New recruitment against peace pacts: UNMIN

THT Online

KATHMANDU: The United Nations Missions in Nepal (UNMIN) on Tuesday expressed it concerns over the fresh recruitment announced by the Nepal Army and the UCPN-Maoist’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA).

Issuing a press statement, UNMIN said the new recruitment drive is against the peace pacts. "UNMIN’s position remains that any recruitment by either the Nepal Army or the Maoist army constitutes a breach of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement and the Agreement on the Monitoring of the Management of Arms and Armies (AMMAA)," it said.

"The relevant provisions of the AMMAA reflect the provisions of the original Ceasefire Code of Conduct, which committed both parties “not to recruit new people.” A proposal to permit recruitment to fill vacancies was rejected, leaving no ambiguity".

It further stated that recruiting any personnel, including for the purpose of filling vacancies, was prohibited under article 5.1.19 of the AMMAA, unless it has been agreed between the parties, and said any proposed recruitment should be referred to the Joint Monitoring Coordination Committee for approval.

"UNMIN has written to the Government and the UCPN-M, advising them to respect past agreements and to act in this matter with good faith towards the United Nations, the mandated monitor of the AMMAA," read the release.

UNMIN is a special political mission established in Nepal to support the ongoing peace process. It is currently mandated to stay in the country till September 15, 2010.