Denmark supports Nepal’s peace process; Norway hails new govt.

Denmark today has granted an initial disbursement of Rs 120 million to the Nepal Peace Trust Fund (NPTF), and Rs 80 million to the UN Peace Fund (UNPF).

Like Britain, Denmark has joined the group of international donors to support Nepal's peace process by signing Joint Financing Arrangement.

The initial budget for NPTF will cover in particular urgent election related needs, and the assistance to UNPF would support a joint programme for de-mining initiated by the United Nations Mission in Nepal (UNMIN), according to a release issued by the embassy of Denmark today.

"Denmark is a strong supporter of the peace process in Nepal, and we have today committed ourselves to provide further assistance through the two peace funds," said the Danish ambassador to Nepal, Finn Thilsted.

Welcoming the formation of the interim government, he said, "It is of paramount importance that the Nepalese authorities and the Nepalese people are in the drivers seat when it comes to initiatives in support of the peace process."

Thilsted encouraged all donors and government actors as far as possible channel their contributions through the peace funds to ensure that they are properly coordinated. He added that there were substantial work ahead for the government agencies and the United Nations, in preparing concrete proposals, which are of a sufficient quality so that they can be supported through the two funds.

Stating that the timing of the election was important, Denmark stated, "More important is to secure a free and fair election that can bring the peace process further." The signatures made today are a follow up to the grant of Rs 600 million which was provided by Denmark on 7 March, 2007 for the peace process.

Meanwhile, Erik Solheim, the Norwegian Minister for Development Cooperation who had visited Nepal a few weeks ago, has welcomed the formation of interim government and applauded the parties' ability to find solutions to the conflict.

"Too many conflicts in the world remain unsolved because of lack of will to find compromises. Nepal represents a difference," said Solheim according to a press release issued by the Embassy of Norway.

The minister also hoped and believed that the country could complete the peace process even though there were still a number of hindrances to overcome.