“We have a framework, very clearly established by the mandate of the working group. But I can assure you that the Security Council supports the peace process fully. And, we expect all parties to take up their engagements, and to go on with this very important process that deserves the support of the world,” a UNMIN media note quoted Heller as saying to journalists in Palungtar, Gorkha after a meeting with Maoist Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal. [break]
The UN delegation had flown to the Maoist plenum venue in a helicopter to meet the Maoist leadership to know the latter´s view on the implementation of a plan of action on rehabilitation of the discharged minors to which the UCPN (Maoist) is a party.
“We came here, specifically to this meeting…to assess the reintegration program of children that have been released by the Maoist army and also to assess the full implementation of the action plan that was signed in December 2009,” Heller said.
The SCWG-CAAC, established in 2005 pursuant to Security Council resolution 1612, reviews reports of the Secretary-General on children and armed conflict and makes its observations and conclusions to parties to armed conflict. “The Security Council Working Group on children and armed conflict has made this trip to Nepal in order to assess the progress made on the protection of children affected by armed conflict,” Heller, ambassador of Mexico, said.
The delegation led by Heller held talks with Dahal at the house of Kul Bahadur Gurung where the former rebel leader has been accommodated for the plenum meeting. Heller had inquired about the peace process and integration of the rehabilitation of Maoist combatants.
When asked if the delegation was concerned over participation of Maoist combatants in the plenum, Maoist Vice Chairman Dr Baburam Bhattarai said Heller did not inquire about it.
The delegation is in Nepal since Sunday. The delegation met Peace and Reconstruction Minister Rakam Chemjong on Monday. The delegation will return New York on Friday.
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