Honorable K. P. Sharma Oli, Deputy Prime Minister and the Minister for Foreign Affairs

NAFCA was pleased to have honorable guest in Davis, CA and welcomed Honorable K. P. Sharma Oli, Deputy Prime Minister and the Minister for Foreign Affairs on Saturday, September 30, 2006.

Deputy Prime Minister Oli was visiting the United States to discuss the current situation in Nepal at the United Nations meeting in New York . He spoke before the UN General Assembly on Monday, September 25. He noted that Nepal was undergoing a fundamental transformation following the restoration of democracy through the people's movement in April. Deputy Prime Minister Oli told the UN's General Assembly that the United Nations-shepherded peace process in Nepal can act as a model for other countries of how to resolve conflicts and it can also demonstrate the importance of democracy. DPM Oli said he was confident that the peace process, which is being guided by Ian Martin, the Secretary-General's Personal Representative in Nepal, will conclude successfully with the establishment of a fully-fledged democracy. He thanked the Secretary-General for his support of the peace process, including by providing assistance in monitoring human rights, the ceasefire, arms management, and the election. The country had pressing post-conflict reintegration, rehabilitation and reconstruction needs, which required increased international assistance. It was critically important that newly emerging democracies were safeguarded and protected, he said, noting Nepal 's strong support for the newly established United Nations Democracy Fund. "Successful resolution of our internal conflict will set a worthwhile example to the rest of the world that democracy is indispensable and brightens the prospect for resolution of all kinds of conflicts."

Deputy Prime Minister Oli said his country's commitment to human rights was total and unflinching, and it welcomed the establishment of the United Nations Human Rights Council. His Government had given top priority to the protection and promotion of human rights, working closely with human rights bodies, including the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights in Nepal , to create an environment in which full enjoyment of human rights by all was guaranteed. His Government was determined to bring to an end the culture of impunity, believing that no one was above the law, and that those who violated and abused human rights must be brought to justice.

Deputy Prime Minister Oli called attention to the numerous challenges confronting the United Nations, including international terrorism and transnational crime, narcotic drugs and human trafficking, regional conflicts and low-intensity wars, human rights abuses, and extreme poverty and hunger. DPM Oli said, "While we will have to prepare ourselves for addressing the daunting problems of poverty, illiteracy and disease, there are immediate challenges facing us at present to resolve the armed conflict, bring the Maoists back to the peaceful democratic political mainstream and restore peace." He also called upon the media to help spread this message so as to mobilize more international assistance for institutionalizing democracy and promoting peace and prosperity in Nepal .