VZCZCXYZ0004
OO RUEHWEB

DE RUEHC #5676 0172358
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
O 172356Z JAN 08
FM SECSTATE WASHDC
TO USMISSION USUN NEW YORK IMMEDIATE 0298

UNCLAS STATE 005676 
 
SIPDIS 
 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: UNSC PREL KDEM NE
SUBJECT: NEPAL - STATEMENT TO THE COUNCIL ON UNMIN RENEWAL 
 
 
¶1.  The Department requests USUN to draw on the points in 
paragraph 2 during the January 18 debate on the renewal of 
the United Nations Mission in Nepal (UNMIN). 
 
¶2. Begin Points. 
 
--  Mr. President, the United States is pleased to support 
the six-month extension of UNMIN's mandate so that it can 
continue its efforts to help create a free and fair 
atmosphere for the election of a constituent assembly and the 
entire peace process.  In extending this mandate, we are 
particularly pleased to be able to respond positively to the 
Nepalese government's request that UNMIN,s work continue. 
We are agreed that these efforts are vital in helping the 
Nepalese people to establish democracy, stability, and 
prosperity, and to reinforce stability throughout the region. 
 
-- As noted in this resolution, the December 23 agreement 
between Nepal's political parties and their decision to 
reschedule elections for April 10 were welcome positive steps 
to put the peace process back on track and give hope to the 
people of Nepal that the Comprehensive Peace Agreement can be 
implemented.  We pledge our full support to UNMIN and UN 
staff in fulfilling their mandate to facilitate the elections 
and the peace process.  We ask Council members, UNMIN 
contributor countries, and other governments in the region to 
join us in maintaining this international commitment to the 
people of Nepal. 
 
-- The United States commends the work of Special 
Representative Martin and his staff and looks forward to 
working with him under a renewed mandate.  We congratulate 
SRSG Martin on UNMIN's success in completing the verification 
of the designated cantonments, and urge them to maintain 
their focus on the remaining tasks within UNMIN,s mandate. 
 
-- The United States urges both the Six Party alliance and 
Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) to continue to settle their 
differences through peaceful dialogue and to live up to their 
commitments outlined in the Peace Agreement and other peace 
accords 
 
-- The United States also strongly encourages the Government 
to address to the extent possible the concerns of 
historically disadvantaged groups, including in the Terai, so 
that all parties and groups that are committed to a new, 
democratic Nepal will participate in the upcoming elections. 
 
--The U.S. is providing nearly $10 million annually in 
assistance in support of Nepal's transition to democracy in 
areas such as security sector reform, conflict resolution, 
civil society, supporting legal institutions, the election 
commission and political parties.  We urge other donors to 
offer maximum support to ensure that Nepal makes a successful 
transition. 
 
-- We look forward to the continuing reports of the Secretary 
General, and pledge to remain engaged in helping to ensure 
that UNMIN successfully carries out its mandate. 
 
End Points. 
RICE