Nepal peace process is on track, says UN Mission chief

Ian Martin, the Chief of the United Nations Mission in Nepal, has said that despite the postponement of Constituent Assembly elections earlier scheduled for June 20, the peace process is on track.

Kathmandu, May 5 : Ian Martin, the Chief of the United Nations Mission in Nepal, has said that despite the postponement of Constituent Assembly elections earlier scheduled for June 20, the peace process is on track.

Expressing optimism over the peace process between the Nepal Government and the Maoists, Martin said, "Fundamentally I am optimistic, because it was the people of Nepal who took their future in their hands in a very dramatic way in the people's movement a year ago".

The people of Nepal are determined that the country does not slip into armed conflict, Nepalnews quoted Martin as saying.

Martin told reporters at the UN Headquarters after briefing the Security Council on Friday that no one could have imagined a year ago that the King would renounce executive authority and the resulting cease-fire would have blossomed into a full, comprehensive peace agreement.

He said that the Constituent Assembly elections have been delayed because regulations governing the process were not yet ready.

Martin expressed hope that the Nepalese, with the assistance of UN mission, would be able to improve security conditions for the elections and work for the inclusion of marginalised ethic groups.

ANI