UN welcomes integration of Maoist combatants into national army

United Nations said in a press statement on Monday that it welcomed the successful completion of the integration of the former Maoist Army Combatants into the Nepal Army (NA). Issuing the press statement, the Resident Coordinator of the United Nations in Nepal Jamie McGoldrick congratulated the Nepali people, all political parties, the government and NA for this step, which marks the end of a historic phase of the peace process. "It marks a milestone in the Nepali peace process that began with the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement in the presence of the UN in November 2006," he said. McGoldrick urged all actors to strengthen the conducive environment for the election and to increase the momentum to implement the outstanding commitments of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement, including constitution drafting and setting up of transitional justice mechanisms. "I reaffirm the continued commitment of the United Nations to cooperate closely with Nepal in support of progress in the peace process," McGoldrick said. The integration process of former Maoist combatants ended on Monday with the induction of 70 Maoist commanders into NA as the Lieutenants. Earlier, 1352 former combatants had already entered the junior ranks of the national army in July after completing the basic courses. The total number of ex-Maoist combatants joining NA through political decision has reached 1462.