United Nations, Jan 11: Voicing deep concern over Nepal’s current humanitarian and political situation, a top UN official has encouraged the country’s leaders to resolve differences on the new Constitution through inclusive dialogue and parliamentary process.
UN Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs Jeffrey Feltman made this call for dialogue as he concluded a two-day visit to Nepal on Saturday aiming to encourage maximum flexibility to resolve the current political situation in the Himalayan nation, that also witnessed two powerful earthquakes last year.
He met with a number of the country’s political and civil society leaders, including President Bidya Devi Bandari and Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli.
Nepal has been at the scene of a violent agitation led by Madhesis, who are largely Indian-origin, for months over the new Constitution that divides their ancestral homeland and are demanding more representation in Parliament. They have also imposed a blockade of key border trade points with India as part of their protest that has claimed over 50 lives.
According to a statement from his office, Feltman expressed “deep concern about current developments that are adversely affecting Nepal’s humanitarian situation, economic performance and reconstruction efforts”.
“Commending Nepalis on their resolve to address these issues with a spirit of flexibility and compromise, Feltman encouraged political leaders to overcome urgently current differences on constitutional arrangements through inclusive dialogue and parliamentary process,” the statement said.
He also underscored the importance of rebuilding trust amongst different groups, including through agreement on the modalities of the process to delineate internal borders.
Feltman, on behalf of Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, conveyed the United Nations’ appreciation for Nepal’s unwavering commitment and contribution to the Organisation’s work in its 60 years of membership, citing in particular Nepal’s role in UN peacekeeping operations and in representing the concerns of landlocked developing countries.
“In turn, Feltman assured Nepal of the UN’s unwavering partnership in its recovery following the devastating earthquakes of 2015 as well as in addressing broader humanitarian and development needs,” the statement said.
Feltman expressed the sincere hope and conviction that an understanding on these immediate matters will allow all stakeholders in Nepal to meet their aspirations of economic development, accountability and the full implementation of constitutional provisions.
