Why has the integration process of the Maoist combatants been delayed?
I believe integration process has been delayed due to the confusion of the Maoist leadership. The place where the issues of integration is discussed and brought to implementation is Special Committee. The Chairman of the committee is Maoist leader and Prime Minister Dr Baburam Bhattarai. He has to present the action plan prepared by the army in the Special Committee, and it goes to the implementation stage upon unanimous approval from the Special Committee. But that has not happened. So the ruling parties, mainly the UCPN (Maoist) is mainly to be blamed for the stalled peace process, not the Nepali Congress and CPN-UML.
Have you already arrived at consensus on the ranks of the Maoist combatants to be integrated in the Nepal Army?
We have already agreed that the maximum number of the Maoist combatants to be integrated in the army. We have also clearly stated those opting for integration should meet standards set by the army. The seven-point agreement clearly specifies where we can give concessions to the Maoist combatants opting for integration. We have agreed the integration should not put negative effects in the careers of incumbent army officers. Basically, we will take the date of the combatants joining the PLA as date of commissioning, and the number of years they worked with the Maoists will be taken into consideration while determining the rank in the NA.
But the Maoists are sticking to their demand for Brigadier General?
I don´t think there is any possibility of giving them such a post. What the Maoists need to understand is that combatants are not joining the NA as their representatives. Once integrated, the Maoist combatants would be soldiers of the NA, and they all have to abide by the rules and regulations of the organization. The relations of the Maoist combatants with their mother party must be be fully detached. I believe the problem has risen as the Maoists have failed to understand this fact.
How optimistic are you about the successful conclusion of peace process?
I am fully optimistic that the peace process would be concluded. Without this there won´t be a new statute by May 27. We must find meeting point as agreed in the seven-point agreement. This is the common positions of all political parties. No one can run away from implementing the agreement.
But there are concerns that peace process would be broken halfway through?
There could be people, not satisfied with the political developments, who may wish to see it broken. Some elements that are against the institutionalization of federal democratic republic could be hatching conspiracies. But that is different. My understanding is that Nepali people desperately want to see peace process concluded and new constitution promulgated. This is in the best interests of the country as the ongoing peace process is linked with interests of Nepali people.
What is the official position of NC on the integration proposal put forward by the Nepal Army?
The official position of the NC will be presented by our colleagues who represent the NC in the Special Committee. But I think the army´s proposal that the directorate will be headed by a major general is not appropriate. I don´t think such a high ranking office should lead the directorate. Basically, the Directorate is based on the concept of civil defense army. I think colonel or brigadier general should lead such directorate. Given the nature of works the directorate would be carrying out, I do not think there is a need to create post of major general or lieutenant general.
What progress have you made so far in regards to the formation of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the Disappearance Commission?
Bills have already been tabled in the parliament and a sub-committee was formed to forge consensus among parties on contentious issues. Representatives of all parties are in the sub-committee. We have decided to hold a meeting of the sub-committee members at the presence of the top leaders of the three big parties and arrive at a consensus. The bills should be endorsed soon and the commissions should also be formed at the earliest.
Let´s go back to constitution drafting again. System of governance has lately become one of the most contentious issues. How much progress has been made to resolve the issues?
We have made a list of contentious issues for discussion to expedite the constitution drafting process. Madhav Kumar Nepal had presented a list of contentious issues at the three-party meeting on Thursday. All I want to say now is we can forge consensus on the contentious issues of new constitution once we conclude peace process. There won´t be any consensus as long as there is no conclusion of peace process. This means that we have a clear position that the new constitution is not possible without concluding the peace process.
There have been much talk about national consensus government? Is NC vying for government leadership now?
It will be natural for NC to seek government leadership once Baburamji is gone. I hope, Maoist and the UML won´t stake claim for government leadership again after the resignation of Baburamji. But we have not sought resignation of the prime minister yet. So far, we are focused on the conclusion of peace process. Our party president Sushil Koirala himself said NC would wait till mid-March. I am hopeful that national consensus government would be formed after mid-March. If the peace process is concluded by mid-March, there is a chance of forming a national consensus government. The change of the guard in the government becomes inevitable also in case there is no progress in peace process by that time. The leadership of Baburam Bhattarai will prove to be a failure by then.
What´s your take on foreigners´ role in the Peace Process?
Our neighbor India has a close interest and supported the peace process that started after singing in the 12-point agreement that led to the subsequent democratic movement in Nepal. We invited the UNMIN to monitor arms and armies of the Maoists and the UNMIN has already accomplished its mission. All countries including India, the US, UK, European Union and China have a desire to see sustainable peace in the country.
Given the geopolitical situation of our country, it is natural to see our neighboring countries interested in the developments taking place in Nepal. Among them, India appears to be a country that is directly affected by our peace process. Though indirect, the involvement of India has been felt in all stages of peace process right from the 12-point understanding.
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