Nepal Monitor: The National Online Journal

The world community and the National Human Rights Commission call for restrain, dialogue and consenus in Nepal. The following are some reactions:

T

EU heads of mission statement on the political situation in Nepal
Embassy of Finland to Nepal (The local Presidency of the European Union in Kathmandu)

KATHMANDU, May 4, 2009-- European Union Heads of Mission (Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, United Kingdom and European Commission)and the representative of The Netherlands in Kathmandu express their serious concern over the current political developments in Nepal and over the damaging consequences for the peace process.

We call on all political parties to act responsibly and in accordance with democratic principles. There can be no place for violence. It is important that the present political challenges are resolved through dialogue and by peaceful constitutional means. We urge all political parties to find common ground for peace and stability in the national interests of Nepal.

This statement is also supported by the Embassy of the United States of America.

Weblink here.

Resolution through dialogue and Consensus
KATHMANDU, May 4, 2009-- NHRC Nepal expresses its grave concern over the critical situation in the country. This adverse situation may seriously affect the Comprehensive Peace Agreement, Interim Constitution of Nepal, 2007 and institutionalizing the efforts of the Loktantrik Movement 2006. This situation may affect long on the daily livelihood of people, human rights, and peace and security. In this situation, Constitution and Laws have to be analyzed for the wellbeing of national interest, rather than favouring any particular group.

Therefore, NHRC Nepal urges all the concerned parties to resolve the present crisis by dialogue and mutual agreement for fully implementing Comprehensive Peace Agreement, making constitution as per the schedule, and respecting and protecting the human rights of all Nepali people.

NHRC Website: http://www.nhrcnepal.org/

Statement Attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General on Nepal
New York, 4 May 2009 – The Secretary-General has learned of the resignation of the Prime Minister of Nepal, Pushpa Kamal Dahal ('Prachanda'). While he is saddened by developments leading to this resignation, he is encouraged by the Maoist party's assurances of its commitment to the peace process, including continued participation in the drafting of the constitution.

The Secretary-General reiterates his call for restraint and political consensus. He appeals to all concerned to strictly adhere to the Comprehensive Peace Agreement and related accords, especially the Agreement on Monitoring of the Management of Arms and Armies (AMMAA), which stipulates clear and specific restrictions on the Nepal Army and the Maoist army.

Website: http://www.un.org/apps/sg/sgstats.asp?nid=3827

Statement attributable to the Spokesperson of the Secretary-General
New York, 3 May 2009-- The Secretary-General is seriously concerned about the current political crisis in Nepal centred on the relationship between the Government and the Chief of Army Staff, and the possible risks posed to the peace process.

The Secretary-General calls on all concerned to resolve the crisis through dialogue and consensus, with full respect for the provisions of the constitution.

Website: http://www.unmin.org.np/downloads/pressreleases/2009-05-04-UN.Press.Statement.ENG.pdf

Statement by Indian External Affairs Minister on Nepal
New Delhi May 4, 2009-- What is happening in Nepal is internal to Nepal. We wish Nepal well in its transition to a fully democratic polity and would hope that the present crisis is resolved in a manner which contributes to the early conclusion of the peace process.

We would hope that the broadest possible political consensus would make it possible for Nepal to concentrate on the agreed tasks of Constitution making and of democratic transition.

http://meaindia.nic.in/speech/2009/05/04ss01.htm

Political Situation in Nepal
French Embassy, Kathmandu, May 4, 2009 (Unofficial translation, via webtool)-- Following the recent events in Nepal, particularly the May 3 return of the head of the army by the Maoist government majority, the risk of serious disturbances are expected throughout the country and especially in the Kathmandu Valley. The refusal of the army chief, General Katuwal, to obey the government's decision as it deems unconstitutional and contrary to the peace agreements of 2006, is likely to cause a violent reaction of all or part of the army in order to defeat the government. Already, several events and demonstrations against-the voices of parties hostile to the dismissal of the head of the army, or to supporters of Maoists have created major disruptions in Kathmandu and a quasi-paralysis transport. The situation could experience a significant deterioration in the coming hours whether political parties and the army can not find a consensus. In these conditions, the site of travel tips from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs recommends no travel to Nepal until further notice, except reasons.

As in the past, foreigners, residents or tourists, are not specifically covered by anyone. However, the number and violence of the protests and bandhs (general strikes with blocking traffic) are likely to worsen. In these circumstances, the risk of this in the wrong place at the wrong time is higher. The French embassy strongly recommends:

To limit travel by car and inform you of the situation before leaving. (One possibility is to use the service "Jam": Send SMS message "JAM" at 4321 and get the list of hot spots of time, attention, this is an NGO and therefore this information is given without any guarantee).

Avoid all movement of crowds.

You away from the rallies, even if it means abandoning your vehicle.

Regularly consult the website of the French Embassy in Kathmandu.

To read the "Security Booklet" online at the site of the embassy and follow the recommendations.

Website: http://www.ambafrance-np.org/article.php3?id_article=1027

####