KATHMANDU: The government, UNICEF and the UCPN-Maoist today signed an action

plan for the immediate release of the People’s Liberation Army combatants, who were verified as minors by the UNMIN in December 2007.

According to the action plan, the process of discharging the minors will begin December 27 and will be completed within 40 days. In the second phase, the verification, monitoring and registration of the minors will take place. UN will form a monitoring body for the purpose. At the final stage, the minors will be asked to choose a relief package, prior to their rehabilitation.

The packages cover a number of areas, including support for further education, training and support to establish micro and small enterprises, vocational training and training for employment in health sectors. The disqualified individuals will receive a monthly cash stipend to cover their cost during the training period.

At a signing ceremony, UCPN-Maoist chairperson Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda said it was an encouraging and inspiring step towards the peace process. “It has also set an example to end the current political impasse,” he

said adding that political parties need to sacrifice for the sake of peace and

new constitution.

“The Government of Nepal, the United Nations and our partners are prepared to ensure that these disqualified benefit from rehabilitation packages, including education and skills training to create a brighter future,” stated Gillian Mellsop, UNICEF Representative.

“This is a historic step in Nepal’s peace process. We hope that it will encourage other steps to unblock the current political stalemate,” said UNMIN chief Karin Landgren. Radhika Coomaraswamy, the special Representative of the Secretary-General for the Children and Armed

Conflict, said, “The minors, who have spent the

last three years in the Maoist army cantonments with their lives on hold,

will finally be able to take step towards a more positive future.”

A UN team will monitor the plan to ensure that the disqualified are facilitated to return to a civilian environment and that they are not recruited by violent or criminal groups.