Fill the vacuum

MIN RATNA BAJRACHARYA

UNMIN is leaving the country on 15 January. The parties in the government feel that UNMIN is no longer needed while Janardhan Sharma, a Maoist leader, has said that this decision will invite crisis in the country. He has said that although in UNMIN's absence the Special Committee will manage, integrate and rehabilitate the PLA, there are other issues of the peace process that need to be addressed. UNMIN's departure before the conclusion of the peace process has left the Nepali people in confusion.

In this regard, UN General Secretary Ban Ki Moon has requested the government to fill the vacuum that will be created in UNMIN's absence. He is worried by the inability of the political parties to forge a consensus regarding arms management and army integration and has requested them to address these issues. He has announced that UNMIN's term has already been extended on the request of the government and the Maoists and that no further extension will be granted. UNMIN has been an objective player so far in analysing and reporting Nepal's situation but time and again the parties of the government have questioned its operations. This has possibly hurt its pride.

The time has come for the parties to take seriously the questions that are being raised nationally and internationally about the political deadlock that has affected the peace process. Even Ban Ki Moon has called for another comprehensive agreement among the parties, saying that no one can hope for victory by risking all that has been achieved to this point.

The parties have to create an environment for consensus, understanding and respect to end the political deadlock and allow the peace process to be concluded. They need to independently solve the present problems and restore the people's faith in them. Even though UNMIN is leaving, the UN has assured Nepal of its continuous support. It is important that the parties move the peace process forward as soon as possible. They should also make an effort to draft the constitution on time. The main agendas of the country should not be overshadowed by the issue of government formation.