DPM Shrestha calls for global welfare for humanity

THT ONLINE

KATHMANDU: Deputy Prime Minister Narayan Kaji Shrestha said Nepal’s commitment to democracy, human rights, rule of law and inclusive development is unflinching.

Addressing the 67th General Assembly of the United Nations in New York, DPM Shrestha stated the United Nations has played a laudable role in setting universal norms and values, maintaining peace and security, promoting human rights and fundamental freedoms for social and economic development.

He further said Nepal strongly believes that the UN is the only global body with unquestioned legitimacy to seek solutions to the world’s most pressing challenges. “As the UN holds centrality and indispensability for advocacy and promotion of the universal values of peace, justice, equality, freedom and human dignity, the principles and purposes of the Charter should guide us to address all issues confronting us today,” he stated.

Speaking on the occasion, Shrestha said Nepal supports a just and lasting solution to the Middle East. He stated that it is our principled position that we support the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people for self-determination and a fully independent and sovereign Palestinian state based on UN resolutions.

He calls for the end of violence and peaceful resolution of the Syrian crisis as determined by the Syrian people themselves. Sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence of Syria must be upheld.

Shrestha reiterated Nepal’s call for general and complete disarmament of nuclear and all other weapons of mass destruction in a time bound manner.

Expressing commitment to international peace and security, Shrestha said Nepal as a major troops contributing country has already provided over 92,000 professional and dedicated peacekeepers to the United Nations for various operations since its first participation in 1959.

Nepal has provided shelter to a large number of refugees on humanitarian grounds with the assistance of international community for the maintenance of refugees. Nepal reiterates that voluntary repatriation of refugees to their homeland with dignity and honor is the only durable.

The issue of sustainable development has come to the forefront of global discourse today. The Rio+20 Conference is based on it. Nepal views that the Non-Aligned Movement and the Group of 77 and China as important multilateral forums should play an active role in advancing the United Nations agenda in line with the Charter objectives of pursuing shared goals of peace, progress and prosperity.

Shrestha also stated that Nepal strongly believes in cooperation at the global, regional and sub-regional levels for creating synergy and coherence of collective efforts to ensure welfare of the entire humanity.

“The LDCs are suffering from dehumanizing, marginalisation and deprivation from basic necessities of life. The world must pay due attention in words as well as in deeds to the special and differential needs and requirements of the LDCs,” Shrestha stressed.

Shrestha called for timely and continued reforms in the UN to strengthen and revitalize this world body to respond to the increasing global challenges. “The General Assembly must be strengthened with power and authority for decision-making commensurate to its global representation,” Shrestha added.

On the occasion, DPM Shrestha also briefed about Nepal’s political situation and expressed his commitments to conclude the historical transition positively as early as possible, with the promulgation of new constitution from the Constituent Assembly and completion of the peace process in totality.