Kathmandu, September 18:

Chief of the United Nations Mission in Nepal (UNMIN) Ian Martin met Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Bamdev Gautam today and discussed the peace process.

During the meeting, matters relating to the ways to give a meaningful conclusion to the ongoing peace process were discussed, the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister said.

On the occasion, Martin told Gautam that efforts were being made to operate the mission effectively by reducing its size.

Stating that it would be better to rehabilitate around 4000 PLA fighters, who did not fulfil the required criteria, as soon as possible, Martin said the UN was ready to help the government in this regard. In reply, Gautam said the government would carry out all necessary works required to take the peace process to a logical conclusion. Gautam also emphasised the need to make efforts at the grassroots to resolve problems of that level.

He also said the government was planning to appoint office-bearers to the local bodies and hoped that it would help establish peace, address the problems of the people.