UNSC to discuss Nepal report Thursday

Jan 11,2007 00:00 by Biz Correspondent

The UN Security Council (UNSC) is scheduled to discuss over the report on Nepal's peace process presented by the newly appointed United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon before the UNSC on Thursday.

The UN Secretary-General on Wednesday had asked the Security Council to endorse a monitoring team to oversee Nepal's elections and a disarmament program agreed between the government and Maoists.

Secretary General Ban had prepared the report as per the suggestions made by the UN technical assessment mission, which arrived here in mid-December to plan for a full-fledged UN mission.

A group of 186 unarmed officials will monitor camps and barracks where the rebel Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) and the Nepalese Army will store weapons, and separate team will advise on the electoral process, Ban said in a report. The Security Council is scheduled to discuss the deployment Friday.

"The magnitude of tasks ahead and the potential threats to the peace process must not be underestimated,'' Ban said in the report, adding that Nepal has the opportunity to "reshape its structures and institutions'' and meet the aspirations of the people.

"The timely, free and fair conduct of the constituent assembly election is central to the sustainability of the peace process,'' Ban said. ``The support of the diverse population of Nepal is vital.''