Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
08STATE5676
2008-01-17 23:56:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Secretary of State
Cable title:  

NEPAL - STATEMENT TO THE COUNCIL ON UNMIN RENEWAL

Tags:  UNSC PREL KDEM NE 
pdf how-to read a cable
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OO RUEHWEB

DE RUEHC #5676 0172358
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
O 172356Z JAN 08
FM SECSTATE WASHDC
TO USMISSION USUN NEW YORK IMMEDIATE 0298
UNCLAS STATE 005676 

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: UNSC PREL KDEM NE
SUBJECT: NEPAL - STATEMENT TO THE COUNCIL ON UNMIN RENEWAL


UNCLAS STATE 005676

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: UNSC PREL KDEM NE
SUBJECT: NEPAL - STATEMENT TO THE COUNCIL ON UNMIN RENEWAL



1. The Department requests USUN to draw on the points in
paragraph 2 during the January 18 debate on the renewal of
the United Nations Mission in Nepal (UNMIN).


2. Begin Points.

-- Mr. President, the United States is pleased to support
the six-month extension of UNMIN's mandate so that it can
continue its efforts to help create a free and fair
atmosphere for the election of a constituent assembly and the
entire peace process. In extending this mandate, we are
particularly pleased to be able to respond positively to the
Nepalese government's request that UNMIN,s work continue.
We are agreed that these efforts are vital in helping the
Nepalese people to establish democracy, stability, and
prosperity, and to reinforce stability throughout the region.

-- As noted in this resolution, the December 23 agreement
between Nepal's political parties and their decision to
reschedule elections for April 10 were welcome positive steps
to put the peace process back on track and give hope to the
people of Nepal that the Comprehensive Peace Agreement can be
implemented. We pledge our full support to UNMIN and UN
staff in fulfilling their mandate to facilitate the elections
and the peace process. We ask Council members, UNMIN
contributor countries, and other governments in the region to
join us in maintaining this international commitment to the
people of Nepal.

-- The United States commends the work of Special
Representative Martin and his staff and looks forward to
working with him under a renewed mandate. We congratulate
SRSG Martin on UNMIN's success in completing the verification
of the designated cantonments, and urge them to maintain
their focus on the remaining tasks within UNMIN,s mandate.

-- The United States urges both the Six Party alliance and
Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) to continue to settle their
differences through peaceful dialogue and to live up to their
commitments outlined in the Peace Agreement and other peace
accords

-- The United States also strongly encourages the Government
to address to the extent possible the concerns of
historically disadvantaged groups, including in the Terai, so
that all parties and groups that are committed to a new,
democratic Nepal will participate in the upcoming elections.

--The U.S. is providing nearly $10 million annually in
assistance in support of Nepal's transition to democracy in
areas such as security sector reform, conflict resolution,
civil society, supporting legal institutions, the election
commission and political parties. We urge other donors to
offer maximum support to ensure that Nepal makes a successful
transition.

-- We look forward to the continuing reports of the Secretary
General, and pledge to remain engaged in helping to ensure
that UNMIN successfully carries out its mandate.

End Points.
RICE