Inaugurating Shanti Prayas-II, a joint exercise of 23 countries on peacekeeping, amidst a function at the Birendra Peace Operations Training Center in Panchkhal of Kavre, Regmi said the government was ready to contribute to UN peacekeeping operations as in the past. [break]
"This exercise is sure to facilitate in fostering a global partnership for peace, democracy, human rights, rule of law and stability among the various countries," he added.
Nepal has been a major troop contributor to UN peacekeeping since 1958. More than 95,000 Nepali peacekeepers have participated in 39 UN peacekeeping missions and currently 3,834 Nepal Army personnel are deployed in 11 peacekeeping missions.
The exercise, jointly organized by the Nepal Army and the US Pacific Command, is expected to conduct a wide range of activities including peace enforcement operations, peace building, policing, security sector reform, demining, transitional justice, governance and election support, Chief of Army Staff Gaurav Shumsher Rana said.
PHOTO: CHANDRA SHEKAR KARKI
"It has implemented a series of reform initiatives in order to meet the challenges posed by emerging threats and to make its peacekeeping operations more robust", he added.
Deputy Commander of US Pacific Command Lt Gen Thomas L Conant said the platform would be significant in learning and practising global peacekeeping operations. The inaugural ceremony was attended by Home Minister Madhav Prasad Ghimire, Inspector General of Police Kuber Singh Rana, government officers and former chiefs of army staff. The exercise will conclude on April 7.
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