Date:25/10/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/10/25/stories/2008102556491400.htm

International

“Nepal should not have two armies”

Prerana Marasini

KATHMANDU: The chief of the United Nations Mission in Nepal (UNMIN), Ian Martin, has said the peace process in Nepal can be completed only when the Maoists’ Army is integrated and rehabilitated.

Speaking at a programme to mark U.N. Day, he said: “No peace process can be said to be complete while there are two armies in one country.” He stressed on the need to form a special committee to oversee this task.

U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon will visit Nepal next week. Referring to Mr. Ban’s visit, Mr. Martin said: “This visit is the highest symbol of the United Nation’s interest in Nepal’s peace process and commitment to see it fully realised.”