NEPAL -- GUIDANCE FOR MAY 22 SECURITY COUNCIL

UNCLAS STATE 054642 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: UNSC PREL UNMIN NE SUBJECT: NEPAL -- GUIDANCE FOR MAY 22 SECURITY COUNCIL DISCUSSION ON UNMIN ¶1. The Department requests that USUN draw on the following points during the discussion of the UN Mission in NEPAL (UNMIN) in the Security Council on May 22. ¶2. Begin Points: I would like to join with the Secretary General in thanking Special Representative Ian Martin and his entire staff. UNMIN has done a commendable job in fulfilling its mandate by assisting the Nepalese to successfully complete their national elections and monitoring the disarmament arrangements in the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA). We especially commend the work of UNMIN staff in carrying out demining and the destruction of improvised explosive devices, in further support of the CPA. With the full support of this Council and the Secretary General, UNMIN has played a critical role in the Nepalese people,s efforts to re-establish stability in their country under a constitution and government that reflects their sovereign will. We again would like to congratulate the Nepalese people on their participation in the successful Constituent Assembly elections of April 10. As the Secretary General,s report points out, the Nepalese political parties to be represented in the constituent assembly must meet their responsibilities to form a government, draft a constitution that serves the needs of the Nepalese, and continue to implement the CPA. The United States remains steadfast in our support of NEPAL and in our willingness to assist the Nepalese people as they work to see that these goals are met. As the Secretary General notes in his report, UNMIN has successfully completed the bulk of the tasks set forth in its current mandate relating to electoral assistance and arms monitoring, and UNMIN is, appropriately, drawing down staff in those areas. We agree with his judgment that with Nepal,s new government yet to be formed, this remains a critical period for ensuring Nepal,s long term stability. We therefore look forward to consulting with the new government and with Council members to continue to assist in promoting stability in Nepal, and to determine the appropriate size and structure for a continued UN presence after UNMIN,s mandate expires in July. End Points. RICE