Defense minister flays UNMIN

KATHMANDU, Aug 27: Since the army recruitment is a regular process there is no need to comply with UNMIN´s suggestions, said Defense Minister Bidhya Devi Bhandari.



Speaking at a women´s gathering organised by CPN-UML Kathmandu district committee on Friday, she said the UNMIN, which is here to assist in the peace process, should not speak beyond its jurisdiction.



Accusing the UNMIN of being "spokesman" of the Unified CPN (Maoist) and presenting a wrong report about Nepal´s security situation to the United Nations Security Council, Minister Bhandari said the Maoist´s army combatants and the Nepal Army cannot be compared equally.



Stating that a party having a military squad and weapons cannot lead a new government, she urged the Maoists to disarm itself and transform into a civilian party.



The minister said that parties should forge consensus to complete the peace process and constitution drafting.

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