Would can learn from Nepal to end conflicts: Dr. Mahat

Kathmandu, Dec. 8: Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr. Prakash Sharan Mahat has said that the world could learn from Nepal to end conflicts in other parts of the world.

Addressing the ninth Bali Democracy Forum on "Religion, democracy and pluralism" in Bali, Indonesia on Thursday he said, "Democracy is not only about competition but also about accommodation and dialogue to reach a consensus. Nepal's peace process is a successful example of ending conflict through dialogue."

He remarked that the Constituent Assembly led process of writing the constitution in a democratic, inclusive, participatory and transparent manner.

"Nepal's constitution is considered to be one of the most flexible and accommodative one that reflects Nepal's diversity. We have ensured one third of the female participation in National Parliament and State Assembly as well as 40 per cent at the local bodies. Currently, we have president of the country, speaker of the parliament and chief justice of the Supreme Court all headed by women," he said.

Maintaining that an inclusive and robust development path is the priority for the present government, Dr. Mahat said that empowerment of women, poor and the marginalized groups was critical to ensure their participation in development and to promote social justice and shared prosperity for all.

He said that Nepal's democratic transition had become a unique example of people-led movement for democracy in the quest for peace and inclusive development.

Dr. Mahat stated that democracy was the best way to deal with the political and developmental challenges.

"Revolutions and political changes give rise to popular expectation to a new height. But, resources and tools available may not be sufficient. In this context, management of expectations requires efficient, thoughtful and practical solutions. Democracy is the best tool to deal with such challenges," he said.

According to the Foreign Minister, extremism or radicalism backed by religious fundamentalism and intolerance crippled societies and destablised the social fabrics.

"Extremism fuels instability and hinders peace and prosperity," he said.

He said that religious, ethnic and political intolerance continued to exist at the global level and in many places even increasing and urged world to collectively work against forces of intolerance.

"There is no substitute to religious harmony, democracy and plural values. Traditional relitions and faiths have made important contribution to the fabric of Nepali society. Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam as well as other faiths have existed side by side. Nepal has a time-tested history of religious harmony," he said.

He expressed condolences to the families affected by the earthquake in Aceh on Wednesday. The quake killed many lives and damaged properties.

The Indonesian government has been organising the Forum since its inception in 2008.