Kathmandu, September 26:

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs, KP Oli, today sought international support and assistance for the post-conflict reintegration in Nepal.

“We have pressing post-conflict reintegration, rehabilitation and reconstruction needs. Meeting these challenges necessitates an enhanced level of international support and assistance,” Oli told the 61st session of the UN General Assembly in New York.

He apprised the international community of developments in Nepal and thanked it for its support in restoring democracy in the country.

“We are hoping even greater support and solidarity in our transition towards full-fledged democracy and lasting peace,” Oli said.

He also thanked the UN Secretary General, Kofi Annan, for his assistance to the peace process, including in the monitoring of human rights, assistance in ceasefire monitoring, arms management and observation of elections to a Constituent assembly at Nepal’s request.

“Successful resolution of our internal conflict will set a good example to the rest of the world that democracy is indispensable and brightens the prospect for resolution of all kinds of conflicts,” he said.

He also said that peace, security, stability, democracy and development constitute global public goods. “It is critically important that newly-emerged democracies are safeguarded and protected, allowing them to develop further and flourish,” he added.

He said that Nepal will continue to take part in the UN’s peace keeping missions. He also apprised the General Assembly of the problems of Bhutanese refugees.

“The issue cannot be resolved in the absence of a genuine willingness to resolve the problem on the part of the government of Bhutan. The international community must assert positive influence to break the impasse,” the foreign minister said.