Nepal says UN-supported peace process can serve as an example to other countries

The United Nations-assisted peace process in Nepal can act as a model for other countries of how to resolve conflicts and it can also demonstrate the importance of democracy, the Himalayan nation’s Deputy Prime Minister told the General Assembly today.

Speaking during the annual debate at UN Headquarters in New York, K. P. Sharma Oli described the restoration of parliamentary democracy earlier this year as a “momentous change,” noting it had led to a ceasefire between the Communist Party (Maoist) and Government forces.

“The people of Nepal have become, for the first time in history, the real sources of sovereignty and State authority,” he said.

Mr. Oli said he was confident that the peace process, which is being supported by Ian Martin, the Secretary-General’s Personal Representative in Nepal, will conclude successfully with the establishment of a fully-fledged democracy.

Last month the two sides asked for UN help in a range of areas, including human rights monitoring, election observation, arms management and ceasefire monitoring.

“Successful resolution of our internal conflict will set a worthwhile example to the rest of the world that democracy is indispensable and brightens the prospect for resolution of all kinds of conflicts.”

Mr. Oli – who is also the Nepalese Foreign Minister – said the country now faced pressing challenges of reintegration, rehabilitation and reconstruction as it attempts to make the transition to a post-conflict nation.

“It is critically important that newly emerged democracies are safeguarded and protected, allowing them to develop further and flourish,” he said, voicing support for the UN Democracy Fund.

Mr. Oli also offered thanks to Secretary-General Kofi Annan for his help in the peace process and to the role played by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in Nepal.