Maoists' talks with govt on UNMIN 'positive'

KATHMANDU: The talks between the representatives of government and Unified CPN-Maoist regarding the term and mandate of United Nations Mission in Nepal held today concluded on a

‘positive note’.

“We will sit tomorrow after consulting our respective leaders,” said Minendra Rizal, Minister for Culture and Parliamentary Affairs, following the meeting held at the parliamentary party office of UCPN-M. “We will consult the PM and they’ll consult their leaders before sitting on Saturday,” he added.

Home Minister Bhim Rawal said they urged Maoists to maintain updated records of their combatants and would establish a secretariat of Special Committee for Supervision, Integration and Rehabilitation of Maoist combatants soon.

“The government agreed to a proposal of UCPN-Maoist to complete major tasks of army integration within four months and have proposed to begin the work from September 17 and complete major tasks by January 14,” he said, adding that the government also proposed to extend the term of UNMIN for the last time.

He added that the government also urged the Maoists to find ways to resolve the difficulties being faced by Nepali Army regarding its recruitment drive, necessary logistics, arms and ammunition, and its movement.

“We requested the government representatives to send another letter urging UN to extend UNMIN’s term by six months. To do so the government wanted an agreement on its proposals,” Maoist Vice-chairman Narayan Kaji Shrestha said following the meeting. He said the talks would continue on Saturday as well.

He added that the government representatives urged the UCPN-M to allow NA to go ahead with its recruitment process that the army had already begun.

“We cannot agree to let NA go ahead with its recruitment drive, as it breaches the Comprehensive Peace Accord,” he said, adding that his party could, however, consider letting NA fill essential non-lethal vacancies only. “The common letter should be sent by tomorrow,” Shrestha added. Earlier this morning the office bearers of the UCPN-Maoist had decided to hold talks with the government to send a common letter to UN.

http://www.thehimalayantimes.com/fullNews.php?headline=Maoists%27+talks+with+govt+on++UNMIN+%27positive%27&NewsID=257360