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VOL. 27, NO. 7, September 28, 2007 (Ashwin 11 2064 B.S.)
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“I Am Cautiously Optimistic”
Shahid Mallik
UK Minister for International Development SHAHID MALLIK recently visited Nepal. Mallik, who also went to Biratnagar, met with various political leaders and other stakeholders during his three day visit to Nepal. The day when Mallik arrived in Nepal, Maoist pulled out from the government and the country headed towards uncertain course. Before leaving Nepal, British minister addressed a press conference. Excerpts of his press meet:
On Elections for Constituent Assembly
All parties in Nepal should participate in the Constituent Assembly elections in November because credible elections offer the best hope of maintaining peace and development. The people of Nepal have been waiting to decide their own constitution for more than 50 years. It would be heartbreaking to get this close and to snatch it way from them once again. If election is not held, people will loose their confidence in the peace process. Our wishes are with them.
Commitment for Peace Process
I met prime minister Girija Prasad Koirala and Maoist Leader Dr. Baburam Bhattarai and spoke to them about the disappointment in Nepal and across the world at the news that the Maoists have left the government. Both of them told me that they are committed to making the peace process work and hold the elections for Constituent Assembly. I am cautiously optimistic that over the coming days or week, there will be a breakthrough.
Urging to Participate
I strongly urge all political parties to participate in the elections. All the stakeholders must come together including Janjatis, marginalized groups, Madhesis and Dalit. After my visit to Kathmandu and Biratnagar and meeting with people of various walks of life, I got impression that people want to vote in November elections because they want peace, security and prosperity.
On Visit to Biratnagar
I met teachers, nurses, students and people from various walks of life and representatives of political parties. They are very much enthusiastic to see the elections for Constituent Assembly.
On Maoist Decision
It is very disappointing decision of Maoists to pull out from the government. However, I am equally encouraged by Dr. Bhattarai who gave firm commitment to the peace process and elections. Dr. Bhattarai told me that he is meeting with prime minister and a close negotiation is taking place. If Maoists finds win-win situation, they will take part in the elections. Earlier, when my colleague came here Maoists had joined the government, and when I was here this time, the Maoists quit the government.
On People's Expectations
Expectations of the people are very high. The elections should be free, fair and representative of diversity of this country. We have confidence in people and peace process. Our policy is to help peace process move forward. We committed to the friendship and prosperity of Nepal. Britain will give a second tranche of $ 8 million to the Nepal Peace Trust Fund, including support for the elections. This is a part of the overall $26 million for the Peace and Trust Fund announced earlier this year. Our policy is to help peace process move forward. We committed to the friendship and the prosperity of Nepal.
On Development
People and development must go together and DFID is committed for that. DFID's budget in Nepal for 2006/07 totaled $74 million and will rise to $86 million in 2007/08 an additional $6.4 million in debt relief was provided in April this year, followed by $2 million in August. November 22nd should not just be about winning elections but about winning the peace. Those who I met during my visit have said how much their lives have changed for the better since fighting stopped. Peace and development go hand in hand. We urge the Government to move forward with both. The UK as a significant development partner is committed to provide support in the years ahead. Our priority is with the political process as well as development. One cannot neglect development. We are urging political parties to focus on development process. Political process and development are mutually reinforcing and they can go together.
On Peaceful and Stable Nepal
United Kingdom wants to see peaceful and stable Nepal as Nepal is one of the most beautiful countries of the world. There is an immense possibility for tourism promotion. Working in Northern Ireland and Palestine Peace process, I find that peace is always fragile. The future of Nepal doesn't just belong to an elite minority but to all the people of Nepal.
UK's Commitment
United Kingdom has been a very close friend of Nepal for the last two hundred years. UK remains with Nepal in good times and bad times. We will continue to support the peace process and to hold the elections for Constituent Assembly.
