted that there have been difficulties. However, after discussions with Maoist Chairman Prachanda, there is now an "agreement in principle to proceed." In a related development, the UN World Food Programme (WFP) and the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) warned that over a million people in Nepal are in danger of facing food scarcity after a series of natural disasters have wreaked havoc on crop production.

According to a joint report issued by the two organisations, prolonged drought, hailstorms and flooding in the most agriculturally productive areas has led to a grain deficit of 225,000 tonnes, with 42 of the country's 75 districts reported to be food deficient.

"This is particularly troubling during this highly sensitive post-conflict period," Richard Ragan, WFP's representative, said in a statement issued in Nepal.

He added that those living in the remote areas of mid- and far-western Nepal are suffering as a result of consecutive drought and enduring impact of the 11-year insurgency.

WFP hopes to reach 1.2 million people through a new 49 million dollar Peace and Recovery Programme, and had appealed to donors for support.

"The process of national reconciliation can only make headway if the whole country shares in improved access to food and markets, lower rates of malnutrition and a determined risk management strategy for food security," said Henri Josserand, chief of the FAO Global Information and Early Warning System.

The report recommended bolstering irrigation availability, strengthening the government's agricultural monitoring systems and providing immediate food support for drought and onflict-affected communities.

UNI