Addressing a press conference before his departure at Tribhuvan International Airport, Feltman expressed happiness over the formation of chief justice-led Interim Election Council, terming it ´extra ordinary but temporary measure´. [break]
“We look forward to the appointments in the Election Commission. We will look forward to doing our part in helping achieve the free and fair election,” he said.
Feltman said the experience that UN has gained while supporting election process in various parts of the world could be helpful to Nepal´s election process.
Feltman, who is the first senior UN official to visit Nepal after the formation of the CJ-led government, had held meetings with various political leaders including the head of the Interim Election Council Khil Raj Regmi, Home and Foreign Minister Madhav Prasad Ghimire, UCPN (Maoist) Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal, NC President Sushil Koirala, CPN-UML Chairman Jhalanath Khanal and CPN-Maoist Chairman Mohan Baidya on Wednesday. He called on President Dr Ram Baran Yadav on Wednesday itself.
During his meeting with the political leaders, Feltman had emphasized credible and inclusive elections that reflect the political ambitions of the Nepali people.
“I am really impressed by the progress that people in Nepal have made in the peace process. In a decade thousands of people were killed. But in the five six years, parties and people have talked to each other and have worked together as per the CPA [comprehensive peace agreement],” he said.
Feltman had visited Nepal Army Academy in Kharipati, where office-level former Maoist combatants are undergoing NA training, on Wednesday and interacted with them.
“Fortunately, I had privilege to meet with the Kharipati military academy and see firsthand former Maoist combatants trained to serve in the national army. This is a tangible symbol of integration and reconciliation process is really complete,” he said.
While congratulating parties for being able to resolve the deadlock after forming a CJ-led government, Feltman suggested major parties to reach out to disgruntled parties, who have been boycotting election process, to bring them onboard the upcoming CA election process. He also asked parties to make necessary arrangement to ensure greater participation of women and various marginalized groups in the CA so that their voices could be incorporated in the new statute.
During his meeting with political party leaders, Feltman said he raised the issue of implementing the Comprehensive Peace Accord (CPA) in which Truth and Reconciliation Commission is an important component.
“We also talked about the achievement of CPA including TRC. I really put my concerns that the TRC should be in line with international standards to which Nepal has subscribed,” he said.
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