Nepali peace process is not dictated from outside

Norway is not only a major donor to Nepal, but also a country that has been active in promoting peace in Nepal since the Maoist insurgency days. Norway has maintained good contacts with all the major political parties and has been advocating for sustainable peace from the beginning of the Maoist insurgency. During the insurgency, Norway was in contact with the Maoist leadership. Norway has offered and continues to offer to facilitate and provide a platform to meet and discuss crucial political issues.



Norwegian Minister for Environment and International Development Erik Solheim visited Kathmandu on May 21 to extend Norwegian support to the peace process. His visit took place amidst deepening political crisis in Nepal.



Myrepublica.com caught up with him during his whirlwind 12-hour visit to Nepal to know the purpose of his brief visit, Norwegian priority and assistance to Nepal and other issues.



EXCERPTS



Myrepublica.com: You are returning to Norway after your 12-hour visit to Nepal. Would you please tell us the purpose of your whirlwind visit?



Erik Solheim: The main purpose of such a brief visit is to support Nepal’s peace process. I met with key leaders, including the Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Maoist Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal, CPN (UML) Chairman Jhalanath Khanal, Nepali Congress Acting President Sushil Koirala and other leaders.[break]



Myrepublica.com: Norway has been actively following the peace process in Nepal. What is your assessment of the peace process?



Solheim: Nepali leaders have shown ability to cross roads, ultimately find solution very often in the eleventh hour. I am confident and hopeful this time too they will find a solution to the impasse.



Myrepublica.com: Your country has expertise in peace process. Did you find our leaders interested in using the Norwegian expertise to resolve the present political crisis?



Solheim: It is true that we have some expertise in peace processes. In my experience, the positive aspect of the Nepali peace process is it is home-grown and has not been dictated by someone from outside.



Similarly, the leaders have shown ability to talk even during crisis. The most important thing is political will. Once there is a political will I am sure that they will find a compromise.



Myrepublica.com: Many countries, including Norway, have jointly urged the government to renew the mandate of the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, Nepal (OHCHR-N). Did you raise the issue during your meeting with the prime minister?



Solheim: We raised the issue with the prime minister and other leaders. But it is Nepal which should take a decision in this regard.



Myrepublica.com: Did the prime minister give any commitment to renew the mandate of the UN rights body?



Solheim: He indicated that it will be extended.



Myrepublica.com: Did he say that the scope of the mandate of the OHCHR-N will be amended?



Solheim: We did not go into the details. But he indicated it will be extended.



Myrepublica.com: There are also calls to Nepal’s donors to attach human rights issues with their aid. Will lack of action to address human rights issues affect Norwegian assistance to Nepal?



Solheim: Nepal needs to fulfill its international human rights obligations, but it is up to Nepal to decide in which manner it will resolve the human rights problems of the past.



We are not really linking our assistance to human rights issues. We stand ready to assist Nepal for the benefit of the poor people of Nepal. We believe we can contribute to development of Nepal’s hydro electricity power. I hope there can be more investment.



Myrepublica.com: Which is the area in which your country is most interested in extending assistance to Nepal?



Solheim: I think the energy sector in which Norway has expertise. We are also very much involved in the education sector.



Myrepublica.com: Is any further assistance coming to Nepal?



Solheim: That is what I am eager to look into. We are now launching a clean energy program that will support developing countries in developing clean and environment-friendly energy sources. This is very important for Nepal as it is affected by climate change.



Myrepublica.com: If the government requests for assistance in rehabilitating Maoist combatants living in cantonments, will Norway assist the government?



Solheim: We donors are ready to extend financial support to schemes for educating Maoist cadres [combatants]. But Nepal should take a decision on how this should be done. If there is a consensus among UCPN (Maoist), NC and CPN-UML on how this should be done, we are ready to extend support.



We are ready to support education, small business and vocational training (to Maoist combatants).



Myrepublica.com: Where does Nepal lie in the Norwegian assistance map?



Solheim: It is definitely one of the priority nations. We are following the development very closely, staying politically connected, discussing Nepali affairs with other governments, consulting important issues with important neighbors. Our ambassador and our special envoy are closely following Nepal.

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