UNMIN denies charges of exceeding mandate by sharing document on integration

United Missions in Nepal (UNMIN) has denied charges of exceeding its mandate, seeking to prolong it and favouring one party by sharing an unofficial document on army integration and rehabilitation.

 

In an article published on the Kantipur and The Kathmandu Post dailies Wednesday, UNMIN chief Karin Landgren has said, the the paper has no official status or attribution and that it was intended to float thoughts as a contribution to the discussion.

 

"The document is not a "blue-print", a "calendar", a "work plan", a "road map" or "UNMIN proposal," Landgren has written in the article. "It is drawn on Nepali experience and expertise, and is heavily hedged with cautious assumptions: a "best guess"", as it says."

 

Langren has claimed the document was prepared in consultation with senior political leaders and technical experts and basically dwelt on: technically, how long would it take the parties to implement the parties' own proposals for the integration and rehabilitation of Maoist army personnel?

 

This is the first time UNMIN has spoken about its paper with a 60 weeks roadmap for army integration and rehabilitation.

 

Meanwhile, UNMIN chief Landgren met Nepali Congress (NC) acting president Sushil Koirala at the latter's residence in Maharajgunj Wednesday morning.

 

At the meeting, Koirala expressed dissatisfaction over the UNMIN's 60 week army integration 'roadmap'. Landren reiterated the document was only a suggestion and not a proposal.

 

Koirala and Landgren also discussed other issues related to constitution drafting and peace process. Landgren expressed concern over the delay in formation of a new government.