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VOL. 27, NO. 40, June 20 , 2008 (Ashadh 06 2065 B.S.)
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Making Peace
The Nepali Army (NA) marks the golden jubilee celebration of its participation at the UN Peacekeeping missions all over the world
By SANJAYA DHAKAL
In the last fifty years of NA's participation in the United Nations Peacekeeping missions, it has lost 58 soldiers.
"Our participation in the UN Peacekeeping operation spans a period of 50 years covering 40 UN Missions. The security forces have contributed outstanding Force Commanders, elite military contingents, impartial military observers, CIVPOLS, paramilitary forces and dedicated staff officers," said General Rookmangud Katawal, chief of army staff, NA, at a function held to mark the golden jubilee at Panchkhal in Kavre district.
Currently, of the total 120 countries providing around 110,000 uniformed and civilian peacekeepers deployed in 20 UN missions around the globe, the largest contributors remain Pakistan, Bangladesh, India and Nepal, which together provide more than 45 percent of the blue berets. The NA is the fifth largest contributor.
In a statement issued on the occasion of 50th anniversary of the UN's peace keeping mission, Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala said that Nepal remains fully committed to continue to work with the United Nations and contribute in whatever way it can to the cause of intentional peace and security in the days ahead in spite of the highly challenging and increasingly complex nature of peacekeeping operations these days. He said this is the reflection of clear commitment to Nepal's foreign policy objectives.
"It gives me immense pleasure to recall that 50 years ago today Nepal for the first time took part in the United Nations peacekeeping mission as the UN Observer Group in Lebanon," he added.
Likewise, UN Secretary-General Ban ki-Moon in his message has praised Nepal for its contribution in missions. In the last half a century, Nepal has contributed over 60,000 peacekeepers in some 40 peacekeeping missions under UN. "Over these six decades, more than two thousand and four men and women have died serving the cause of peace—including more than 60 from Nepal. Each one is a hero. Today, we recommit ourselves to ensuring that their sacrifices are never forgotten, and the vital work of the blue helmets continues as long as they are needed," Ban said.
He further said, "On this anniversary, I am honored to send my congratulations and thanks to the government and people of Nepal, and above all, to every Nepalese peacekeeper, past and present. May your shining example lead the way for Nepal's continued leadership and participation in peacekeeping around the world."
Defender Of Democracy
Addressing the golden jubilee function General Katawal has said that the NA will remain the key promoter and defender of the democracy and could be the only centripetal force for Nepal.
"That is why we strongly believe that in the name of democratization the army's purity, sanctity and integrity should never be compromised," he said. His remarks have come at a time when three major parties are divided on the issue of integration of Maoist combatants into the Nepali Army.
"We have always obeyed the orders of the legitimate government mandated by the people, but the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the nation should never be compromised," he said.
Referring to misgivings raised in some quarters about the lack of inclusiveness in the NA, the chief said, "The army has always been an inclusive institution. Any Nepalese citizen that sits in an open competition and qualifies in the minimum standard stipulated is considered a probable candidate to join the army. NA takes pride in stating that it always belonged to the Nepalese people and will continue to serve the interests of the people. It will stand as bedrock upon which the nascent democracy can take roots and flourish in the days ahead."
He also said that the NA is committed to being the defender of human rights. "Hence, we have adopted a zero tolerance policy," he said adding that since the army has taken many measures to institutionalize human rights, "there has not been a single incident of human rights abuse by the NA after the commencement of the peace process."
