KATHMANDU, May 4: United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is "seriously concerned" about the political crisis prompted by the row between the Maoist-led government and army chief Rookmangud Katawal. [break]
United Nations Mission in Nepal (UNMIN) said on Monday in a statement attributed to Michele Montas, the spokesperson of Secretary-General, that the recent political developments may pose risks to the peace process.
"The Secretary-General is seriously concerned about the current political crisis in Nepal centred on the relationship between the Government and the Chief of Army Staff, and the possible risks posed to the peace process," said the statement released in New York on Sunday. "The Secretary-General calls on all concerned to resolve the crisis through dialogue and consensus, with full respect for the provisions of the constitution."
On Sunday, UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in Nepal (ONCHR-Nepal) had urged all parties to exercise restraint in the wake of political developments involving sacking of the army chief by the government.
In the meantime, the European Union (EU), the US and the Netherlands have jointly expressed their serious concern over possible damage that the current political development can bring to the peace process while urging the political parties to find a common ground for peace and stability through dialog.
"We call on all political parties to act responsibly and in accordance with democratic principles," a statement issued by the Embassy of Finland on behalf of the EU and the US said in a statement issued a few hours after the Maoist-led government stepped down over the army chief row. Finland currently holds the presidency of the European Union. "It is important that the present political challenges are resolved through dialogue and by peaceful constitutional means."
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