UN mission's term extended in Nepal

Kathmandu, July 24 : The term of the United Nations Mission in Nepal (UNMIN) has been extended for another six months to allow the mission to complete its monitoring and management of the arms and personnel of the Nepal Army and the Maoist People's Liberation Army (PLA) combatants.

According to Nepalnews, the UN Security Council adopting the resolution unanimously to this effect last night renewed the mandate of the mission through January 23 next year.

They also called on Nepal's political parties to support the peace process so that UNMIN could wrap up its work soon.

The decision was taken after the request from the government of Nepal for extension of the mission term.

The Security Council endorsed the proposal of the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon for a gradual, and withdrawal of UNMIN staff, including arms monitors.

The mission is responsible for monitoring the management of arms and armed personnel of both the CPN (Maoist) and the Nepal Army.

Speaking to media, the head of UNMIN and the Secretary-General's Special Representative Ian Martin said many significant challenges remained before the peace process can be considered to be completed.

"There are still two armies in Nepal, and the core task that is requested of a downsized UNMIN is to continue its monitoring of the management of arms and armies while durable solutions are sought to the future of the former combatants," he said.

Continued cooperation between all political parties, including those representing the Madhesi community, is important to complete the peace process, he added.

ANI