Kathmandu, November 29:

Special Representative of the UN Secretary General in Nepal, Ian Martin, today said maintaining the unity of the Seven-Party Alliance (SPA) remains fundamental to the success of the peace process.

“The challenges currently Nepal’s political leadership is facing are serious but not insurmountable, and with continued commitment to the peace process these challenges can be worked through dialogue among the SPA, other political parties and civil society, including traditionally marginalised groups,” Martin said while addressing at the National Consultation of Women Human Rights Defenders here today. “This dialogue must include women, within and beyond the political parties,” he added.

Martin said that consensus is growing to reviewing the peace process and implementing agreements, taking stock of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement and

other agreements reached, including the implementation of commitments made to Janajati, Madhesi and other groups.

“This should include an assessment of the implementation of the Parliamentary declaration guaranteeing 33 per cent of all political and civil service appointments to women,” he said adding, “By completing a frank assessment of the experience of the past year, the parties

need to develop a new sense of common vision for the peace process, and a realistic and effective road-map of actions are required for the success of Constituent Assembly election.”

Saying that women have a major role in the peace process, Martin said the role includes women’s active political participation as well the pursuit of gender equality, both of which are critical to building a sustainable peace process.