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Shahid Malik provides new boost for peace in Nepal
19 September 2007
On the final day of his visit to Nepal,
UK International Development Minister Shahid Malik met the Prime Minister, Mr
Girija Prasad Koirala. At the meeting he stressed the continued UK support for
the interim Government and the peace process and renewed his call for the
involvement of all parties in the first democratic elections to the Constituent
Assembly in 50 years. Mr Malik also met with Dr Bhattarai, the deputy leader of
the Maoists in Nepal. The Minister announced that the UK will give a second
tranche of £4 million ($8 million) to the Nepal Peace Trust Fund, that includes
support for the elections.
DFID: Committed to making peace work
Mr Malik said:
“The people of Nepal have been waiting to decide their own constitution for more
than 50 years. It would be heartbreaking to get this close and to snatch it way
from them once again.
“When I met Prime Minister Koirala and Dr Bhattarai, I spoke to them about the
disappointment in Nepal, and across the world, at the news that the Maoists have
left the Government.
“Both of them told me that they are committed to making the peace process work,
and I am cautiously optimistic that over the coming days and weeks, this will be
possible.
“For all the political parties, November 22nd should not just be about winning
elections, but about winning the peace. Those I’ve met during my visit have said
how much their lives have changed for the better since fighting stopped.
“Peace and development go hand in hand. We urge the Government to move forward
with both. The UK as a significant development partner is committed to providing
support for both in the years ahead.”
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Building Nepal's future
The Minister’s visit continued with a trip to the Terai region yesterday. He
visited Dirga primary school for three to nine years olds in Biratnagar. He met
with the Principal Mr. Hari Sharma Biswas and saw how the school is addressing
the challenge of inclusion, with 90% of its children coming from poor "Dalit"
groups. He met with children learning to read and write, and saw the efforts to
deliver
Education
for All in action. He said:
“The future of Nepal doesn’t just belong to a elite minority but to all the
people. I hope the children that I met will one day help to shape their country
and I urge all parties to work for a better future for all Nepalis regardless of
their caste, ethnicity or gender.”
The Minister also visited a health clinic to see a Maternity Incentive scheme,
and to witness the impact of DFID support through increased funding, which has
helped deliver more medicines and better salaries to the health care staff..
Shahid Malik also attended a meeting of local political groups to hear the case
for the inclusion of everyone into the political process, including women’s
groups, indigenous people and other minorities traditionally left out of power.
Links
- Nepal country profile
- Shahid Malik visits Nepal - Read about the first day of the visit
- UK Minister urges Nepal to hold elections after 50 years of waiting - DFID press release (14 September 2007)
- Maternity Incentive scheme - Paying for babies saves lives (Case Study)
- UK £36.5 million boost for peace in Nepal - DFID press release (02 April 2007)
- Shahid Malik profile