NEPAL-UNSC RENEWAL OF UNMIN

UNCLAS STATE 006714 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: UNSC PREL NE SUBJECT: NEPAL-UNSC RENEWAL OF UNMIN REF: STATE 5676 ¶1. The Department instructs USUN to vote in favor of the resolution following in paragraph 2 renewing the UN Mission in Nepal (UNMIN) for six months during the Security Council session on January 23. The Department requests that USUN draw on points in reftel in making the U.S.' Explanation of Vote. ¶2. Begin resolution text: The Security Council, Recalling Security Council resolution 1740 of 23 January 2007, Recalling the signing on 21 November 2006 by the Government of Nepal and the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) of a Comprehensive Peace Agreement, and the stated commitment of both parties to transforming the existing cease-fire into a permanent and sustainable peace and commending the steps taken to date to implement the Agreement, Reaffirming the sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence of Nepal and its ownership of the implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement and subsequent agreements, Expressing its continued readiness to support the peace process in Nepal in the timely and effective implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement and subsequent agreements, Recognizing the strong desire of the Nepalese people for peace and the restoration of democracy and the importance in this respect of the implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement and subsequent agreements, Recognizing that civil society can play an important role in conflict prevention, Welcoming the report of the Secretary-General of 3 January 2008 (S/2008/5) on the United Nations Mission in Nepal (UNMIN),in accordance with his mandate, Welcoming the 23-point agreement reached by the seven party alliance on 23 December 2007 with a view to holding Constituent Assembly elections on 10 April 2008, and recognizing that the challenging timelines set out in the agreement will require efforts among all the parties to build mutual confidence, Recognizing the need to pay special attention to the needs of women, children and traditionally marginalized groups in the peace process, as mentioned in the Comprehensive Peace Agreement and UNSCR 1325 (2000); Echoing the Secretary-General's call for all parties in Nepal to move forward swiftly in the implementation of the agreements reached, Noting that the Government of Nepal in its letter to the Secretary-General of 18 December, recognizes UNMIN's SIPDIS contribution and requests an extension of the mandate for six months, Welcoming the completion of two phases of the verification process and continuing assistance with the management of arms and armed personnel of both sides in accordance with UNSCR 1740 and in line with the provisions of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement, and noting the importance of a durable long term solution in helping to create the conditions for completion of UNMIN's activities and noting too in this regard the need to address outstanding issues, including those relating to minors, Expressing appreciation for the efforts of the Secretary-General's Special Representative and his team in SIPDIS UNMIN, and the United Nations Country Team, including the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights which is monitoring human rights at the request of the government, and stressing the need for co-ordination and complementarity of efforts between the mission and all the UN actors in the mission area, ¶1. Decides, following the request from the Government of Nepal and based on the Secretary-General's recommendation, to renew the mandate of UNMIN, as set out in UNSCR 1740 (2007),until 23 July 2008; ¶2. Expresses full support for the Comprehensive Peace Agreement and calls upon all parties to maintain momentum in implementation of the Agreement; to continue constructive engagement with the United Nations, including reaching an early status of mission agreement, and to work together to progress to Constituent Assembly elections; ¶3. Encourages all parties to take full advantage of the expertise and readiness of UNMIN, within its existing mandate, to support the peace process; ¶4. Requests the Secretary-General to keep the Council regularly informed of progress towards the implementation of this resolution, and in particular to review the activities of UNMIN in light of the elections scheduled for 10 April 2008, taking into account the views of the Government of Nepal and the developments on the ground; ¶5. Requests the parties in Nepal to take the necessary steps to promote the safety, security and freedom of movement of UNMIN and associated personnel in executing the tasks defined in the mandate; ¶6. Decides to remain seized of the matter. End Text RICE