VZCZCXRO6153
OO RUEHTRO
DE RUEHC #2997/01 0122030
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
O P 122025Z JAN 10
FM SECSTATE WASHDC
TO RUCNDT/USMISSION USUN NEW YORK IMMEDIATE 9399
INFO UN SECURITY COUNCIL COLLECTIVE PRIORITY
RUEHKT/AMEMBASSY KATHMANDU PRIORITY 4197

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 STATE 002997 
 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: PREL UNSC NP
SUBJECT: TALKING POINTS FOR JANUARY 15 CONSULTATIONS ON 
UNMIN 
 
¶1. (U) USUN is instructed to pursue the objectives in 
paragraph 2 and draw from the points in paragraph 3 during 
the January 15 Security Council consultations on the UN 
Mission in Nepal (UNMIN). 
 
¶2. (U) Objectives: 
 
-- Convey support for UNMIN 
-- Recognize recent discharge of some disqualified Maoist 
personnel but emphasize need for greater progress 
-- Stress need for Council to consider conditions under which 
UNMIN's presence will eventually end 
 
¶3. (U) Begin points: 
 
Thank you, Mr. President. 
 
Let me offer my thanks also to Representative Karin Landgren, 
for her briefing today and for her service, as well as that 
of the entire United Nations team in Nepal. 
 
Despite some recent welcome developments, such as the 
reopening of parliament, the situation in Nepal today remains 
worrisome.  As we discussed only two months ago, progress in 
Nepal remains blocked by political stalemate.  All parties in 
Nepal, including the Maoists, need to demonstrate maximum 
flexibility and leadership to build consensus on key peace 
process issues, including the future federal structure of 
Nepal, integration and rehabilitation of Maoist combatants, 
and drafting of the constitution.  Nepal's leaders must move 
beyond this impasse and recommit to full implementation of 
the Comprehensive Peace Agreement. 
 
We strongly support the action plan signed in December by the 
Government of Nepal, the Unified Communist Party of Nepal - 
Maoist, and the United Nations for the discharge of 
disqualified Maoist personnel, almost 3,000 of whom are 
minors.  We are heartened by the recent discharge of 209 of 
the disqualified from one of the seven Maoist cantonments. 
This is an important step forward in Nepal's peace process. 
All parties in Nepal must build on this momentum by making 
further progress on the discharge of the remaining 
disqualified personnel. 
 
In addition, some 19,000 Maoist combatants remain in 
cantonments, and despite resumed discussions on a resolution 
to this situation, the parties have been unable to reach an 
agreement.  Integration and rehabilitation of former Maoist 
army personnel is an essential element of the implementation 
of the CPA, and it remains unfulfilled.  This issue has 
languished since the UN-led verification process was 
conducted in 2007.  The time for delay is over. 
 
This Council established UNMIN three years ago as a temporary 
mission and charged it with four essential tasks: monitoring 
the management of arms and armed personnel, assisting the 
parties through a Joint Monitoring Coordinating Committee in 
implementing their agreements on arms and armed personnel, 
assisting in monitoring the ceasefire, and providing 
technical support for the elections. 
 
Elections were successfully held in April 2008, and UNMIN 
continues to do an effective job on the other three tasks. 
We support UNMIN's work, and recognize the recent progress on 
the discharge of disqualified Maoist combatants.  But UNMIN 
cannot remain in Nepal indefinitely.  The Maoists and the 
Government of Nepal must take the steps necessary to fully 
implement the Comprehensive Peace Agreement.  Moreover, UNMIN 
itself would do well to refocus on the core elements of its 
mandate as defined by this Council, and not attempt to take 
on a wider political role that it was not intended to fill. 
UNMIN should use its remaining time to assist the Government 
of Nepal in establishing a mechanism that would allow the 
Government itself to take over UNMIN's functions, including 
the monitoring of arms. 
 
As we consider renewal of UNMIN's mandate, we must focus on 
the conditions under which that mandate will eventually end. 
We must consider the logistical and administrative 
requirements for the successful, orderly withdrawal of UNMIN. 
 Equally important, we must keep in mind the sensitive timing 
of UNMIN's departure, particularly with regard to the May 
2010 constitution drafting deadline -- a critical time in 
Nepal's peace process. 
 
The United States will maintain its support for the people of 
 
STATE 00002997  002 OF 002 
 
 
Nepal and their efforts to transcend a cycle of conflict. 
Now is the time for leaders of all major parties in Nepal to 
exercise leadership and vision, so that the terms of the 
Comprehensive Peace Agreement can be realized, and Nepal can 
move toward a secure and prosperous future. 
 
End points. 
CLINTON