The ambassadors, according to diplomatic sources, likewise discussed two conflicting letters to UNMIN, one from the government and the other from the UCPN (Maoist), in regard to the handover of Maoist arms. [break]
The government last Friday asked UNMIN to hand over the containers of Maoist arms to the Special Committee. But the UCPN (Maoist) sent another letter to UNMIN on Tuesday, objecting to any handover of arms to the Special Committee.
In the meeting, the UK, the lead country on the Nepal issue at the Security Council, was of the view that there should be no residual office or unit of UNMIN after January 15, said the source. The UK also held the view that there can be a post-UNMIN mechanism to report to the Security Council on the peace process and constitution drafting, but that such a move needs the consent of the government.
The source further said that the US was critical of the Maoist move. It was concerned over the Maoists not letting the peace process move ahead on one hand and seeking yet another term extension for UNMIN on the other.
China and Russia, according to the source, were not clear in their opinions.
Besides the ambassadors of China, France, the UK, the USA and Russia -- the five permanent members to the Security Council, the ambassadors of India and Germany -- new temporary members -- were also present in the meeting.
US to urge parties to honor CPA, avoid provocation
US ambassador Scott H DeLisi is meeting political leaders and government and military officials this week, to urge them to continue to honor the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) and avoid provocation after the departure of UNMIN, and reaffirm continued US assistance to the peace process.
“Even though UNMIN departs on January 15, the US, as a member of the UN Security Council, will remain committed to moving the peace process forward and we will continue to follow developments closely and offer assistance where we can,” said US embassy spokesperson Heather Steil about the message that the ambassador is to deliver in his meetings.
Talking to Republica, Steil said the US envoy is also going to call on the government, party leaders and military officials not to involve themselves in any provocative activities and confrontational rhetoric because “they are inappropriate at this critical juncture”.
“…We believe that the people of Nepal would strongly reject those who undermine the effort for peace for their own political gain,” the embassy spokesperson further said about DeLisi´s message to the government, political leaders and military brass.
kiran@myrepublica.com
Related story
Leaders express concern about road accidents, but do they mean...
