Kathmandu, April 18:

Maoist leader CP Gajurel today said that the term of the United Mission in Nepal (UNMIN) will not be further extended.

“We thank the UNMIN for its support to Nepal’s peace process. And now, since the peace process has taken a solid shape, we will integrate the Nepal Army and the People’s Liberation Army to form a national army after making a new constitution. We don’t see any role of the UNMIN in our future process,” he said, while addressing an interaction at the Reporters’ Club.

“We had extended the UNMIN’s term for six months.

Now, there will be no extension,” he said.

The party would mend diplomatic relations with India and the US, he said, adding: “We will have healthy relations with all the countries worldwide, including India and the US. We are no more rebels and our relations with those countries will be that of one independent state with another independent state.”

In the past, the Maoists had bitter relations with India and the US because “they never recognised us as a political force and supported the then government by providing it with arms to be used against us.” “Relations change and improve along with improving political situation,” he added.

“Now, all the countries have agreed that the election was fair, we are sure to get continuous support of all countries with whom we have so far diplomatic relations,” he said.

Gajurel said India’s attitude towards Maoists had changed of late, but he was not hopeful that the US would lift the terrorist tag on Maoists soon. He said US seldom lifts the tag they have slapped.

He reiterated the long-standing Maoist demand that “all lopsided treaties and agreements” between Nepal and India be revised.

“We have talked with Indian government officials on revising the 1950 treaty on peace and friendship,” he said.

At the same time, he said that even after securing a majority through the election, the party is facing lots of hurdles in the peace process.

“We see hurdles, challenges and dangers in front of us. We have to be patient, serious, tolerant and disciplined to take each step forward. We know everything and we would not have secured this position if we had no idea of the surrounding situations,” he said.

Former diplomats Rajeshwar Acharya, Dr Sambhuram Simkhada, Yadavkanta Silwal and Shyamananda Suman as well as politicians Dr Minendra Rijal and Bhim Rawal said that Nepal’s foreign policy should be revamped and made more democratic.