UN to honour two Nepali peacekeepers posthumously

Kathmandu, May 28

Corporal Suraj Lamichhane and Private Debi Ram Jaisi are being honoured posthumously with Dag Hammarskjold medal from the United Nations.

The UN honours those who lost their lives for the cause of peace. Lamichhane died while serving in the Central African Republic in 2025 and Jaisi died while serving in East Timor in 2000.

The International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers will be observed around the world to pay tribute to all women and men serving in UN peacekeeping, and to honour the memory of those who have lost their lives in the cause of peace.

On 5 June at the UN Headquarters, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres will lay a wreath to honour peacekeepers and preside over a ceremony at which the Dag Hammarskjöld Medal will be awarded posthumously to 68 military, police, and civilian peacekeepers, who paid the ultimate price in the line of duty, including 59 who perished last year, the UN informed in a statement on Thursday.  

Currently, more than 50,000 civilian, military and police peacekeepers serve under the UN flag in some of the world’s most complex environments, where conflicts are increasingly fragmented, protracted, and shaped by emerging threats, including the misuse of digital tools and the spread of harmful information. A total of 118 countries currently contribute uniformed personnel to 11 peacekeeping missions. 

 

Nepal is the largest contributor of uniformed personnel to UN Peacekeeping. It currently contributes more than 4,300 military and police person – including 364 women – to the UN peace operations in Abyei, the Central African Republic, Cyprus, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kosovo, Lebanon, Libya, the Middle East, Somalia, South Sudan and Western Sahara.

 

The General Assembly established the Day back in 2002 and selected May 29 as it was the day in 1948 when the Security Council established the first UN Peacekeeping operation, the United Nations Truce Supervision Organization in the Middle East.  

In his message, Secretary-General António Guterres said that in an era of rising tensions, peacekeeping is a proven and cost-effective way to restore stability and hope. But it requires steady political backing – and reliable financial support.   

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 29 May 2026.   

Nepal welcomes ME Peace Plan

Kathmandu, Oct. 10

Nepal has welcomed the agreement reached between Israel and Hamas to implement the first phase of the ‘Middle East Peace Plan’ proposed by the President of the United States Donald Trump.

"We call for the immediate release of all hostages, including Nepali national Bipin Joshi, who has been held by Hamas since October 7, 2023," the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) said in its status on X on Friday.

It has urged all parties concerned to implement the plan in its true spirit, to ensure the smooth flow of humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza, and to pave the way for lasting peace in the region and beyond.

"Nepal commends the United States, Qatar, Egypt and Türkiye for their pivotal role in securing this much-awaited agreement," read the statement.

In the past two years, since Israel launched offensive against the Hamas-led government in Palestine following the mass killing of more than 1,250 Israelis and foreign nationals in the terror attack and taking hostage of 250 others.

Most of the cities in Gaza have been damaged in the attacks while more than 67,000 Palestinian were killed. A Nepali national, Bipin Joshi, is held captive by Hamas. Although the MoFA had initiated multiple efforts to get him released, his release couldn't be secured.

Meanwhile, AP adds: A ceasefire between Israel and Hamas came into effect in Gaza on Friday, the military said, hours after Israel’s Cabinet approved a deal to pause the fighting and exchange the remaining hostages for Palestinian prisoners.

Tens of thousands of people who had gathered in Wadi Gaza in central Gaza started walking north after the Israeli military’s announcement at noon local time.

The ceasefire marks a key step toward ending a ruinous two-year war that has killed tens of thousands of Palestinians, reduced much of Gaza to rubble, destabilized the Middle East, and left dozens of hostages, living and dead, in the territory.

  Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 11 October 2025.    

UNRCPT to hold regional meeting in Kathmandu

 Kathmandu, Apr. 1

The United Nations Regional Centre for Peace and Disarmament in Asia and the Pacific (UNRCPD) is organising the informal regional meeting on small arms control, women and security in Kathmandu.

The meeting titled ‘Separate Agendas, Common Objectives: Lessons Learned and Opportunities from the Progressive Harmonisation of Small Arms Control and Women, Peace and Security’ is being organised with support from the European Union and in partnership with Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday and Thursday.

Small arms and light weapons (SALW) remain a leading driver of armed violence globally. Women and girls disproportionately suffer from their misuse through domestic abuse, community insecurity, and conflict-related sexual violence, the UNRCPD said in a statement.

For too long, initiatives to tackle illicit small arms proliferation have not been effectively integrated into other relevant priority areas, such as Women, Peace and Security (WPS). However, the 2024 Review Conference of the UN Programme of Action on SALW took steps to shift this approach, read the statement.

Likewise, this year marks the 30^th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action—a landmark in advancing women’s participation in peace and security. “Despite increased global support, many countries continue to face challenges in translating commitments into action,” said the UN agency.

To strengthen the link between these two agendas, the UNRCPD is organising the meeting.  

The meeting brings together government officials, civil society actors, and regional and international partners from across Asia and the Pacific to explore how gender perspectives can be more effectively integrated into arms control.

Discussions will build on recent global developments—such as the growing focus on gender in disarmament and the introduction of new frameworks for safer ammunition management—and aim to identify practical ways to better align small arms control with the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda.

Through this meeting, cross-sector collaboration is expected to be strengthened, inclusive policymaking encouraged, and a strong regional network of people and organisations working toward peace and security in Asia and the Pacific further developed.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 2 April 2025.    

Lumbini International Peace Festival from Friday.

Kathmandu, Mar. 19

The Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) is set to organise the Lumbini International Peace Festival from Friday.

It is orgnising the event in collaboration with the Chinese Embassy in Nepal and the Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation (MoCTCA).

"The festival will take place from March 22 to May 11 in Lumbini, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as well as in surrounding cities," the NTB informed in a statement on Wednesday.

The festival aims to promote Lumbini as a global centre for peace and spiritual tourism while encouraging cultural, sporting, religious, and people-to-people exchanges between Nepal, China, and other nations.

The festival will feature a meditation session on 23 March in the sacred garden outside the Maya Devi Temple, with the participation of 100 monks and 400 practitioners.

On March 24, the third Lumbini International Peace Marathon will be held to mark the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace.

During the festival, various events such as the Lumbini Peace Musical Programme, a photo exhibition commemorating the 25^th anniversary of Zhong Hua Monastery, and a Buddha ordination ceremony will be organised.

The festival will conclude with a special closing ceremony on Buddha Purnima.

The event will be supported by organisations including the Lumbini Development Trust, the Nepal Olympic Committee, the Yunnan Mountaineering and Outdoor Sports Association, KGH Group, Vivo, Deepal, and Buddha Air, among other local and international partners.

Deepak Joshi, CEO of the NTB, said that the second edition of the Festival represents Nepal’s commitment to promoting peace and cultural exchange. He said, "We invite guests from around the world to experience the spiritual essence of Lumbini and celebrate global harmony."

 Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 20 March 2025.    

UNHRC Chief welcomes passage of TRC Bill

Kathmandu, Aug. 23

UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk has said that the adoption of new transitional justice legislation in Nepal marks an important step in the nation’s long journey towards accountability and reconciliation.

“Eighteen years since the end of the decade-long conflict, and after several previous attempts to finalise such legislation, victims of human rights violations are now closer to knowing the truth, accessing justice, and obtaining reparations,” Türk said in a statement issued on Thursday.

According to him, this process will also help strengthen guardrails to prevent anything like this from ever happening again.

The amendment bill on the Investigation of Enforced Disappeared Persons, Truth, and Reconciliation Commission Act, which was passed by the National Assembly on Thursday, aims to ensure truth and accountability for serious human rights violations committed by all parties during Nepal’s civil war, read the statement.

The Commission will also oversee mediation and reconciliation efforts, and make recommendations to the Government to provide reparations, relief, and support to the victims and their families.

At least 13,000 people were killed and 1,300 went missing between 1996 and 2006 during the internal conflict between the Royal Nepal Army and the Communist Party of Nepal, he said.

 The UN Human Rights Office documented unlawful killings, enforced disappearances, torture, arbitrary arrests, sexual violence, war crimes and crimes against humanity by both parties. The conflict ended with a peace agreement, in which the parties committed to establishing the truth and ensuring the victims receive both justice and reparations.

“I welcome the adoption of this revised law as an important step forward, even if some provisions leave gaps and ambiguities. It is imperative that the legislation is interpreted and implemented in a manner that upholds victims’ rights, including to truth, justice and reparations and that guarantees accountability in full compliance with international human rights standards," said Türk.

 “It will be essential for the Nepali authorities to ensure the full and meaningful participation of the victims and affected communities at every stage of the process,” he added.

The High Commissioner also called for transparency and inclusivity in the appointment of the new commission’s members, to ensure their independence, impartiality and competence.

“Nepal has become a regional and global example of a successful peaceful transition towards democratic, constitutional, and federal governance,” Türk said. “My Office stands ready to assist the Government and people of Nepal in taking this crucial phase of the peace process forward.”

 “Transitional justice is a powerful instrument to break cycles of violence and impunity, and a unique opportunity to revisit some of the rooted inequalities and discrimination that led to the conflict.”

The House of Representatives passed the TRC Bill on August 14, and the National Assembly endorsed it on Thursday. 

 Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 24 August 2024.        

Guterres lands in capital on four-day official visit

Pledges support to Nepal’s transitional justice  

Kathmandu, Oct. 29

On the first day of his arrival in Kathmandu on a four-day official visit of Nepal, Secretary General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres, remained busy in high-level meetings and deliberations.

He paid a courtesy call to the President of Nepal, Ramchandra Paudel, and held meetings with Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda, speaker of the House of Representatives, Devraj Ghimire, Minister for Defence, Purna Bahadur Khadka, President of Nepali Congress, Sher Bahadur Deuba, and leader of the main opposition party CPN-UML, KP Sharma Oli.

During the meeting with Guterres, President Paudel said that the UN has long been Nepal's development partner and the country has accorded high priority and importance to the UN. According to Shailaja Regmi Bhattarai, Spokesperson of the Office of the President, he also expressed gratitude to the UN and its specialised agencies for their continuous support and contribution to Nepal's social and economic development as well as in attaining the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

SG Guterres had arrived in Kathmandu early in the morning on Sunday. He is in Nepal at the official invitation of PM Prachanda.

Likewise, PM Prachanda said, during the meeting with Guterres, the visit of the Secretary General of the UN would help to further consolidate Nepal's international ties and relations and help to enhance the country's image.

According to the Prime Minister's Office, the two discussed the conclusion of Nepal's ongoing peace process, sustainable development, Nepal's graduation to the developing country from the existing 'Least Developed Country (LDC)' status and immediate challenges like the climate change. PM Prachanda assured the Secretary General about the early conclusion of Nepal's peace process. He also sought the support of the United Nations in achieving the SDGs and making the LDC graduation smooth.

PM Prachanda appreciated SG Guterres for his initiative in addressing the climate change and its impacts as well as the UN support in the initiative.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), Prime Minister Prachanda reiterated Nepal’s unflinching commitment to the principles and purposes of the UN Charter and reaffirmed its unwavering faith in multilateralism with the United Nations at the centre.

He highlighted Nepal’s inclusive and peaceful transition to federal democratic republic and UN’s support to Nepal’s unique and home-grown peace process.

 

 

'Climate change top priority'

Similarly, in a meeting with Guterres, Speaker of the HoR, Devraj Ghimire, said that the issue of climate change is a top priority in Nepal. "Despite being a landlocked mountainous country with low carbon emissions, Nepal is facing the disproportionate impact of climate change. Women and children are more affected by the severe effects of climate change," he said.

Ghimimre welcomed Guterres' initiative to enhance the effectiveness of the United Nations system in this drive.

He also assured the SG of Nepal's commitment to bringing the transitional justice process to a logical conclusion through the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the Investigation Commission of Disappeared Persons. "The Parliament and the Parliamentary Committee are seriously discussing for the creation of the law related to both commissions. Hopefully, we will make a law in the near future," said Speaker Sapkota.

The transitional justice process of Nepal is guided by the detailed peace agreement concluded between the government and the then rebel parties in 2006, the directives of the Supreme Court, related international competition, the interests of the victims and the situation on the ground, he said. .

Guterres pledges support to transitional justice

In response, the Secretary General said that the United Nations is ready to provide necessary support to complete the transitional justice process in Nepal. "I believe that transitional justice will help bring peace to the victims, their families and communities," he said.

Likewise, in a meeting with President of Nepali Congress, Sher Bahadur Deuba, the two discussed Nepal's peace process, sustainable development, climate change and other issues.

President Deuba praised the role played by the United Nations in Nepal's peace process and informed about the deep impact of climate change on an underdeveloped country like Nepal, informed Krishna Prasad Paudel, Chief Secretary of Nepali Congress.

In response to the Secretary General's interest and wish for a successful implementation of the peace process, Deuba expressed the view that peace process has been going on for a long time and with regard to some remaining works, the process will be completed soon with common agreement and coordination with various parties and stakeholders.

Meanwhile, SG Guterres paid a courtesy call on Chair of CPN-UML and former Prime Minister, KP Sharma Oli at the Federal Parliament in Baneshwor. In the meeting, the two deliberated on Nepal's peace process, climate change and sustainable development.

 

 

Likewise, Foreign Minister NP Saud received UN Secretary-General at the Ministry this afternoon. FM's secretariat informed that, on the occasion, discussions were held on further deepening UN-Nepal partnership and engagements in the days ahead.

'Nepal ready to increase peacekeepers'

Similarly, in a meeting with the visiting UN SG, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, Purna Bahadur Khadka, said that the Government of Nepal is ready to send additional peacekeepers upon a request from the UN.

On the occasion, discussions were held on further deepening UN-Nepal partnership and engagements in the days ahead.

Currently, about 6,308 Nepali peacekeepers are deployed in 13 missions of 12 countries across the countries. Nepal had begun sending peace troops since 1958 in Lebanon. Mentioning the current attacks targeting the peacekeepers, DPM Khadka stressed on further strengthening the peacekeeping troops. He also said that Nepal has achieved the inclusion target in the peacekeeping missions with 18 per cent participation of women.

"Nepal is committed to the ideas of 'Action for Peace' and 'Action for Peace Plus' proposed by the Secretary General. Nepal has adopted a zero tolerance to sexual exploitation and harassment," said DPM Khadka.

According to the statement issued by the Ministry of Defense, SG Guterres appreciated Nepal's role in the peacekeeping missions and said that the UN had highly valued the contributions. He also pledged for every possible support to Nepal's development and climate change mitigation efforts.

SG Guterres is leading a delegation that includes UN Under-Secretary General for Peace Operations, Jean Pierre Lacroix, Resident Coordinator of the United Nations to Nepal, Hanaa Singer-Hamdy, and other high officials of the United Nations Headquarters in New York and the UN country team in Nepal. 

Upon arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport, the Secretary-General was received by Minister for Foreign Affairs N.P. Saud, Foreign Secretary Bharat Raj Paudyal, and other senior officials of the Government of Nepal, informed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The Secretary-General was also accorded a ceremonial welcome at the Tribhuvan International Airport. Later in the evening on Sunday, Prime Minister Prachanda hosted an official banquet in honour of the visiting Secretary-General of the UN.

The UN Secretary-General is scheduled to visit Namche in Solukhumbu, Pokhara, Annapurna Base Camp and Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha, as well. 

 Published in The Rising Nepal on 30 October 2023. 

Nepal elected member of PBC

Kathmandu, Dec. 21

Nepal was elected a member of the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) on Tuesday at the 56^th plenary meeting of the United Nations General Assembly. It’s tenure of two years starts from January 1, 2023.

That will provide Nepal an opportunity to enhance its visibility in the world arena as a peacebuilder and peace contributor, Permanent Mission of Nepal to the United Nations, said in a statement.

Alongside Nepal, Bangladesh, Ethiopia, India, and Rwanda were elected from the category of the Top Troop and Police Contributors (TTPCs) to UN Missions.  Among the top ten TTPCs, five countries are elected to serve the PBC.

According to the mission, Nepal has been contributing to the maintenance of international peace and security through its unceasing participation in UN peacekeeping operations since 1958. Currently, Nepal stands as the third largest Troop and Police Contributor to UN Peacekeeping.

With its experience of peacekeeping for over six decades, Nepal will contribute to the work of the PBC by supporting the implementation of the peacebuilding dimension in peacekeeping, said the mission. Nepal’s own experience of a uniquely successful homegrown national peace process will greatly help it in contributing to the work of the Peacebuilding Commission.

Earlier, Nepal had served the PBC in 2009-10, 2011-15, and 2019-20 as a member of the Organisational Committee. Additionally, Nepal also served as the Chair of the Working Group on Lessons Learned of the Peacebuilding Commission in 2010.

A 31-member body, the PBC was established in 2005 with a mandate to support peace efforts in conflict-affected countries including their reconstruction and institution-building by promoting an integrated, strategic, and coherent approach across the system. The PBC also provides advisory services to the UN General Assembly and Security Council on matters of peacebuilding and sustaining peace. 

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 22 December 2022.

World needs more masks, not muskets, says PM

 Kathmandu, Sept. 25

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has said that the world needed more masks, not muskets.

“We need more protective equipment not destructive weapons, and more social spending to save lives not military spending to destroy lives,” he said while addressing the General Debate of the 75^th session of the United Nations General Assembly on Friday.

He delivered his message via video conferencing since the COVID-19 had forced the global body to organise the anniversary programmes virtually.

We all know what is more important at present- nuclear weapons or accessible vaccine against COVID-19, he said.

“Even when disarmament related processes, including the Non-Proliferation Treaty Review Conference are postponed due to the pandemic, the concerned parties must continue to fulfill their treaty obligations to make the world safer,” he said, calling for a general and complete disarmament of all weapons of mass destruction.

In 2019, the world military expenditure amounted to US dollar 1.9 trillion.

Even a fraction of those resources could bring respite to the millions of people suffering from poverty, hunger, and deprivation, according to Prime Minister Oli.

He said that easy, smooth and affordable access to anti-COVID vaccines after they are developed; sharing of knowledge and experiences; and provision of timely supply of medical equipment and medicines should be given high priority during this crisis.

“Protecting lives of the people both from disease and hunger is the supreme duty of the governments. While we have deployed all our efforts and resources to that end, international solidarity becomes equally important,” he said.

He reiterated the importance of multilateral cooperation in the face of unilateral tendencies and protectionist policies.

According to him, it is unthinkable to talk about degrading the value of multilateralism at a time when its relevancy becomes more pronounced than ever. Larger global good, not the parochial national interest, should underpin multilateralism and the rules-based order. 

Similarly, Prime Minister Oli said that the current crisis has pushed us to the brink of losing the gains made in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

The least Developed Countries, small island nations and landlocked countries are facing limitation of resources, social protection, and requisite health infrastructures, he said. The distress has been further compounded by the halt in tourism, remittances and disruptions on supply chains and trade.

“Poverty is increasing, mostly in developing countries, for the first time in the last 20 years,” Prime Minister Oli said.

He reiterated Nepal’s commitment to international peace and stability and suggested that the troops and police-contributing countries should have greater share of decision-making positions both in headquarters and in the field missions.

He also presented the climate crisis as the existential threat and said that the silence of the large emitters should not lead to the failure of responsibilities.

“Nepal’s mountains are not only our assets, but they are of global significance in view of their vital contribution to the maintenance of health of the planet,” he said.

Stating that the global trading system has been pushed into peril, he called for the urgent reform of the World Trade Organisation to ensure level playing field and rebuild trust.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 26 September 2020.  

It is collective responsibilty to empower UN: PM

Kathmandu, Sept. 22

The United Nations is at a crossroads of continuity and transformation and that it is a collective responsibility of the member states to strengthen and empower the UN as the centre of multilateralism to deal with the complex challenges confronting the world, said Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli while addressing the 75^th Anniversary of the UN.

In his address, through a pre-recorded video, to the High-level Meeting held on Monday to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the UN, he said the global body was facing test of delivering the ever-growing expectations.

"It is facing expectations to protect the neediest countries and peoples, promote the sovereign equality and dignity of all, and fight against the threats like pandemics, climate crisis and terrorism," said PM Oli.

Ensuring total elimination of nuclear, chemical, biological, radiological and all other weapons of mass destruction is also an important expectation, according to the PM.

While expressing his satisfaction on the ever-growing partnership between Nepal and the UN in all three pillars - peace and security, development, and human rights, PM Oli observed that Nepal had been providing one of the most dedicated and professional services to the UN peace operations for over six decades.

"There is no alternative to unity, solidarity and cooperation. We must reaffirm these values and commit ourselves to move beyond rhetoric to action. With timely reforms, we must enable the UN to build a just, fair, and rules-based international order," the Prime Minister stated.

The Meeting is being convened under the theme of ‘The future we want, the United Nations we need: Reaffirming our collective commitment to multilateralism’. The Declaration on the commemoration of the seventy-fifth anniversary of the United Nations was adopted earlier in the meeting.

A total of 182 speakers, including 88 Heads of State and 44 Heads of Government, are scheduled to address the commemorative event.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 23 September 2020. 

Nepal mustn't deter from non-aligned policy: Nepal

Kathmandu, Aug 6
Former Prime Minister and senior leader of the ruling Nepal Communist Party Madhav Kumar Nepal said on Tuesday that Nepal must not deter from its long cherished non-aligned policy and be neutral in global tensions.

“Non-aligned policy has become our characteristics and it has helped us in many internal forums,” Nepal said while speaking at the 74^th Hirosima-Nagasaki Memorial Day organised by the Afro-Asian People’s Solidarity Organisation of Nepal (AAPSO Nepal).

He said that Gautam Buddha presented a perfect example of sacrifice and peace which is guiding the world even after more than two and a half millennia.

Nepal said that late King Birendra had proposed to promote Nepal as a ‘Peace Zone’ which was also a timely call.

“The concept of ‘Peace Zone’ is still relevant and can be promoted even now although the king had proposed it in an attempt to increase the acceptance of his rule,” he said.

He maintained that one should not be a pro-monarchist while raising the ‘Peace Zone’ issue. “People do not want the monarchy, they want democracy, freedom and opportunities,” he said.

He also said that the world wanted to hear Nepal’s experience in establishing peace.
“We have set a unique example to the world in peace building. We can share our success story to the world,” Nepal said.

He stressed on developing new tourism products and promoting them in the international markets to support the Visit Nepal Year 2020.

“Nepal must be able to promote good things at the international level. We must find new products to offer if we had to meet the target of 2 million tourists,” he said.

According to him, Japan is also an ardent advocate of world peace like Nepal and supports non-proliferation.

“Both the countries have experienced war and peace. We have set an example of installing peace in the society,” he said.

He said that this day reminded the humankind that misuse of power unfolds unprecedented miseries and suffering. 

“Evil powers should​ not be allowed to influence the individual and society,” he said.


Dr. Moti Lal Sharma, Professor at the Central Department  of Chemistry, Tribhuvan University, said that the world should practice the nuclear non-proliferation strategy and that the nuclear power should be used for human benefit.

Hiranya Lal Shrestha, chairman of AAPSO Nepal said that the centre of nuclear study should be established in the country. “We will be innocent victim if there is any accident in our neighbourhood,” he said.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 7 August 2019. 

No need to interfare in Nepal's affairs, says Oli

Kathmandu, Jan. 25: Prime Minister K. P. Sharma Oli on Friday objected to the joint-statement of the United Nations and Kathmandu-based diplomats as a product of an unnecessary alliance and asked them not to do so.

"Nepal has completed the peace process, but I was surprised to see the haste of some of the missions and diplomats in Kathmandu. There is no such need to issue a joint-statement on our internal issue," he said, while speaking at a reception organised in Zurich, Switzerland, by the Embassy of Nepal in Geneva.

"Why should any other country make comments about it? Is the conflict management a bad job?" he asked and advised the ambassadors need not form any alliance against Nepal.

Prime Minister Oli said that the war had ended and the conflict was managed. “There could be some wounds yet to be healed, and Nepal was capable to resolve its internal matter.”

He urged all to side with peace and not to scratch the wounds of the conflict but to administer ointment on the bruises. "We expect the same from our friends as well," he said.

The Prime Minister said that the international community had exhibited an ideological bias against the government as it was formed by a communist party that achieved a landslide victory in the elections.

"I would like to tell our foreign friends that some trends come to notice due to their ideological bias. If you put off the ideological lens, you will see that we have achieved extraordinary results. The world can learn from our unique management of the peace process. The country is on the positive path of development," said Prime Minister Oli.

He said that Nepal successfully resolved issues such as the management of Bhutanese refugees and armed conflict.

Likewise, he said that the country had started a new practice, which has its reflections in international forums as well and wanted to tell the world about the government policies, the successes and the roadmap.

The United Nations in Nepal and diplomatic missions of Australia, Germany, European Union, Finland, France, Norway, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States of America in Kathmandu had issued a joint statement on Thursday asking the government to clarify its plans in public to take the transitional justice process forward in 2019.

"Noting the looming expiration of the mandates of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the Commission for the Investigation of the Enforced Disappearances, as well as the upcoming fourth anniversary of the 2015 Supreme Court ruling that affirmed certain requirements for transitional justice processes, we encourage the government to clarify to the public its plans to take the transitional justice process forward in 2019," read the statement.

They also said that they 'encourage' the government to engage in broad-based, meaningful consultation with conflict victims, civil society and wider stakeholders that allows space and time to discuss and address issues raised before action is taken and helps shape a course of further action that reflects the will of the people.

The statement came at a time when the tenure of the two commissions was expiring in a couple of weeks.

Earlier on Thursday, Minister for Communication and Information Technology Gokul Prasad Baskota said that the management of the peace process was Nepal's own agenda and no one needed to make any recommendation on it.

"Issues of armed-conflict will be resolved with due attention. The government will follow the rules and procedures to make any decision regarding the peace process management," Baskota said while speaking at the press meet organised to make the cabinet decision public.  He also said that Nepal had succeeded to manage conflict and establish peace in a unique way.

Prime Minister Oli also appreciated the role of the Nepalis and the Swiss community in strengthening the relations between the two countries.

He invited the Swiss business community to invest in Nepal and be a part of Nepal's inclusive and transformative development agenda.

He complained about France and European Union's restrictions on Nepali airlines to fly to Europe.

"Nepali air service is better and more reliable than that of India. International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) report has said that Indian condition in terms of aviation service is poorer than that of Nepal, but India is flying its aircraft to Europe, but Nepal is barred from doing the same," he said.

Prime Minister Oli said that Nepal bought two airbuses from France and the same country did not allow Nepali aircraft to make flights there.

He said that the government would soon talk about the issue with the European countries and the EU. "We should not hesitate to discuss our agenda with any country in the world," he said.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 26 January 2019. 

‘The world knew about our unique peace process’

PM Oli returns from UNGA

Kathmandu, Oct. 4: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has said that his government would stay for full term and would become even more powerful after that.

“This government will stay for five years’ tenure, will hold general elections and will emerge as more power political party of the country,” he said on Thursday upon his arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) from New York of the United States of America.

He had left Kathmandu for New York on September 22 to participate in the 73^rd General Assembly of the United Nations. Meanwhile, he also paid an official visit to the North American country Costa Rica.

PM Oli said that everyone had seen the symptoms, speed and spirit of the government, and it had performed well in both domestic and international fronts.

“We have taken the bilateral relations with India and China to newer heights while in the recently concluded UN General Assembly, we focused on multilateralism, and presented Nepal’s aspirations, achievements in the peace process and priorities,” he said.

According to him, it was necessary to present the achievements of the unique peace process to the world. The government also wanted to transmit the message, from the high-level, of successful implementation of constitution, elections, political stability and government’s long-term vision and initiatives for development.

He said that while expressing commitments to the principles and objectives of the UN Charter, he supported the UN’s role in maintaining world peace, goodwill and development.

“However, of the three major pillars of the UN Charter, development is weak and unbalanced. Therefore, I specially stressed on minimizing poverty and inequality with international cooperation, technology transfer and investment,” said the PM.

“I draw attention of the world towards the problems and issues of the Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Land-Locked Countries (LLCs) and demanded that more international supports should be channelled to them. I also pointed that more resources were needed to achieve the targets set by the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) along with the mitigation of the effect of the climate change,” he added.

PM Oli had appreciated the UN for its role in addressing the poor countries around the globe, and urged for the international support to help Nepal in achieving the objectives of ‘Prosperous Nepal, Happy Nepali’ campaign.

He maintained that he appealed to the world leaders for their support in intensifying the development work in the country as well as graduating it to the developing nation from current LDC status and achieving the SDGs.

“I have thanked the leaders of the friendly nations who have long been supporting Nepal in its development and sent message that the country is ready to receive Foreign Direct Investment (FDI),” said the PM.

Nepal organised an informal meeting of the foreign ministers of the SAARC member nations in the capacity of the president of the regional organisation. The meeting deliberated on making the SAARC process more effective.

On the occasion, Nepal and Madagascar signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish bilateral relations. With this, Nepal has established bilateral relations with 162 countries.

PM Oli paid an official visit to Costa Rica after the UN-GA at the invitation of the Costa Rican President Carlos Alvarado Quesada. He observed hydroelectricity and wind energy projects.

The UN University of Peace in San Jose of Costa Rica awarded an Honorary Doctorate to PM Oli.

At the sidelines of the UN-GA, he met with the US President Donald Trump, UN General Secretary Antonio Gutteres, Canadian PM Justin Trudeau, Swiss President AlainBerset, British PM Theresa May and Cambodian PM Hun Sen and discussed about intensifying development cooperation and relations at peoples level.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 5 October 2018. 

Nepal's transitional justice on path of reconciliation: FM Gyawali

Kathmandu, Oct. 3: Minister for Foreign Affairs Pradeep Kumar Gyawali has said that each conflict situation was unique and demanded context-specific solution.

“As there is no universal model for conflict resolution, there is no single model for addressing the issues of peace and justice,” he said while addressing the Nelson Mandela Peace Summit the other day in New York, USA.

According to him, the main thrust of Nepal’s peace process has been to achieve reconciliation by healing the wounds of the conflict.

“We believe that as long as the parties to the conflict choose to address accountability issues through a functioning national justice system and seek accommodation through reconciliation, it would be unnecessary to suggest for recourse to international justice system,” said Gyawali.

“Nepal has allowed independent transitional justice process take its course as per the laws. We are now well on the path of reconciliation by ensuring social justice, nurturing inclusive society, and delivering good governance,” he added.

He said that Mandela taught the world about the strength of unity, power of discipline, influence of humility and result of diligence.

Gyawali stated that the South African freedom fighter also taught the importance of reconciliation, forgiveness and compassion, even by forgiving those who had taken his everything away.

“Mandela is indeed an epitome of struggle, freedom, human dignity and democracy. His ideals will continue to inspire humanity,” he said.

The Foreign Minister recalled that Nepal has been a member of the UN Special Committee against apartheid since its inception and as a vice chair for 25 years.

Nepal shares the vicissitudes of Africa’s revolutionary past. Our history is illustrated by long struggles against aggression of imperialists; authoritarian regimes; socio-economic and political oppression; and the most recent peace process, he said.

According to him, Nepali people have demonstrated exemplary resilience in pursuit of peace. Political forces exhibited wisdom and chose path of peaceful resolution of conflict through dialogues and accommodation, the ideals embraced by Mandela.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 4 September 2018.