Nepal: UN political chief encourages dialogue among leaders to overcome differences on constitution

Expressing deep concern about current developments adversely affecting Nepal's humanitarian situation, economic performance and reconstruction efforts, the top United Nations political official today encouraged the country's leaders to overcome their differences on constitutional arrangements through inclusive dialogue and parliamentary process.

UN Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs Jeffrey Feltman made this call for dialogue as he concluded a two-day visit to Nepal aiming to encourage maximum flexibility to resolve the current political situation there. He met with a number of the country's political and civil society leaders, including President Bidya Devi Bandari and Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli.

According to a statement from his office, Mr. Feltman, on behalf of Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, ‎conveyed the United Nations' appreciation for Nepal's unwavering commitment and contribution to the Organization's work in its 60 years of membership, citing in particular Nepal's role in UN peacekeeping operations and in representing the concerns of landlocked developing countries.

“In turn, Mr. Feltman assured Nepal of the UN's unwavering partnership in ‎its recovery following the devastating earthquakes of 2015 as well as in addressing broader humanitarian and development needs,” said the statement.

It went on to say that Mr. Feltman expressed deep concern about current developments that are adversely affecting Nepal's humanitarian situation, economic performance and reconstruction efforts. Commending Nepalis on their resolve to address these issues with a spirit of flexibility and compromise, he encouraged political leaders to overcome urgently current differences on constitutional arrangements through inclusive dialogue and parliamentary process.

He also underscored the importance of rebuilding trust amongst different groups, including through agreement on the modalities of the process to delineate internal borders.

Mr. Feltman, according to the statement, expressed the sincere hope and conviction that an understanding on these immediate matters will‎ allow all stakeholders in Nepal to meet their aspirations of economic development, accountability and the full implementation of constitutional provisions.

The UN fully supports this Nepali process, the statement concluded.