UN Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs B. Lynn Pascoe urged political parties to forge a consensus on army integration and move quickly on peace process.
Addressing a press conference before his return, Pasco stressed on the need of a political agreement on integration and rehabilitation of the Maoist combatants before the UNMIN leaves on 15 January.
“I think it is evident to all of us that the peace process in Nepal is moving into a critical period. This makes it all the more important that the leaders of Nepal move very quickly to resolve the issues of integration and rehabilitation, power-sharing and the drafting of a new constitution,” he said.
He pointed out that it was important that 'things be in place when UNMIN leaves' so that the process would move forward smoothly.
He also said the UN would continue to support Nepal's development efforts, as well as the process towards political stability, even after the exit of the UN mission. "The UN, of course, is in no way abandoning Nepal just because UNMIN is leaving," he said.
The constant political squabbling among the party over the power sharing deal has marred the peace process. The integration of the PLA combatants is another big issue to be finalised. It is yet unknown about the fate of 900-strong PLA combatants currently monitored by the UNMIN after its term expires.