Kathmandu, Nepal (BBN) – The United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has recommended to the UN Security Council to extend the term of UN Mission in Nepal (UNMIN) for another six months.
“On 7 July, the Permanent Representative of Nepal to the United Nations wrote to me expressing appreciation for the work of UNMIN and requesting, on behalf of his Government, an extension of the current mandate and the related work of UNMIN by a further six months, from 23 July 2009,” the UN chief said in a report, released in the capital, Kathmandu on Saturday.
Mr. Ban also said the UNMIN has an important role to play while some key commitments of the comprehensive peace agreement remain unfulfilled.
“I therefore recommend that the Security Council extend the mandate for a further six months until 23 January 2010,” he added.
The UN chief said political leaders in Nepal have expressed the view that the presence of UNMIN is needed until the integration and rehabilitation of the Maoist army personnel is resolved.
He also urged the Nepalese government to take full advantage of the UNMIN presence, and the Security Council to support this, in order to help ensure the timely completion of the peace process.
BBN/SS/SI/AD-19July09-3:12 am (BST)
