LJANAL

UML CHAIRMAN UN CHIEF MEET IN NEW YORK

Kathmandu, 2 Aug.: The United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has emphasized on the importance of election in democracy and expressed his confidence that forthcoming election of Nepal will be held in peaceful environment, RSS reports. He emphasized that the electoral process should go unobstructed and said the High Level Political Committee (HLPC) of Nepal will be able to bring all other political parties in electoral process. The UN Secretary General made this remark during a meeting with former Prime Minister and Chairman of CPN-UML, Jhala Nath Khanal, at his office in New York, the United States of America on Thursday. During the meeting both the dignitaries exchanged views of mutual concern with a particular focus on democracy, peace process and forthcoming election of Nepal among others. While briefing the current political situation of Nepal, Khanal underscored the importance of election to be held in November 19, and updated its technical, political, and legal aspects of preparations. He also expressed satisfaction over the preparation of election and appreciated the support of neighbours, international community including the UN. The Secretary General appreciated the contribution of Nepal in UN peacekeeping in different peacekeeping operations, and hoped for its continuation in the future. He particularly appreciated the professionalism and courage of Nepalese peace keepers and thanked the Government of Nepal for deploying its troops in UNDOF (United Nations Disengagement Observer Force). While exchanging views on economic development, former Prime Minister Khanal mentioned that the Istanbul Programme of Action was a landmark conference and underscored that Nepal falling in both the categories of LDC and LLDC deserves special attention of the international community in its development endeavours. He further mentioned about the decision of the Government of Nepal for the graduation from LDC category by the year 2022. Both the leaders recalled their visits including the Fourth LDC Conference held in Turkey in 2011. They also exchanged views on ongoing peace process of Nepal. Khanal thanked the Secretary-General for his support through UN in Nepal’s peace process and mentioned that the peace process of Nepal is heading towards positive direction. He underscored the importance of election to consolidate democracy and political stability of the country. Khanal briefly touched upon the High Level Political Committee (HLPC) and said that the Committee is trying to convince the political parties to participate in forthcoming election so that the election would be more inclusive, representative and free, fair and fearless. He also briefly mentioned about the Commission on Disappearance and Truth Reconciliation Commission which were currently under the sub-judice of the Court. He briefly touched upon the Election Observatory Team and appreciated the support of the UN in last CA election. They also exchanged views on the Lumbini Development Project. Mr. Khanal extended an invitation to the Secretary General to visit Lumbini in his convenient time.

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