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UNSG recommends extension of UNMIN's term

The United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has recommended to the UN Security Council to extend the term of UNMIN by six months, Friday.

Secretary General Ban recommended the extension of UNMIN's term in response to the government's letter to the UN Security Council tabled by Nepal's permanent envoy to the UN Madhu Raman Acharya, earlier this month.

"Political leaders in Nepal have expressed the view that the presence of UNMIN is needed until the integration and rehabilitation of the Maoist army personnel is resolved," said Ban in his report made available to the media here on Saturday. "I therefore recommend that the Security Council extend the mandate for a further six months until 23 January 2010."

Ban has urged the Nepali government to take full advantage of the presence of UNMIN for the timely completion of the peace process.

In his report, Ban has also said, the UN and its partners are prepared to work closely and more intensively with the government in implementing a suitable programme that would effectively meet the needs of the disqualified PLA combatants.

Ban has also said, the progress in Nepal's peace process has stalled due to misunderstanding between Nepal's political stake holders.

The UN Security Council is expected to discuss and approve the report next week before UNMIN's term ends on July 23. nepalnews.com