Nepal’s request for a six-month extension of a scaled down United Nations special political mission in the country, focused mainly on monitoring the management of arms and armed personnel of the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) and the Nepal Army, received the support of Security Council members this morning.

Presenting the Secretary-General’s recommendations on the matter, his Special Representative in Nepal, Ian Martin, outlined the latest developments in the country, which included the formation of a federal democratic republic to replace the monarchy by the newly elected Constituent Assembly, and its election tomorrow of the country’s first President.  Also, a broad-ranging agreement had been signed on 25 June by the leaders of the Seven-Party Alliance.

The most contentious and unresolved issue, however, had been the sharing of posts and power among the parties, he said.  Efforts to achieve consensus appeared to have broken down, ahead of tomorrow’s vote, with potentially serious consequences for the support base of a new Government.  The responsibilities within the Government for the security sector and for decisions regarding the future of the Maoist army had been an important element in the negotiations, and one of particular relevance for the continued role requested of the United Nations. If the Council extended the mandate of the United Nations Mission in Nepal (UNMIN), the Special Representative would continue to be supported by a Political Affairs Section, while the Arms Monitoring Office would continue at approximately half its previous strength of 186 arms monitors, Mr. Martin said.  Meanwhile, UNMIN had been working closely with the United Nations country team to ensure the transfer of functions and experience at the end of its mandate.
The Council was also addressed by Nepal’s representative, who said that the country had completed several important milestones in its peace process, which was nearing its logical conclusion.   Nepal would soon have a new Government that would most likely be led by the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist), which had won most seats in the Assembly.  UNMIN had made an important contribution to that process.

He pointed out that most of the Mission’s mandate had been accomplished, but the country had yet to conclude its arrangements on cantonment of Maoist army personnel, which were being monitored by UNMIN.  Therefore, his Government had decided to request an extension of the Mission for another six months at a smaller scale to engage itself in the remainder of the mandate. He also explained that the Secretary-General had sought clarification on the matter and, on behalf of the Government of Nepal, the Permanent Representative had provided it. In particular, he had clarified that the Government’s 8 July letter was a combined position of major political parties.  As requested by the Government, the Mission would have to “engage itself for the remainder of the mandate”, which “relates to the ongoing work on monitoring the management of arms and armed personnel in line with the agreement among the political parties and assisting in implementing the agreement”.

Speakers in today’s debate welcomed the positive developments in Nepal, which was now undergoing a democratic transition, and supported the extension of a downsized Mission.  However, most of them agreed that the remaining challenges should not be ignored, including the human rights situation, the need to improve security, address impunity, deal with the concerns of historically disadvantaged groups and demobilize and reintegrate child soldiers.  Speakers also emphasized the importance of ensuring a participative and inclusive political process in the country and said that measures to support peace in Nepal had to go hand in hand with an economic programme, based on poverty reduction.  Furthermore, the establishment of a single national army and ongoing efforts for demobilization and reinsertion were key factors leading to stability and peace in the country.